By: Aelin Fane 

PALM BEACH, FL- (February 4, 2025) Chairwomen Andrea Stark, Eddy Taylor, Judy Snyder, and Roberta Kozloff were honoured to present H.O.W.’s 23rd annual Time is of the Essence Luncheon at The Beach Club, Palm Beach, on Monday, January 27, 2025. 

This year’s honoree and guest speaker, Isaac Mizrahi, an American Fashion Designer and actor, was joined by special guest Adrien Arpel, a successful entrepreneur and pioneer in the skincare and cosmetic industry, beauty author, and longtime supporter of H.O.W.  Frances Fisher, Betsy K. Matthews, and Christine Schott served as Honorary Chairwomen. Proceeds from the luncheon benefited H.O.W. Hearing the Ovarian Cancer Whisper.  

Andrea Stark, chair of the 2025 H.O.W. Luncheon, welcomed attendees and thanked co-chairs, honorary chairs, and sponsors for their support. Stark highlighted the significance of the event, emphasizing the fight against ovarian cancer, with over 22,000 women diagnosed annually in the U.S.

She shared H.O.W.’s history. Founded in 2001, it provides financial support for women battling ovarian cancer. The organization helps cover medical and essential expenses, easing the financial burden on patients. Andrea also acknowledges the contributions of sponsors, board members, and silent auction donors.

A special mention was made for ovarian cancer survivors in the audience, including Samantha Amaral, a 55-year-old woman who shared her journey after being diagnosed with stage 4 ovarian cancer. “On March 11 of last year, I went to see my primary care doctor since I had been experiencing what I thought was a digestive problem. A week later, I received stunning news… I had cancer. In another week, I received greater clarity about my condition. I had stage 4 ovarian cancer.” She started chemotherapy, which resulted in severe illness and exhaustion, making it impossible for her to work. Financial and emotional strain led her to find support from the H.O.W. organization, which assisted with living expenses and provided uplifting encouragement.

Stark then recognized Jennifer McGrath, H.O.W.’s executive director, for her leadership and personal connection to the cause. Andrea concluded by urging attendees to continue supporting H.O.W. and celebrating the strength and resilience of those impacted by ovarian cancer.

Stark introduced her longtime friend Adrien Arpel, a beauty industry icon, and the first authentic beauty influencer. Adrien has had a successful career, including a long-running show and skincare products on HSN. She is also a New York Times selling author and has received multiple accolades, such as honours from the Royal Family in Monaco and recognition from IBM.

Stark shared a celebratory video produced by HSN for Adrien’s 30th anniversary in the beauty industry before a Q&A began with Adrien. The questions cover Adrien’s career journey, her early love for makeup, her groundbreaking introduction of individual eyelashes, and her success on HSN despite competition from major cosmetic brands. They discussed topics like cosmeceuticals, makeup tips, and advice for women on staying relevant in the beauty industry.

Adrien’s insights include the importance of attitude, makeup techniques, and the role of beauty products versus plastic surgery. Andrea concludes the interview with a quote celebrating Adrien’s positive attitude and resilience, followed by a humorous farewell.

During the luncheon, guests enjoyed a silent auction and a prize drawing for a Tiffany Watch. 

The final speech of the luncheon was from Dancho, a final-semester medical student at the University of Florida, who expressed gratitude for receiving the Dr. Robert C. Knapp Medical Student Award from Hearing the Ovarian Cancer Whisper (H.O.W.). He shared how the scholarship allowed him to create a month-long independent study in Gynecologic Oncology, which wasn’t offered at his medical school. During this Time, he worked with Dr David Iglesias, gaining invaluable clinical and research experience.

Dancho highlighted his personal growth in medical skills and confidence, which led to successful rotations at Stanford University and residency interviews. He also contributed to research on the impact of COVID-19 on gynecologic cancer diagnoses, presenting at conferences and working toward publication. Beyond receiving invaluable medical expertise, Dancho also praised Dr. Iglesias for his mentorship, which helped shape his career path in Gynecologic Oncology. 

Betsy K. Matthews and Eddy Taylor were major benefactors of the luncheon, which was sponsored by Inlet Private Wealth. 

Isaac Mizrahi:

Isaac has worked extensively in the entertainment industry as an actor, host, writer, designer, and producer for over 30 years. He is the subject and co-creator of Unzipped, a documentary after making his Fall 1994 collection, which received an award at the Sundance Film Festival. He hosted his own television talk show The Isaac Mizrahi Show for seven years, has written two books, and has made countless appearances in movies and on television. He was also a judge on Project Runway: All-Stars.

Adrian Arpel: 

A beauty industry innovator, Adrian’s company became an international cosmetics empire, with her products and services selling in hundreds of prestigious stores, including Saks Fifth Avenue, Bloomingdale’s and Neiman Marcus in the United States, and Harrod’s of London. She has published three international beauty books, including How to Look 10 Years Younger, that have won her millions of fans with their practical, realistic ideas. She has been featured in major magazines (including Cosmopolitan, Harper’s Bazaar, Vogue and People). She has frequently appeared on national television shows, dispensing cosmetic advice brightened with a sense of humour and her infectious personality. She is so well-known that her name has been featured as a crossword puzzle clue in the L.A. Times, New York Times and New York Magazine.

H.O.W. (Hearing the Ovarian Cancer Whisper) raises money to support basic or translational research in ovarian cancer through the Jacquie Liggett Research Fellowship. Women with ovarian cancer experiencing financial need are helped through the Jacquie Liggett Angel Fund. H.O.W. is dedicated to promoting awareness and recent advances in ovarian cancer by presenting educational programs to women primarily in our area. H.O.W. also supports medical students interested in gynecologic oncology by working with gynecologic oncologists during their elective Time in medical school through the Dr. Robert C. Knapp Medical Student Award. H.O.W. also funds the screening of underserved and/or uninsured women for genetic mutations that increase the risk of ovarian cancer.

Disclaimer:
The information provided in this article is for informational and educational purposes only. H.O.W. (Hearing the Ovarian Cancer Whisper) and its affiliates strive for accuracy but do not guarantee the completeness or reliability of the content. Any views or opinions expressed by individuals mentioned in this article are their own and do not necessarily reflect the official stance of H.O.W. or its representatives.

References to medical conditions, treatments, or research are not intended to replace professional medical advice. Readers should consult a qualified healthcare provider for medical guidance specific to their condition. Additionally, mention of specific brands, sponsors, or organizations does not imply endorsement.

Event details, honoree information, and sponsorship acknowledgments are accurate as of the date of publication but are subject to change. H.O.W. assumes no liability for any decisions made based on this content.

Published by Tom W.