6 women to be honored at luncheon, fundraiser at Villa Bianca in Seymour

Contributed photo

SEYMOUR - The Valley Women's Health Initiative Thursday will honor women from Derby, Oxford, Stratford, and Milford at the 19th Annual Women Making a Difference in the Valley Tribute Luncheon and Breast Cancer Fundraiser.

The luncheon will be held from noon-2 p.m. at the Inn at Villa Bianca, 312 Roosevelt Drive.

The tribute recognizes outstanding women who have made positive contributions to the community and have demonstrated significant achievement in their fields of endeavor, both professional and volunteer.

This year’s honorees are Barbara Casagrande and Elizabeth Johnson, both of Oxford, Dr. Joyce Chung and Maggie Sessa, both of Derby, Kathy Radin of Stratford, and Elizabeth “Liz” Kennard of Milford. 

Jocelyn Maminta, Good Morning Connecticut at Nine co-anchor and Emmy Award-nominated Medical Reporter for News 8, will host the event.

Valley Breast Health Care Fund

Proceeds from the event benefit the Valley Breast Health Care Fund. 

Established in 2001, this fund is an effort to ensure that no person, regardless of age or socio-economic condition, is denied screening mammograms or diagnostic testing for breast cancer.

To purchase tickets or to make a donation, call 203-734-6945, nvbv1952gmail.com or send to N. Valentine, 18 Farrell Drive, Ansonia, 06401.    

The Women’s Health Initiative, Co-Chaired by Kate Cosgrove of Oxford and Dr. Stephanie Wain of Griffin Hospital, is comprised of members of the community working toward a common goal of addressing and improving women’s breast health issues.  

Committee members include Darlene Breving, Oxford; Cary Carpino, Derby; Dolores Chew, Beacon Falls; Christine Cooper, Seymour; Dorothy Gandy, Naugatuck; Antonietta Hallet, Southbury; Elizabeth Johnson, Oxford; Peggy Marlowe, Hamden; Lori Murphy, Derby; Monica Oris, Derby; Shayne Seccombe, Derby; Patricia Tarasovic, Oxford, Nancy Valentine, Ansonia.   Committee membership is open to all interested persons.

About The Valley Women’s Health Initiative

The Valley Women's Health Initiative is a coalition of health agencies, community leaders, and volunteers from the Valley community working toward the common goal of addressing and improving women's health issues including breast cancer awareness and heart disease.

To join or for more information, visit griffinhealth.org/VWHI.

This is a press release from Griffin Hospital.