Virginia Breast Cancer Foundation Aces for Awareness Luncheon

The Virginia Breast Cancer Foundation presented Dr. Ellen Paredes as its keynote speaker for VBCF’s Aces for Awareness Luncheon on May 6, 2011. This creative and fun event included a morning of tennis at three clubs in the Richmond area followed by a silent auction, luncheon, and Dr. Paredes’ address.

The luncheon took place at the Hilton Hotel and Spa in Short Pump and benefited the Virginia Breast Cancer Foundation, a statewide nonprofit organization dedicated to eradicating breast cancer through education and advocacy. The VBCF is focused on providing accurate information about breast cancer screening, diagnosis, treatment, research, legislation, and survivorship. This year’s luncheon was part of the VBCF’s 20^th anniversary celebration.

Dr. Paredes spoke about emerging technologies in the early detection of breast cancer to the 140 guests in attendance.

“It was a pleasure to speak to such an informed group,” said Dr. Paredes. “The VBCF is an important partner with the Paredes Breast Cancer Foundation in advocating for the early detection of breast cancer. I was honored to be asked to speak at their event by Lynn Holly.”

For more information about the Virginia Breast Cancer Foundation, please see their website www.vbcf.org.

Dr. Paredes visits James River Lions Club

As part of the Foundation’s Community Outreach Program, Dr. Ellen Shaw de Paredes was invited by Dr. and Mrs. Herman Bosch to be the guest speaker at the James River Lions Club Meeting at the Capital Ale House on November 9, 2010. The event was well attended, with at least fifty members and their spouses present. The presentation entitled “Advances in Breast Imaging: Detection of Early Breast Cancer “was followed by a very lively question and answer period. Dr. Paredes addressed the Free Screening Program and surprised the crowd by letting them know that for each Foundation tie or scarf purchased, an underserved woman would receive a free screening. The true highlight of the event, however, was the presentation to Dr. Paredes by Mrs. Bosch of a check from the James River Lions Club in the amount of $2,000.00 for the Foundation and its programs. The Ellen Shaw de Paredes Breast Cancer Foundation wishes to extend our heartfelt thanks to the James River Lions Club members for their kindness, compassion and generosity to the Foundation and to the underserved.

Coins for Cancer at Colonial Heights High School

A group of students from Colonial Heights High School organized an event entitled “Coins for Cancer” to honor their teacher, Lesly McBride, and to benefit the Paredes Breast Cancer Foundation.  Mrs. McBride was diagnosed in April 2009 with breast cancer, and this effort by her marketing students took place during October’s Breast Cancer Awareness month.  On October 28, 2009 students, teachers and others participated in a “Pink Out” to highlight breast cancer awareness.  The “Coins for Cancer” fundraiser netted about $1,700 for the Foundation.  The 20-year veteran teacher was completely surprised by her students.  “They really rallied around me,” said Mrs. McBride.  “It really humbled me.”