Geralyn Lucas, a breast cancer survivor, advocate, and the author of “Why I Wore Lipstick to My Mastectomy,” will be honored at The Ellen Hermanson Foundation’s Annual Summer Gala on Friday, July 24, at the Bridgehampton Tennis & Surf Club, in recognition of her leadership and commitment to breast cancer awareness, education, and early detection.
The Ellen Hermanson Foundation hosts its annual Gala to raise funds to support its programs and services, helping women on the East End access breast health care screenings, breast cancer treatment, and support.
We spoke to Geralyn to learn more.
What does being honored by the Ellen Hermanson Foundation mean to you?
It is really the honor of a lifetime. This organization is actually life-saving! It has been fascinating to learn about all the grants they distribute and the pressing needs in this community.
When you reflect on your advocacy journey, what moments feel most meaningful today?
That is a great question! I remember how much it meant to me to speak with survivors when I was first diagnosed. When I get a call from a newly diagnosed woman, especially someone very young, it means so much to be able to be that light now for someone who is so scared. I also love volunteering at a clinic now where I am there right when women are diagnosed. Being able to reassure someone in that moment of extreme uncertainty is very powerful.
You’ve spoken openly and honestly about survivorship throughout your career. Why was sharing your story so important to you?
I had no idea that I could get breast cancer because my mom and grandmothers never had it. I also thought I had to be in my 40s or 50s. When I was diagnosed, I was reporting on medical stories at ABC News, and married to a doctor. I thought if I didn’t know the facts, many other women probably didn’t either. For instance, most women diagnosed do not have a family history of the disease. Also, diagnoses among younger women are increasing. I wanted to alert others because public awareness about screening guidelines for younger women is low. If my story leads someone to get a breast exam and saves a life, that is a miracle. That is a silver lining. There was also significant controversy and uncertainty regarding pregnancy after my diagnosis. I am incredibly lucky because at the time no one was talking about fertility preservation for young cancer patients. Being able to share my story about having kids after my cancer is important to encourage others.
How have conversations around breast cancer changed since you first began advocating publicly?
It is a radically different landscape! I was diagnosed 31 years ago. I was scared I would lose my job, and we were even uncertain whether to use the word “mastectomy” in the title of the book and movie! There was no awareness about fertility preservation, and now there is so much awareness and open conversation.
Organizations like the Ellen Hermanson Foundation emphasize access, support, and community care. Why are those resources so critical for patients and families?
Patients and families need support! Cancer affects everyone. Can you imagine worrying about paying your electric bill while going through chemo? Recently, I heard about women scared to take public transportation to chemo because of ICE crackdowns. The foundation provided a grant to support transportation without fear. Recently, a Stage 4 patient couldn’t afford a walker she needed. These invisible needs exist in our community, and this organization fills these gaps!
What are you most looking forward to at the Summer Gala?
I am truly most looking forward to celebrating Julie, Mady, the volunteers, and the memory of Ellen. Julie told me a remarkable story about her sister who died of breast cancer far too young: she made a snowman in January, hid it in the freezer, and brought it out onto the lawn in July! Talk about an optimistic and life-loving person! Her memory is a blessing, and I will that night pledge during the Gala to remember her, and the other women we lost because their memories and life-force should inspire us all to do more! I am a little scared to be honored, to be honest! (After cancer, I never thought I would be scared of anything.) I am excited to see the money raised to give back to the community, because the Gala is the MOST important way these lifesaving funds are raised. If anyone reading this wants to donate and cannot attend, please do! I am looking forward to seeing my daughter and son in the audience, because it means that miracles can and do happen. My daughter is about to turn the age I was (27) when I was diagnosed. I am filled with fear, yet I am hopeful! Hopeful that we can make a difference together. Hopeful that one day there will be a world without this pain and suffering. But hopeful until that day that we can try to ease that burden.
