At the June Women Leading Philanthropy (WLP) meeting, WLP donor and former RUH Foundation Board member Sharon McDonald shared a deeply personal message: research saves lives — sometimes in ways we may never fully realize.
Since its inception, WLP has learned of 33 innovative research proposals and funded over $1 million in grants. Sharon knows firsthand the value of this work. Fit and healthy, she was stunned by a breast cancer diagnosis. Her oncologist, former WLP grant recipient Dr. Mita Manna, encouraged her to hold onto hope — and that hope became central to her recovery.
While past WLP-funded projects didn’t directly influence her diagnosis, Sharon is certain she benefited from earlier research led by dedicated physicians, researchers, and practitioners, resulting in more effective and less invasive treatments.
Today, she’s living a relatively normal life, thanks to science, exceptional care, and her determination to heal. She applauds WLP for supporting brilliant women physicians, researchers and health care professionals who improve your health, help someone you know or someone you may never meet.
Her call to action: invite a friend to a WLP meeting. It’s one of the most meaningful and uplifting events you can attend with a mother, sister, daughter, or friend. It’s an opportunity to support brilliant women in health care who are improving lives now and in the future.
Together, we can spread hope.
📷 D & M Images
