Noreen is our model for our 2007 Cabernet Sauvignon.

April 15, 2001...Noreen was diagnosed with breast cancer.

If there was ever anyone who did not have time for breast cancer, it would be Noreen. This married mother of two was extremely busy pursuing a successful career as a television producer. Shows such as Entertainment Tonight, ABC’s Home Show and The Richard Simmons Show benefited from her creative talents. When she was diagnosed with breast cancer, her world changed dramatically.

“No one can know that feeling if they have not been given a cancer diagnosis.” says Noreen. “The world stops. Everything becomes surreal. The doctor continues to talk, but you are not listening. Your mind is racing, mostly with thoughts of your children and how they will live without you, the real force in their life. It is complete devastation.”

“After I got my wits about me, I began to do extensive homework. I learned as much about breast cancer as I could. My family and my girlfriends were there for me 100%. I have 5 sisters who live all over the country and each one got on a plane and flew to be with me.”

Noreen underwent surgery, followed by radiation treatments, and finally began a regimen of taking Tamoxifen.

Two years later in 2003, Noreen learned that her cancer had metastasized to her bones. Despite her treatments, she was dealing with stage IV cancer. Noreen became an activist. She made cancer her business. She knew that raising money for cancer research would give her a leg up on dealing with her own health issues.

“I believe that translational research - research that gets treatments to patients more quickly - is what we need to be focused upon. I also believe that collaboration between scientists is critical to finding a cure. We have to be on the same page, going in the same direction, with a common goal so that we can be most effective. I was willing to devote all of my energy to this. I believe that one person can make a difference. I was willing for that person to be me.”

Devoting her time and energy to cancer research is precisely what Noreen did, and she did so in an impressive fashion. She collaborated with a host of celebrities and entertainment professionals to co-create and co-produce Stand Up 2 Cancer. On September 5th, 2008 SU2C made history. Fifty of the most renowned personalities in TV, film, sports and music came together for a one-of-a-kind broadcast. In an unprecedented television event, NBC, ABC, and CBS simultaneously devoted 1 hour of commercial-free prime time to raise funds for the fight against cancer. Over $100 million was raised during the broadcast.

“Working on Stand Up 2 Cancer was a labor of love. Everyone involved in the production had been touched by cancer either directly or indirectly. I knew that I needed to do whatever I could to help find a cure. I had to do it for my daughter.” Funds raised by SU2C are used to support expedited cancer research. Moving treatments from “bench to bedside” is a top priority. “I’m extremely proud of what SU2C has been able to accomplish in a short amount of time. We have people talking about results. There’s renewed anticipation that when these resources are pooled, great things can emerge. I have tremendous hope.”

Noreen deals with stage IV metastatic cancer every day. She remains in close contact with her team of physicians. She takes estrogen blockers, exercises regularly, and adheres to a very healthy diet. “Raising money for cancer research keeps me positive and focused. One person can make a difference. I would be thrilled if that person was me.”

About Noreen