Lydia’s Legacy hosted its second annual Teal Over Miami on Saturday, Sept. 21, at the Courtyard Marriott Coconut Grove Sapphire Room. Lydia’s Legacy was founded by Carin Ross Johnson of Miami in memory of her mother, Dr. Lydia Greene Ross.
The organization is dedicated to raising awareness, funding research, supporting survivors and supporting education about gynecologic cancers. Its annual fundraiser, Teal Over Miami, featured a silent auction, live music, health and wellness exhibits and raffles.
“Since our first Teal Over Miami, I continue to be amazed by the support from the local community,” Johnson said. “This year’s event will focus on service to cancer patients. We have asked attendees to bring hygiene products, journals and puzzle books to support newly diagnosed women with cancer. We also feature the best dessert bar in Miami, all in ‘teal,’ the awareness color for women’s gynecologic cancers.”
Proceeds from the event provided funding for cancer support and education in the Miami-Dade community. Since its founding in 2011, Lydia’s Legacy donated more than $15,000 to organizations focused on gynecologic cancer research, survivor care and finding a cure for these cancers in Charlotte, NC, and Miami. In doing so, after the second annual Teal Over Miami event, Lydia’s Legacy raised almost $7,000.
Lydia’s Legacy partnered with the Doctors Hospital Gyneoclogic Oncology Unit and other community organizations to bring attention to gynecologic cancers.
To mark the occasion, attendees were encouraged to wear “teal” attire highlighting the color teal, which is the awareness ribbon color for gynecologic cancers. In addition, teal toes for women and teal ties for men were appropriate.
Betty Davis, WPLG Local 10 meteorologist, served as emcee.
Dr. Lydia G. Ross was a leader in the Miami- Dade Community and lost her three-year battle with stage 3A Endometrial Cancer on June 20, 2010, surrounded in love by her family.
Lydia’s chief concern through her battle with gynecologic cancer was that there was not enough awareness or visibility about gynecologic cancer issues in the community. Hence, the idea of “Lydia’s Legacy” was formed as an organization targeted toward growing awareness, education and research regarding gynecologic cancers.
During Lydia’s memorial service, teal ribbons were given to more than 300 attendees and thousands of dollars in donations to the National Foundation for Women’s Cancer were raised and donated in her honor.
