'Purple Tea' to unite, educate SWFL women about breast cancer

FORT MYERS, Fla. - Feb. 13, 2023 - PRLog -- Women across Southwest Florida are invited to a free symposium on Feb. 23 that outlines encouraging developments in the fight against breast cancer.

Purple Tea, a two-hour event, features a panel of distinguished breast health experts who will discuss advancements in prevention, screening and treatment of breast cancer in a supportive, inspiring environment.

"Each year, breast cancer accounts for about 30% of new cancer cases among women, and certain factors like family history, race, ethnicity and genetics can increase your risk of breast cancer," said Dr. Alan Brown, who will serve as keynote speaker for Purple Tea. "Our goal is for all attendees to have a better understanding of their individual risks in relation to their ethnicity."

Brown, a board-certified radiation oncologist at Advocate Radiation Oncology, is nationally recognized for his community involvement and cancer research efforts. He is former chairman of the Lee Health Regional Cancer Center Multidisciplinary Breast Clinic. The National Center on Minority Health & Health Disparities Loan Repayment Program honored Brown for his efforts to reduce health disparities and increase the participation of disadvantaged communities in clinical research activities.

Additional speakers for Purple Tea include:

• Dr. Magali Van de Bergh, a medical oncologist and principal investigator with Florida Cancer Specialists who has led multiple clinical research studies with a focus on lymphomas, chronic leukemias and lymphoproliferative disorders
• Dr. Natalia Spinelli, a board-certified breast surgical oncologist who specializes in benign and malignant diseases of the breast and is trained in the latest surgical approaches in breast cancer care
• Debra Wilson, MSN, RN, OCN, who serves as the vice president of oncology services at Lee Health

The honorary chair for The Purple Tea is Geraldine "Gerri" Ware, who earned a nursing degree from Florida A&M University before returning to Fort Myers, where she served as a hospital nurse, public health nurse and school nurse. She also taught nursing classes in Collier County schools for 15 years.

The Purple Tea will be held from noon to 2 p.m. on Thursday, Feb. 23 at Broadway Palm Dinner Theatre, 1380 Colonial Blvd. in Fort Myers. Attendees are encouraged to dress in purple. The event is free, but advance registration is required by visiting eventbrite.com/e/purple-tea-tickets-503552447927 (https://www.eventbrite.com/e/purple-tea-tickets-503552447927) or calling Sherri Kubesh at 239-839-6015.

Sponsors for The Purple Tea include Advocate Radiation Oncology, Lee Health Regional Cancer Center, Florida Cancer Specialists, Fort Myers Alumna – Delta Sigma Theta and Florida Weekly.

About Advocate Radiation Oncology

Advocate Radiation Oncology is a locally owned practice with convenient locations in South Florida. The practice's mission is to provide compassionate health care expertise to cancer patients. Advocate Radiation Oncology is directed by a team of world-class, board-certified radiation oncologists. For more information, please visit AdvocateRO.com.