Cancer Care, Inc. Honors Four ‘Champion’ Cancer Fighters

NEW YORK—More than 1,000 guests attended a black-tie event at New York’s Waldorf-Astoria to commemorate Cancer Care’s 16th Annual Human Services Award Dinner. Hosted by WCBS TV Anchor Dana Tyler, the event acknowledged “four outstanding champions in the fight to help people and their families with cancer.”

President and CEO of Novartis Pharmaceuticals Corporation, Wayne P. Yetter, was awarded Cancer Care’s top honor, the 1999 Human Services Award. Lynne Ronon of Saks Fifth Avenue was presented with the Fashion Leadership Award. New York Times editor Amy M. Spindler won the first-ever Beacon Award, and best-selling novelist Anna Quindlen was given the Regulus Award.

Citing his “extraordinary leadership role in the field of cancer research and exceptional dedication and leadership for those affected by cancer,” Cancer Care bestowed Mr. Yetter with the Human Services Award. Diane Blum, executive director of Cancer Care, said that “Novartis has been an innovative and creative force in the fight against cancer. As a leader in a rapidly changing field, their commitment to cancer patients and Cancer Care has been constant and unwavering.”

Ms. Ronon, senior vice president of Saks Fifth Avenue, accepted the Fashion Leadership Award for marshaling awareness and support for the battle against cancer. Cancer Care praised Ms. Ronon as being “a key figure in fashion, who has continued the industry’s tradition of giving and caring.”

Ms. Spindler—style editor of the New York Times Magazine—was presented with the Beacon Award for “bringing dignity and a personal voice to the fight against cancer.” Ms. Spindler, who began her fashion journalism career over a decade ago at Fairchild Publications, rapidly accelerated through a variety of editorial positions in both New York and Paris. Renowned for her insightful commentary and strong voice in the fight against cancer, Ms. Spindler is also the recipient of numerous accolades from the fashion industry, readers, and peers.

A Key Figure in the Media

Ms. Quindlen, described by Cancer Care as “one of the most vital and human authors of our time,” received the 1999 Regulus Award. While presenting her with the award, Cancer Care called Ms. Quindlen “a key figure in the media, who has helped “bring information, hope, and enlightenment to people whose lives have been touched by cancer.” Ms. Quindlen recently released her latest novel, Black and Blue, to widespread acclaim.

Since 1944, Cancer Care—a not-for-profit group—has provided emotional support, information, and practical help to people affected by cancer.