Breast-Cancer Foundation Raises Millions, Marks 30 Years
(CBS) -- Lili Ann Zisook's mother was diagnosed with breast cancer in the 1960s. Her best friend, Lynn Sage, died of the disease in 1985.
"She was 32 years old when she was diagnosed. She went through horrendous chemotherapy. You got very sick in those days. Medications weren't as advanced. It was the most unpleasant experience that took a toll on all of us," Zisook says.
Breast Cancer Foundation Marks 30 Years
At her memorial service, Sage's friends and family decided to do something more.
"It was at her shiva," Zisook recalls. "We were trying to figure out how we could make a difference in Lynn's name."
That's when the Lynn Sage Breast Cancer Research Foundation was born.
"By the next spring, we attached ourselves to Michael Reese Hospital at the time, we pledged a certain amount of money and we held an event and we started raising funds," Zisook says.
After 30 years, the organization has raised $30 million for breast cancer research.
"It's been quite successful. We fund a lot of researchers, fellows, research projects and awareness and we have educational programs. There are so much more advances techniques, technologies than there were in the `80s. To go through radiation and chemotherapy, patients were treated differently. It was tough. We wanted to make it better for breast cancer patients," she says.
Now, the next generation is taking on the cause.
"I've always known my grandmother had breast cancer. I've always seen my mother putting all her time and effort toward this cause, so it's made me a more charitable person," Zisook's daughter, Allison Zisook Goldstein, says.
With breast cancer in the family, Goldstein made sure to pay attention to her own health. She decided to find out if she had the breast cancer gene.
"I took the BRCA test. I was negative but that was important for me to know because I have two daughters," she says.
Starting this weekend, some 200 Chicago buildings will be glowing pink in support of the foundation. The "Light the Way to Find a Cure" works with hundreds of Chicago buildings, landmarks and businesses to participate by illuminating their structures pink or by displaying pink banners and flags throughout the month of October.
"A board member's family member went home after she saw the pink lights on the John Hancock building and did a self-exam. She found a lump, she went to her doctor and she was diagnosed with breast cancer. She's in remission now and thankful for this awareness campaign," Zisook says.
This year's lighting also holds special meaning for LSCRF. It will mark its anniversary with the 30th Anniversary Fall Benefit Luncheon on Oct. 15 at the Hilton Chicago, 720 South Michigan Ave. Proceeds will support innovative contributions to breast cancer research, fellowships and educational programs at Northwestern Memorial Hospital and the Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center of Northwestern University.
"Everybody seems to be on the bandwagon. We've come so far. No one really acknowledged breast cancer long ago. It's amazing what technology has brought to the table," Zisook says.
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