THE CANCER SUPPORT COMMUNITY—BENJAMIN CENTER HOLDS 8th ANNUAL COMMUNITY OF FRIENDS LUNCHEON, SILENT AUCTION & BOUTIQUE
Celebrity Authors’ Panel Features Dr. Ava Shamban, author of Heal Your Skin
Los Angeles, CA – In keeping with her commitment to help patients struggling with cancer, Dr. Ava Shamban—author of Heal Your Skin and board-certified dermatologist featured on Extreme Makeover-- will serve on the celebrity authors’ panel at The Cancer Support Community-Benjamin Center’s 8thAnnual Community of Friends luncheon. The Cancer Support Community-Benjamin Center is a national nonprofit organization dedicated to providing psychosocial support, education and hope to people affected by cancer. Its annual fundraising luncheon, silent auction & boutique—hosted by actress Julie Benz (Dexter, A Gifted Man)—will take place this November 2, 2011 at the Skirball Cultural Center in Los Angeles from 10:30am-1:30pm.
The celebrity authors’ panel features women whose works have offered guidance and support to those struggling with cancer. Participants will include Dr. Ava Shamban, author of Heal Your Skin: The Breakthrough Plan for Renewal; Beverlye Hyman Fead, I Can Do This; Kimberly Fowler, The No Om Zone; and Dr. Susan Love, Dr. Susan Love’s Breast Book. Moderator Kendall Swenson will lead the discussion, titled Ask the Author--Living the Inspired Life. Panel discussion will cover the inspiration behind the authors’ works, as well as their recommendations for building hope, well-being and community.
“In keeping with the goals of the Community of Friends, each of our authors has exemplified a commitment to improve the lives of others,” said Teresa Bond, Cancer Support community-Benjamin Center President and Chief Executive Officer. “We are extremely proud to have them as part of our community and pleased that their efforts shed light on the Center’s important work.”
Dr. Ava Shamban began working with cancer patients several years ago when a dear friend was diagnosed with cancer and had difficulties finding treatment for the serious skin issues she faced. Most patients under-going cancer therapy expect hair loss, nausea, and loss of energy--but they are unprepared for the side effects that chemotherapy, drug treatments and radiation can have on their skin. However, simultaneously dealing with skin side effects can boost a patient’s overall sense of well being as well as self-esteem, and thereby contribute to their ability to successfully fight their illness. Because of this, Dr. Shamban wrote extensively about ways to alleviate the skin side effects of cancer treatment in her book Heal Your Skin. In addition, together with her associates at AVA MD, she recently launched The Skin Recovery Clinic to treat the skin challenges cancer patients face while undergoing treatment and to provide rejuvenating services to those who have completed their courses of therapy. Services of The Skin Recovery Clinic are offered at both the Santa Monica and Beverly Hills locations of AVA MD.
“Knowing that their appearance can be maintained, or at least retrieved at the end of treatment, is incredibly reassuring to my patients,” shares Dr. Shamban. “Without exception, my patients tell me how grateful they are to be alive. But during or after the battle with their cancer, they want to continue their daily lives--looking and feeling their very best.”
AVA MD, a Medical and Cosmetic Dermatology practice, was founded by Dr. Ava Shamban to provide a spirited, results-driven approach to skin care, supported by advanced technology and a rigorously trained staff committed to extraordinary service. Dr. Ava Shamban--a renowned board-certified dermatologist licensed to practice medicine in California, New York and Hawaii--graduated magna cum laude from Harvard University before receiving her medical degree from Case Western Reserve Medical School. In addition to serving as Assistant Clinical Professor of Dermatology at the UCLA-Geffen School of Medicine, she is recognized as the “Extreme Makeover” dermatologist and the resident expert on the Emmy winning daytime talk show, “The Doctors.” Dr. Shamban is also author of the new book, Heal Your Skin: The Breakthrough Plan for Renewal (Wiley). As a key opinion leader in the field, Dr. Shamban has lectured extensively both nationally and internationally on topics ranging from medical and cosmetic to laser dermatology. She is a pioneer in developing the multimodal treatment approach to acne, acne scars, pigmentary problems and rosacea; has served as principal investigator on many clinical trials for both pharmaceuticals and devices that led to FDA approval; and has published extensively in prestigious medical journals. Dr. Ava is a passionate advocate for natural good looks through scientifically proven treatments and healthy lifestyle changes that restore and heal skin and spirit, at the same time empowering men and women of all ages to live more confident, healthy and happy lives. To make an appointment or receive more information about the Skin Recovery Clinic, please call 310-828-2282 for offices in Santa Monica or 310-843-9915 for offices in Beverly Hills For press inquiries, please contact Isabel Smith at 310-828-2282.
All profits from the 8thAnnual Community of Friends luncheon will be used to sustain the programming at the Cancer Support Community-Benjamin Center and keep all programs free of charge. In keeping with progressive viewpoints about successful cancer treatment, programs like those available at the Cancer Support Community address the stress, depression, and isolation that cancer patients typically suffer. At Cancer Support Community-Benjamin Center, participants can regain strength and a sense of control over their health while also learning about cancer trends, treatments and clinical trials—elements essential to improving the quality of their lives. Programs include: educational workshops and seminars, stress-reduction and exercise classes, networking, family and caregiver support groups, individual counseling and social gatherings.
Now located on Bundy Drive in West Los Angeles, the Cancer Support Community-Benjamin Center is the new name of the now-merged Gilda’s Club and The Wellness Community. The organizations were considered two of the nation’s foremost support organizations, but together, they offer an expanded reach. Gilda’s Club was named in honor of the beloved comedienne, actress and cancer sufferer, Gilda Radner. Under the umbrella of other Cancer Support Community locations, the Benjamin Center’s West Los Angeles branch can more broadly provide psychosocial support to people affected by cancer.
Tickets are priced from $150.00 general Admission to $ 10,000.00 for the Hope Diamond Sponsorship Those interested in attending the Luncheon or supporting CSC-BC’s fundraising efforts may contact Candace Trinchieri at 310-314-2589 or visit www.CancerSupportCommunityBenjaminCenter.org.
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Isabel Smith
Ava MD
310.828.2282
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