In New York, the Society of MSK Hosted its First-Ever Fall Lunch in Partnership with Prada

In collaboration with Prada, the Society of Memorial Sloan Kettering hosted its first-ever Fall Lunch, brightening attendees’ gloomy Monday afternoon. Underneath the crystal embellished ceiling of the swanky Mandarin Oriental’s thirty-sixth floor, more than 300 of The Society of MSK’s most high-profile supporters joined for a seated lunch, which was transformed by event designer Ron Wendt. The afternoon affair brought together ABC News Senior National Affairs Correspondent Deborah Roberts and gynecologic cancer surgeon Dr. Carol L. Brown to cover topics of equity, awareness, and debunking outdated health myths. Dr. Carol L. Brown also serves as MSK’s Senior Vice President and Chief Health Equity Officer. 

“It’s hard to find somebody who is not touched by cancer of some sort, particularly when we talk about our women’s friends who may not always find that early detection, which we know is key,” said Deborah Roberts. 

On stage, the conversation drew on Dr. Brown’s clinical expertise and addressed critical issues concerning women’s cancers and health equity. The elegant déjeuner featured a delicious vegan menu, with a miniature baked Alaska and white chocolate autumnal leaf garnish for dessert. 

“Women of color in the United States have about a 25% lower chance of living five years from endometrial or uterine cancer than other demographic groups of women. This difference has persisted over the last three decades. Lower access to screening is only part of the reasoning. Often, women of color don’t have access to the type of incredible advances in treatment, and the doctors taking care of them don’t understand that this epidemic is disproportionately affecting these women,” said Dr. Brown. 

Proceeds from the Society of MSK’s Fall Lunch raised critical funds to support The MSK Cancer Health Equity Research and Care Initiative, which seeks to bring equity to all people affected by cancer by addressing healthcare disparities that affect underserved communities. Generously sponsored by Prada, who supported Memorial Sloan Kettering throughout the pandemic, the event was co-chaired by Maria von Bothmer, Courtney Corleto, Mimi Ritzen Crawford, Carolina de Neufville, Erin O’Connor, and Starrett Ringbom. 

“The good news is there have been so many advances in ovarian cancer that we no longer call it the silent killer. Now women with ovarian cancer, even women diagnosed with very advanced disease, live for many years. It’s become, instead of a silent killer, a chronic disease. This is thanks to the incredible research and innovation that's been funded by groups like the Society of MSK,” said Dr. Carol Brown.