(Black PR Wire) WASHINGTON, D.C. -- Howard University Cancer Center’s annual Rosemary Williams Breast Cancer Brunch exceeded its $100,000 fundraising goal, furthering the center’s mission to eliminate breast cancer disparities for minority women.

The Oct. 15 brunch honored the late Rosemary Williams who was a tireless advocate for equal access to quality health care for underserved women. To honor Williams’ legacy, proceeds raised through the brunch support the center’s critical breast cancer disparity programs which include screening and other patient-centered services.

Howard University, Howard University Hospital, and the Cancer Center have for decades spearheaded programs to help meet the needs of women lacking access to care in the metro region. Major event sponsors included: The Dana Foundation, Amgen, Inc., the Charmettes, Inc., and the Georgiana Thomas Grand Chapter Order of the Eastern Star.

More than 300 guests attended the Rosemary Williams Breast Cancer Brunch. Andrea Roane, WUSA 9 News Now Anchor and medical reporter served as honorary chair and MC for the event. Fundraising activities were boosted this year through the work of a committed team of women who served as honorary co-chairs and as co-chairs for the event (pictured).

“We were very excited that this group of dynamic and dedicated women embraced the mission of the Cancer Center and used their time and talents to help us not just achieve, but exceed our fundraising goal,” said Dr. Carla Williams, interim director of the Howard University Cancer Center.

At the brunch, HUH radiologist Dr. Estelle Cooke-Sampson, who served as one of the event co-chairs, donated a 10-day stay at a vacation home in Hawaii for the silent auction. HUH Chief Nursing Officer Dr. Shirley Evers-Manly spearheaded the silent auction and generously donated several original art pieces, jewelry and other items. Ricardo Mavin, son of Howard University Hospital Director of Nursing Sandra Mavin, created an original art piece for the event. The final total of brunch proeeds is still being calculated.

Brunch proceeds support vital services to women in the region, including the Rosemary Williams Mammoday Breast Cancer Screening Program. The program provides free and low cost breast cancer screening, diagnostic services, and patient navigation for uninsured women. For 14 years, Mammoday has been a consistent community resource for women who face a variety of barriers to accessing health care. To sign up or learn more about screening, call (202) 865-4655. 

Potential sponsors interested in supporting next year’s brunch can call or email Cherie Spencer (202) 865-5399 or c_spencer@howard.edu

Proceeds also support the Cancer Center’s Transdisciplinary Breast Clinic which provides a patient-centered approach to breast cancer care. Women receive same day, coordinated care from an elite team of cancer specialists. This approach reduces patient burdens and enhances the overall quality of care. In addition, proceeds support the Equal Access to Genetic Testing Fund which assists patients for whom genetic testing is indicated and recommended but not covered by insurance, and/or for patients who are uninsured.

About the Howard University Cancer Center

The Howard University Cancer Center has had a long history of serving minorities and underserved populations and addressing disparities. Thus, the mission of HUCC is to reduce the burden of cancer through research, education, and service, with emphasis on the unique ethnic and cultural aspects of minority and underserved populations. The Cancer Center has provided specialized, culturally competent breast cancer screening and treatment for over 45 years. For more information about the Howard University Cancer Center, visit Facebook.

About Howard University Hospital

Over the course of its roughly 155-year history of providing the finest primary, secondary and tertiary healthcare services, Howard University Hospital (HUH) remains one of the most comprehensive healthcare facilities in the Washington  metropolitan area. It is designated a DC Level 1 Trauma Center. The hospital is the nation's only teaching hospital located on the campus of a historically Black university.

About Howard University 

Founded in 1867, Howard University is a private research university that is comprised of 13 schools and colleges. Students pursue studies in more than 120 areas leading to undergraduate, graduate and professional degrees. The University operates with a commitment to Excellence in Truth and Service and has produced four Rhodes Scholars, nine Truman Scholars, two Marshall Scholars, one Schwarzman Scholar, over 60 Fulbright Scholars and 22 Pickering Fellows. Howard also produces more on-campus African-American Ph.D. recipients than any other university in the United States. For more information on Howard University, call 202-238-2330, or visit www.howard.edu.