Power of the Purse

Entertainment journalist, fashion/beauty expert and breast cancer survivor Giuliana Rancic will give the keynote address during the Laura W. Bush Institute for Women’s Health’s (LWBIWH) fourth annual Power of the Purse Luncheon and Purse Auction. The event is set for 10:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. April 17 at the Amarillo Civic Center Heritage Ballroom, 401 S. Buchanan St. and will benefit SiMCentral, a collaborative initiative of Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, West Texas A&M University and Amarillo College.

"I am so excited to speak at this event because I know how important it is to spread awareness and increase information about women's health issues,” Rancic said. “As a breast cancer survivor myself, I have a first-hand understanding of the significance that research and awareness brings. I am so excited to share my journey with all of the attendees."

Rancic is the co-anchor of E! News and co-star of E!’s popular Fashion Police team alongside Joan Rivers. She has a bachelor’s in journalism from the University of Maryland and a master’s in journalism from the American University in Washington D.C. She worked for a Capitol Hill news bureau covering a number of stories related to the Pentagon, Supreme Court, White House and the U.S. Department of State.

In October 2011, Rancic shared with the world that she had been diagnosed with early stage breast cancer. In December 2011, she underwent a double mastectomy. In August 2012 after a public struggle with infertility, Rancic and her husband had a son, who was born by surrogate mother.

She was born in Naples, Italy, in an impoverished neighborhood and moved to the U.S. when she was a girl. Her love affair with television journalism began before she could speak English – her parents couldn’t afford a tutor, so she learned the language by watching TV.

“Mrs. Rancic’s story is riveting, and she is an upbeat motivational speaker with such a positive outlook on life,” said LWBIWH Executive Director Laura Street. “She has successfully conquered her fears with grace, optimism and determination, and is a woman we can all look up to.”
Power of the Purse tickets are $100 per person. To purchase tickets or for more information, call Jaclyn Inkhamheng at (806) 356-4617 ext. 238 or email Jaclyn.inkhamheng@ttuhsc.edu.

About SiMCentral

The SiMCentral clinical simulation center uses high-fidelity patient simulators to provide multi-disciplinary training opportunities to medical, nursing and allied health students and residents, as well as continuing education opportunities to the Texas Panhandle. Simulation training provides opportunities to develop and enhance clinical and diagnostic skills through frequent participation in controlled clinical scenarios.

Because differences matter, the LWBIWH improves the lives of women and girls through research supporting scientific discoveries unique to women’s health and gender differences, education advancing the knowledge of health care professionals through evidence-based resources and outreach connecting with communities for healthier lives. For more information about the LWBIWH, call (806) 356-4617 or visit www.laurabushinstitute.org.

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