Posted: November 15, 2016
At the Inaugural Giants of Science Gala at the Four Seasons Los Angeles at Beverly Hills, Shannen Doherty was presented with the American Cancer Society’s Courage Award for her bravery in publicly sharing her courageous journey with breast cancer.
Shannen said, “I don’t view it as me accepting the Courage Award for myself. I’m accepting the Courage Award on behalf of every single cancer patient out there because it takes a lot of courage.”
Her long-time friend, Sarah Michelle Gellar presented the award to Shannen, saying “She has always been a courageous person but over the last year, she has become a one-woman army. Fearless yet full of heart, crushing cancer like a slayer — takes one to know one.”
In her acceptance speech, Shannen explained that “courage isn’t something that comes to you immediately. It’s not something that you have fully. Courage is something that you gain and it grows. Courage is facing every day and every obstacle one step at a time. Courage is knowing that fear is not going to find a solution; it’s not going to help you find a cure. Courage is embracing what you’re going through and trying to get through it with as much dignity as you possibly can, while also accepting your circumstances and allowing yourself to feel everything.”
Shannen thanked her team of doctors and friends who are helping her through her journey. She credited her support network for giving her the strength and the courage that have brought her so far already.
Dr. Jay Orringer, Shannen’s breast reconstruction surgeon, attended the gala to support Shannen in her continuing journey with cancer and celebrate the recognition of her efforts to lift others up by sharing her own experiences. Breast reconstruction is an important part of the fight against cancer for many women. If you have been diagnosed with breast cancer and would like to learn more about your breast reconstruction options, please call 310-273-1663 today to schedule your consultation with Dr. Orringer. We welcome patients in Beverly Hills, Los Angeles, Santa Monica and Hollywood, California, nationally, and internationally.