2nd Annual Lunch and Learn Symposium

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Second Annual Lunch and Learn Symposium
May 2nd, 2009 ■ Ovarian Cancer Coalition of Greater California ■ Granada Hills, California

  Chris and Lorie Lieberman

Thanks to Lorie Lieberman (who I met last year at the Ovarian Cancer Walk/Run) I was given the opportunity to speak at the Lunch and Learn. Because of Lorie’s enthusiasm and persistence, Gayle McKenna, OCC President, created an extra time slot for me. I’ve wanted to meet Gayle for a long time so; needless to say, I was very excited to speak at one of her events.

The Ovarian Cancer Coalition Of Greater California (OCC) is dedicated to raising awareness of and educating the community at large about the signs, symptoms and treatments of Ovarian Cancer. It is a volunteer organization that has been in existence for over 12 years and was founded by Gayle who is herself, an ovarian cancer survivor. 95% of the funds raised by this organization are dedicated to research with the primary beneficiaries being UCLA, USC, Cedars Sinai and scholarships.

I attended the luncheon with my dear friend and teacher, Jennifer Hadley. If you read my book, she is the lady I met at Agape International Spiritual Center when I went on the AIM Program.

 
 Chris and Rev. Jennifer Hadley

The luncheon began with registration and boutique shopping. The walls were lined with tables for vendors, jewelers, gift items and raffle prizes. The generous donations from companies and individuals were astounding. It’s so humbling to see what people are willing to give in order to help find a cure.

The Lunch and Learn Symposium turned out to be a huge success.  Dr. Sanaz Memarzadeh, UCLA GYN/OB, Dr. Martin Pera, USC Stem Cell Research and Marla Scripter, RN DC – all spoke on stem cell research – what’s being discovered and how it impacts ovarian cancer. While a lot more progress needs to be made, the future is looking very hopeful. It was extremely educational. I found the speakers to be enthusiastic and deeply dedicated.

After lunch we had a special performance by Consuelo Costin who lost her mother to ovarian cancer. She played guitar and sang a couple songs. It was just beautiful.

 Consuelo Costin

I was the only survivor scheduled to speak. Since my time slot was short I wanted it to be meaningful, inspiring and touch people’s hearts. The audience responded with warm smiles, tears shed and loving hugs afterward. So many people came to my table to talk, give thanks and purchase my book, I was grateful Jennifer was there to help me out.

 
Chris Bledy

As I mentioned earlier, one of the highlights of the day, was meeting Gayle McKenna. After she heard me speak, she asked me if I’d like to go to Washington, DC for the Ovarian Cancer National Alliance Convention. I would be representing OCC, working their table and selling my books there. The convention is three days with the fourth day of lobbying on Capital Hill! Of course I would go! I couldn’t believe it… I am so grateful for all these blessings and especially for the opportunities in helping others.

 Gayle McKenna

For more information about the Ovarian Cancer Coalition Of Greater California www.ovariancancercalifornia.com

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