The Environmental Working Group (EWG) is on a mission to empower people to live healthier lives in a healthier environment. Actress Michelle Pfeiffer is a fan. As a special guest and host, she joined EWG for its 7th Annual Earth Dinner in San Francisco on May 4, 2016. Co-chaired by Christine and Curtis Gardner and Jennifer and David Hatfield, the event honored Dr. Michael Gilbertson and Dr. Leroy Lowe with EWG’s first ever Award for Distinguished Contributions to Cancer Prevention. Dr. Margaret Kripke, best known for her work in immunology of skin cancer, delivered the keynote.
Scenes from the EWG 7th Annual Earth Dinner, City View at the Metreon, San Francisco:
One in three Americans is diagnosed with cancer, yet nearly half of all cancers are preventable. Along with genetics, diet, lifestyle and viruses, exposures to toxic chemicals clearly contribute to this epidemic. Dr. Gilbertson and Dr. Lowe founded Getting to Know Cancer and led the 2012 Halifax Project, which inspired EWG’s renewed approach to exploring chemicals and cancer. With breakthrough research and education, EWG delivers the latest information to help consumers make informed choices about the products they purchase — from fruits, vegetables and meats to skincare, sunscreen and makeup.
Dr. Margaret Kripke, Professor of Immunology and Vivian Smith Chair Emerita at the University of Texas, showed that chronic exposure to UV radiation produces cancers, and how an immune system compromised by UV radiation contributes to the development of melanoma and increased vulnerability to infectious diseases. Dr. Kripke served as a member of the President’s Cancer Panel, a group of three that advises the White House on the status and needs of the cancer problem in America, from 2003 until 2011.
Photos by Olga Ivanova
