2026 Summer Gala Celebrating Geralyn Lucas
Julie Ratner with Geralyn Lucas and Tyler Lucas
On Friday, July 24, The Ellen Hermanson Foundation gathered friends, supporters, and advocates at the Bridgehampton Tennis & Surf Club for its Annual Summer Gala.
The evening honored renowned author, breast cancer survivor, and advocate Geralyn Lucas for 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, Lucas has helped break down the stigma surrounding breast cancer while empowering women and encouraging open conversations about diagnosis, treatment, survivorship, and support.
"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," said Julie Ratner, Founder and Board Chair of The Ellen Hermanson Foundation.
Candace Bushnell, Julie Ratner
The celebration continued with a special guest appearance by Candace Bushnell. While known for the iconic Sex and the City, her novel Lipstick Jungle explores the lives of ambitious women claiming their power.
"It was fitting that both Geralyn and Candace have books with "lipstick" in the title. Together, their words celebrate the beauty, independence, and determination of women everywhere," said Mady Schuman, the Foundation's Executive Director.
The Gala was made possible through the generosity and dedication of the Foundation's supporters and host committee. Jean Shafiroff served as Honorary Chair, with a host committee including 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.
Throughout the evening, guests came together around a shared commitment: ensuring that women on the East End have access to the breast health care, treatment, and support they need.
Supporters gather at The Ellen Hermanson Foundation Summer Gala
The Foundation's Annual Summer Gala raises vital funds for its core programs and services, with 100% of funds raised at the Gala staying local. Through this support, the Foundation helps women access essential breast health screenings, breast cancer treatment, and emotional and practical support through:
The Ellen Hermanson Breast Center at Stony Brook Southampton Hospital
Ellen's Well
The Ellen Hermanson Community Partnership Program
Thank you to everyone who joined us, supported the evening, and continues to help us ensure access to quality breast health care for all women in our community.
Kathy Tweedy, Mady Schuman, Julie Ratner, Ann Ciardullo