Amy Robach, correspondent for ABC News, will be honored at the Ambassador of Hope Gala on March 21 at the CenturyLink Center.
In October 2013, Robach received life-altering news when, after agreeing to do her first mammogram on the air to honor breast cancer awareness month, she was diagnosed with the disease.
Robach said the decision to have the on-air mammogram was “the difference between life and death.” She has since chronicled her journey in segments aired on Good Morning America and plans to release a book.
Hosted by the Advocates Board of the Fred & Pamela Buffett Cancer Center, the gala is held every two years and is one of the top fundraising events in the city.
Robach will be the eighth recipient of the Ambassador of Hope Award, which is given to individuals who have made significant contributions in the fight against cancer through research, patient care activities or by raising public awareness.
Previous honorees include Tom Brokaw, Sam Donaldson, Chuck Durham, Condoleezza Rice, Robin Roberts, Gen. H. Norman Schwarzkopf and Jim Clifton.
“We are excited that Amy Robach will be honored with the Ambassador of Hope Award,” said Kenneth Cowan, M.D., Ph.D., director, Fred & Pamela Buffett Cancer Center.
“Amy’s decision to have a mammogram on Good Morning America, followed by her diagnosis and fight against breast cancer in the public eye, have been catalysts for many women to be screened for this disease. Amy’s story is compelling, and she is an inspiration to millions of men and women to be advocates for their own health,” Dr. Cowan said.
“The Gala committee, along with honorary chairs John and Anne Nelson, is already hard at work to make this a very memorable evening that will raise funds for cancer research at the Fred & Pamela Buffett Cancer Center,” he said.
Walter and the late Suzanne Scott will receive the Margre and Chuck Durham Spirit of Nebraska Award in recognition of their longtime support of the Fred & Pamela Buffett Cancer Center. The Scotts have been well known for their philanthropy and involvement in community affairs.
The Scotts were among the lead benefactors on the Fred & Pamela Buffett Cancer Center project. The 98-laboratory research tower, currently under construction, is named the Suzanne and Walter Scott Research Tower.
John and Anne Nelson are honorary chairs for this year’s event. John Nelson is chairman of SilverStone Group, an insurance company. Jane Rips and Jenny Meyerson are co-chairs of the event.
For information on sponsorships and tickets, please go to www.advocatescc.org, or contact Christina Dunham at 402-559-4179 or email her at: cdunham@unmc.edu.
The Fred & Pamela Buffett Cancer Center is a National Cancer Institute (NCI) designated cancer center — a distinction held by only 68 centers in the country. It is the only NCI-designated center in the state of Nebraska. The Fred & Pamela Buffett Cancer Center is also one of the 13 founding members of the National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN), an alliance of the world’s leading cancer centers. This recognition means the most current and innovative treatment options are available to cancer center patients through the integration of cutting-edge research into state-of-the-art care. Cancer center physicians and scientists work together to quickly translate discoveries made in the laboratory into innovative treatments for the patient.
Through world-class research and patient care, UNMC generates breakthroughs that make life better for people throughout Nebraska and beyond. Its education programs train more health professionals than any other institution in the state. Learn more at unmc.edu and follow us on social media.