The Ellen Hermanson Foundation Announces Geralyn Lucas as 2026 Summer Gala Honoree
East Hampton, NY — The Ellen Hermanson Foundation (The Foundation) is proud to announce that renowned author, breast cancer survivor and advocate Geralyn Lucas will be honored at The Foundation’s Annual Summer Gala on Friday, July 24, 2026, at the Bridgehampton Tennis & Surf Club, in recognition of her extraordinary leadership and commitment to breast cancer awareness, education, and early detection.
Lucas is the author of two books, including the bestselling memoir Why I Wore Lipstick to My Mastectomy, which was adapted into an Emmy-nominated television film of the same name. Through her writing and advocacy, she has helped destigmatize breast cancer, empower women, and further conversations around diagnosis, treatment, and support.
An honors graduate of Columbia Journalism School and the Annenberg School for Communications at the University of Pennsylvania, Lucas began her distinguished career at ABC News as an Editorial Producer for 20/20 before becoming Director of Original Programming at Lifetime Networks. Throughout her career in media, her storytelling has earned numerous accolades, including Gracie Awards, Emmy Awards, and GLAAD Media Awards.
In addition to her literary work, Lucas created the short video message “OUCH,” encouraging women to prioritize mammograms by humorously comparing the discomfort of screening to wearing high heels. She also originated the annual ABC News Goes Pink campaign, a groundbreaking initiative that led to a live on-air mammogram for an ABC anchor, ultimately resulting in a cancer diagnosis and underscoring the life-saving importance of early detection.
In 2023, Lucas was honored with the American Cancer Society Hero Award in recognition of her leadership and enduring impact within the cancer community.
“As an organization that strives to ensure all women have access to breast cancer prevention and care, we are honored to celebrate Geralyn at our annual Gala,” said Julie Ratner, Founder and Board Chair of The Foundation. “She’s transformed her personal experience surviving breast cancer into national awareness that has and will continue to inspire countless women for years to come.”
The Gala’s host committee includes Ida Betsy-Mendez, Cricket Burns, Ann Ciardullo, Melissa Cohn, Sarah DeFlorio, Louise Phillips Forbes, Jill Harris, Tania Higgins, Stacey Kidd, Judy Michaelson, Michelle Murphy, Amie Murstein, Valia Negrin, Julie Ratner,EdD, Blaire Rosenfield, Ngan Schulman, Katie Thomson, Cathy Tweedy, and Helena Willner.
The Ellen Hermanson Foundation hosts its annual Gala to raise funds to support its core program and services, helping women on the East End access breast health care screenings, and breast cancer treatment and support. All funds raised at the Gala stay local, granted to The Ellen Hermanson Breast Center at Stony Brook Southampton Hospital, Ellen’s Well, and The Ellen Hermanson Community Partnership Program.
For more information about the Gala or sponsorship opportunities, please contact mady.schuman@ellenhermanson.org.
Gala ticket information can be found at www.ellenhermanson.org/2026summergala.
About The Ellen Hermanson Foundation
For over 30 years, The Ellen Hermanson Foundation has transformed the medical landscape of the East End of Long Island, where breast cancer diagnosis and mortality are among the highest in New York State. As a grassroots organization dedicated to providing state-of-the-art breast health care and supporting those affected by breast cancer, the Foundation achieves its mission by building awareness about breast cancer; educating about the importance of early detection; and, providing access to free mammography and treatment to medically underserved women. No one is turned away from the Ellen Hermanson Breast Center for lack of insurance or inability to pay for treatment.
For more information and/or interviews, please contact:
Mady J. Schuman
Executive Director
The Ellen Hermanson Foundation
mady.schuman@ellenhermanson.org
(646) 342-4709