Hearing the Ovarian Cancer Whisper raised much needed funds at the Beach Club in Palm Beach. Monies support basic or translational research in ovarian cancer through the Jacquie Liggett Research Fellowship. The event also funds the Dr. Robert C. Knapp Medical Student Award where medical students interested in gynecologic oncology can work with gynecologic oncologists during medical school.
Chairwomen Andrea Stark, Eddy Taylor, Judy Snyder, and Roberta Kozloff were honored to host H.O.W.’s 23rd annual Luncheon on Monday, January 27, 2025. Isaac Mizrahi, American Fashion Designer was joined by special guest Adrien Arpel, a best-selling beauty author, successful pioneer in the skincare and cosmetic industry, and a long-time supporter of H.O.W. Frances Fisher, Betsy K. Matthews, and Christine Schott served as Honorary Chairwomen.
Andrea Stark, chair highlighted the significance of the event, thanked the contributing sponsors, board members and emphasized the fight against ovarian cancer, with over 22,000 women diagnosed annually in the U.S. Several audience members were celebrated as they were ovarian cancer survivors supported by H.O.W.
Several ovarian cancer survivors stories were shared including Samantha Amaral, a 55-year-old woman, who was diagnosed with stage 4 ovarian cancer, received chemotherapy which created more illness and exhaustion, making it impossible for her to work. H.O.W. assisted her with emotional and financial support.
“On March 11 of last year, I went to see my primary care doctor since I had been experiencing what I thought was a digestive problem. A week later, I received stunning news… I had cancer. In another week, I received greater clarity about my condition. I had stage 4 ovarian cancer.”
Jennifer McGrath, H.O.W.’s executive director, was recognized for her personal connection and leadership to H.O.W.. Andrea concludes by urging attendees to continue supporting H.O.W. and celebrates the strength and resilience of those impacted by ovarian cancer.
Long time Palm Beacher and friend of Andrea Starks, Adrien Arpel has been a long time supporter of H.O.W. Stark shaed a video produced by HSN where Arpel had a long running skincare show. It highlighted Adrien’s 30th anniversary in the beauty industry before a Q&A began with beauty industry icon Arpel. Topics included the importance of attitude, the role of beauty products versus plastic surgery cosmeceuticals, makeup tips, and advice for women on staying relevant in the beauty industry. Arpel is also a New York Times bestselling author and has received honors from the Royal Family in Monaco and recognition from IBM.
A Tiffany Watch was the highlight of the prize drawing.
Dancho, a Dr. Robert C. Knapp Medical Student award recipient from Hearing the Ovarian Cancer Whisper (H.O.W.) provided the final speech at the luncheon. The scholarship allowed him to create a month-long independent study in Gynecologic Oncology which the University of Florida did not provide. During this time, he worked with Dr. David Iglesias, gaining invaluable clinical and research experience.
Dancho highlighted his personal growth, both in medical skills and confidence, which led to successful rotations at Stanford University and residency interviews. He also contributed to research on the impact of COVID-19 on gynecologic cancer diagnoses, presenting at conferences and working toward publication. Beyond receiving invaluable medical expertise, Dancho also praised Dr. Iglesias for his mentorship, which helped shape his career path in Gynecologic Oncology.
Major benefactors of the luncheon were Betsy K. Matthews and Eddy Taylor. The corporate sponsor is Inlet Private Wealth.
Isaac Mizrahi:
Isaac has worked extensively in the entertainment industry as an actor, host, writer, designer, and producer for over 30 years. He is the subject and co-creator of Unzipped, a documentary following the making of his Fall 1994 collection which received an award at the Sundance Film Festival. He hosted his own television talk show The Isaac Mizrahi Show for seven years, has written two books, and has made countless appearances in movies and on television. He was also a judge on Project Runway: All-Stars.
Adrian Arpel:
A beauty industry innovator, Adrian’s company became an international cosmetics empire, with her products and services selling in hundreds of prestigious stores, including Saks Fifth Avenue, Bloomingdale’s and Neiman Marcus in the United States, and Harrod’s of London. She has published three international best-selling beauty books, including How to Look 10 Years Younger, that have won her millions of fans with their practical, realistic ideas. She has been featured in major magazines (including Cosmopolitan, Harper’s Bazaar, Vogue and People) and has frequently appeared on national television shows, where she has dispensed cosmetic advice brightened with a sense of humor and her infectious personality. She is so well-known that her name has been featured as a crossword puzzle clue in the L.A. Times, New York Times and New York Magazine.
H.O.W. (Hearing the Ovarian Cancer Whisper) raises money to support basic or translational research in ovarian cancer through the Jacquie Liggett Research Fellowship. Women with ovarian cancer experiencing financial need are helped through the Jacquie Liggett Angel Fund. H.O.W. is dedicated to promoting awareness and recent advances in ovarian cancer by presenting educational programs to women primarily in our area. H.O.W. also supports medical students interested in gynecologic oncology by working with gynecologic oncologists during their elective time in medical school through the Dr. Robert C. Knapp Medical Student Award. H.O.W. also funds the screening of underserved and/or uninsured women for genetic mutations that increase the risk of ovarian cancer.
