"We are thrilled to have Laura on the program this year," said In the Pink of Health co-chairs Pat Bertotti and Andrea Raiford. "Her inspirational message to other women and men who have battled cancer - that life after cancer can be better than life before cancer - is definitely one we want to convey to our attendees."
Ingraham considers herself a cancer "thriver." She avoids the word "survivor" because she believes it's far too defensive. "We who walked the fire of chemotherapy and radiation and surgeries aim to thrive, not merely exist or survive through the process," she has frequently remarked.
In April 2005, during a routine exam, Ingraham's physician found a lump in her breast that turned out to be an aggressive, but early stage, invasive ductal carcinoma, or breast cancer. Within a week of her diagnosis, she was in the first of two surgeries, which were followed six weeks later by chemotherapy, then a course of radiation.
"It was a rocky time," said Ingraham. "But, my faith, family and national radio audience helped me through it. The outpouring of love and support from coast to coast was awe-inspiring."
Ingraham finished her final radiation treatment at the end of October 2005. By February 2006, Ingraham had traveled to Baghdad to host the first national live radio show from Iraq. Her hair was cropped short (still growing back), so she says she fit in well with the young Marines and soldiers she had the pleasure of meeting and spending time with.
"The experience and the blessing of being with them were all part of my healing process," Ingraham said.
In the years since, Ingraham has embraced life in all its peaks and valleys. She adopted two children - Maria (age 5) from Guatemala and Dmitri (age 2) from Russia - whom she calls her "angels." Additionally, she has authored a handful of best-selling books, including "The Obama Diaries," which she will be signing at the luncheon.
Sponsorship opportunities are still available for the luncheon. A limited number of individual tickets also will be sold.
Since its inception in 2001, In the Pink of Health has generated more than $1 million to support breast cancer patients and their families in The Woodlands and surrounding areas. One hundred percent of the funds raised are allocated to three primary areas - education, technology and community outreach.
Throughout the years, proceeds have allowed for the purchase of state-of-the-art screening and diagnostic equipment; access to free mammograms and care for underserved women; educational resources for newly diagnosed patients; and most recently, funding for a support program to work with children of those affected by breast cancer.