The mission of Breast Health International is to
work with the greatest minds in the world to
eliminate breast cancer and its consequences. As our
efforts have grown, we realized that we have become
a truly global organization, addressing the
world-wide threat of breast cancer. Our consensus
conferences, fellowships and research grants are not
limited by geographical boundaries, so we must
accept our international responsibilities as well.
Therefore, we have opened an additional office in
Europe and have established foundations in
Italy, Germany, and the UK.
Many of the world renowned scientists who have
participated in our consensus conferences have
become members of our international think tank to
help guide us through our global activities.
Our Sixth International Consensus Conference in
Philadeelphia, April 2007, kicked off a slew of new
activities. The 2005 conference topic was Breast
Conservation in the 21st Century and was
co-sponsored by BHI and the European School of
Oncology and hosted in Milan, Italy. The seminar was
co-chaired by Professor Umberto Veronesi, director
of the European School of Oncology in Milan, and Dr.
Gordon F. Schwartz, professor of surgery at
Jefferson Medical College in Philadelphia Dr.
Veronesi pioneered breast-conserving surgery in the
late 1960's. His research and procedures developed
from his clinical trials have offered thousands of
women the option of saving their breast following
the diagnosis of breast cancer. Dr, Schwartz has
been an American pioneer in breast conservation and
other aspects of breast cancer surgery.
Two of the world's premiere fashion houses,
Agnona
and Versace
were
the first to support our cause in Europe. Agnona
designed an exclusive scarf to promote and support
BHI's fight against breast cancer. Donatella
Versace graciously developed an advertising campaign
that was translated into German and Italian and
appeared in the most important newspapers and
publications throughout Europe, such as Vogue, Elle,
Cosmopolitan, etc.
Last year, we sponsored several European events :
Giardini
per la Vita 2006" (BHI - ITALY): Thanks to the
generosity of two BHI supporters, two exceptional
private gardens, Villa Torrigiani (Lucca) and Villa
Frassanelle (Padua), were open to the public for
specific weekends in July and September.
Due to the overwhelming response we had to these two
events, this summer was are having our second annual Giardini per
la Vita 2007: Please check out the Italian website for more
information.
"Exhibition of the Stars" Jane Bown (BHI - UK):
Graham Evans of the Penyards Company and the
Observer Group of newspapers hosted a luncheon and
dinner to celebrate Jane Bown, the official
photographer of the Guardian and Observer newspapers
for over 50 years. She was the official
photographer of the Queen for her 80th birthday. A
raffle and an auction of specially selected signed
photographs benefited the Breast Health Institute.
"Elle Magazine UK" - October Issue: Elle Magazine
invited Ms. Donatella Versace to be their guest
editor for their 21st birthday issue in October.
Because of Ms. Versace's commitment to the Breast
Health International, Elle Magazine is organzed an
E-BAY auction filled with fantastic fashion items
designed by world famous designers, the sale of
which benefitted our FUND FOR LIVING program. Elle
continues to be a supporter of ours!
Our first projects funded in Europe include the
funding of research into innovative radiation
therapy techniques to improve the treatment and
outcome of breast cancer patients, as well as
establishing the Fund For Living program in the UK
and Italy to improve the quality of life of patients
affected by this illness.
Monies in Europe raised will support medical and
scientific projects there, as well as continuing the
ongoing mission of the Breast Health International.
Please explore our international websites for more
information in German and Italian.
Cheerio, Ciao, Tschuss!!!
