Actress Sharon Stone has received the Associates for Breast and Prostate Cancer Studies‘ Mother of the Year Award for her cancer-fighting work.
A number of philanthropists who wanted to support innovative breast cancer and prostate cancer research started the associates organization 27 years ago. Stone received her award at the group’s 16th Annual Mother’s Day Luncheon on May 10.
The associates have made a long-term commitment to research at the John Wayne Cancer Institute at Saint John’s Health Center in Los Angeles. The group has raised over $16 million for the institute.
“Because cancer impacts so many families, we chose the theme of Mother’s Day to underscore the cancer fighting initiatives underway at the John Wayne Cancer Institute,” Gloria E. Gebbia, the associates’ president, said in a press release. “We are grateful to all of the supporters, sponsors and volunteers . . . who sustain and support the lifesaving research under way there, and invite others to join our endeavor to eradicate cancer, which does not discriminate and impacts people across all socio-economic and other demographics.”
Previous Mother’s Day winners have included Brandi Glanville, Chandra Wilson, Dolores Robinson, Kris Jenner, Guiliana Rancic, and Jillian Reynolds.
In addition to honoring Stone this year, the associates gave their Humanitarian Award to celebrity stylist Chaz Dean, who created WEN Hair & Body Care. Actress and comedian Kym Whitley was a co-chair of the event.
“Both our honorees are incredible role models and have demonstrated a long-standing commitment to health and wellness in the community,” Gebbia said. “Their mutual commitments to giving back through a host of worthwhile endeavors symbolize the very best of what our Achievement Awards represent.”
The Wayne family decided to honor John Wayne, who died of stomach cancer in 1979, by becoming longtime supporters of cancer research. Their support has helped the institute advance cancer research and train next-generation oncologists. The research has covered breast cancer, prostate cancer, melanoma, sarcoma, and other cancers.
Gebbia will host another fundraiser in Los Angeles, the 28th Annual Talk of the Town Gala, on Nov. 28. “We are very excited about our next Talk of the Town gala, as we have special guests and surprises lined up for a fabulous evening in support of this most important work,” she said.