The Breast Cancer Research Foundation Board of Directors Elects Leonard A. Lauder as Acting Chairman

NEW YORK, Dec. 14, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- The Breast Cancer Research Foundation (BCRF) today announced the appointment of Leonard A. Lauder as Acting Chairman of the Board of Directors. He succeeds his wife, Evelyn H. Lauder, who founded BCRF in 1993 and chaired the Foundation until her death on November 12, 2011. Mr. Lauder is Chairman Emeritus of The Estee Lauder Companies.

Mr. Lauder has been actively involved in the Foundation since its inception. In assuming the chairmanship role, he extends his long-standing engagement with BCRF, having worked steadfastly beside his wife as she championed the cause. In fact, during her illness, Mr. Lauder served as her spokesperson. Under Mr. Lauder's guidance, BCRF will passionately continue to pursue the mission defined by Evelyn Lauder: to fund research worldwide that will lead to the prevention of, and a cure for, breast cancer.

Mr. Lauder stated, "Evelyn's optimism about, and dedication to, BCRF were unparalleled. She was a constant source of inspiration, and BCRF stands in tribute to her remarkable vision. Her passion is my passion, and I am dedicated to finding a cure for breast cancer. I look forward to honoring Evelyn's legacy and assuring a prosperous future for the Foundation."

"Leonard Lauder's leadership will reinforce the resolve of everyone within the BCRF family to carry on Evelyn's legacy of achieving a world free of breast cancer. BCRF stands to benefit greatly from his expertise and experience," said Myra J. Biblowit, who has been President of The Breast Cancer Research Foundation for the past 10 years and worked closely with Evelyn Lauder.

In October 2011, BCRF awarded $36.5 million to 186 scientists across the United States, Canada, Latin America, Europe, the Middle East, Australia, and China. With over 90 cents of every dollar donated currently being directed to breast cancer research and awareness programs, BCRF continues to remain fiscally responsible, while funding brilliant investigators at major medical institutions worldwide. For more information about BCRF, visit www.bcrfcure.org.

The Breast Cancer Research Foundation®, founded by Evelyn H. Lauder in 1993, is an independent not-for-profit organization committed to funding scientific research to achieve prevention and a cure for breast cancer in our lifetime, cumulatively raising $360 million to date to fight a global battle against the disease. 

SOURCE Breast Cancer Research Foundation