Journalist, author, women’s health and wellness advocate and breast cancer survivor, Joan Lunden, was the featured speaker its 25^th Anniversary Celebration of Life luncheon held on July 26, 2019 at the Vail Marriott Resort and Spa.

For nearly two decades, Lunden greeted viewers each morning on Good Morning America. As the longest running female host ever on early morning television, she reported from 26 countries, covered five presidents, five Olympics and kept Americans up to date on everything from what was going on in the world to how to care for their health and families. Lunden continues to be one of America’s most recognized and trusted personalities. She is a special correspondent on the Today Show, host of the CBS series Your Health and has graced the covers of more than 60 magazines and book covers.

“This, our 25^th anniversary, was special year for us,” said Brenda Himelfarb, president and co-founder of the VBCAG. And, over the years, Joan’s work as a broadcaster and author as well as her involvement with non-profits, has been an inspiration. “

In 2014, Lunden was diagnosed with triple negative breast cancer which required chemotherapy, surgery and radiation. An eternal optimist, she wanted to turn her diagnosis into an opportunity to help others. She blogged throughout her cancer treatment and wrote a memoir, Had I Known, which documents her battle and reflects on her life and career and will be available at the luncheon.

Lunden’s speech was inspirational and direct. She reminded her female audience to get thosemammograms. If you are diagnosed and you have questions or concerns, get a second opinion. She was insistent. She was direct. She was inspiring.

This year, the VBCAG was a sponsor of Hike, Wine & Dine, which benefits Jack’s Place, a cancer caring house, part of Vail Health.

Our support of Eagle County residents who have been diagnosed with breast cancer continues this year with the 2018 donation of our new program, “Meals to Heal,” two weeks of dinners – created by Chef Weston Schroeder – to those beginning chemotherapy. We felt it would be a wonderful addition to our other significant gifts of a “Day to Play” as well as a “Shine On Bag” to those who have been diagnosed at the Shaw Regional Cancer Center.

The Vail Breast Cancer Awareness Group’s motto is “Live each day. Love each day.” And, through our efforts we hope that, in some way, we are making life easier for many.