Lombardi Women Celebrates 20 Years of Advancing Breast Cancer Research
Posted in Lombardi Stories | Tagged breast cancer research, Lombardi Women, philanthropy
(October 9, 2026) — For 20 years, Lombardi Women has brought together cancer survivors, advocates and supporters around a shared commitment to advancing breast cancer research at Georgetown University’s Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center. To mark the anniversary, nearly 550 members of that community gathered October 1 to continue their support for research aimed at improving breast cancer prevention, detection and treatment. The event raised $640,000.
Held at The Ritz-Carlton, Tysons Corner, the anniversary celebration brought together members of the Washington-area business and philanthropic communities with Georgetown Lombardi physicians and researchers. Funds raised through Lombardi Women support research at Georgetown Lombardi and its Nina Hyde Center for Breast Cancer Research.
The 20th anniversary celebration, co-chaired by Jennifer Bognet and Meredith LaPier, also recognized Jessica Miller, a commercial real estate leader, entrepreneur, breast cancer survivor and advocate, with the 2026 Spirit of Life Award. Diagnosed with stage III breast cancer in 2025, Miller came to Georgetown Lombardi for a second opinion and chose to continue her care there, including participating in a clinical trial during her treatment. She shared her experience and advocacy with guests during a conversation about advances in breast cancer research and treatment with Claudine Isaacs, MD, professor of oncology and medicine, that was moderated by NBC4 anchor Eun Yang.
The celebration also looked ahead to Lombardi Women’s next 20 years, continuing to bring together patients, researchers and supporters to advance breast cancer research. The 2027 event will be co-chaired by Jessica Miller and Phyllis Liebman Brill.
Scenes from the Evening
Lombardi Women connects supporters with the Georgetown Lombardi physicians and scientists whose work they help make possible. Over two decades, the annual event has supported research into new approaches to breast cancer prevention, detection and treatment at Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center.
(From left) 2026 Lombardi Women co-chairs Meredith LaPIer and Jennifer Bognet
The 2026 Lombardi Women Leadership Committee
Jessica Miller received the 2026 Spirit of Life Award, which recognizes individuals who inspire others and demonstrate a commitment to advancing breast cancer research.
(From r) Claudine Isaacs, MD, professor of oncology and medicine at Georgetown, and Spirit of Life Award recipient Jessica Miller discussed advances in breast cancer treatment and the importance of research in a conversation moderated by NBC4 anchor Eun Yang.
Claudine Isaacs, MD, who leads clinical research at Georgetown Lombardi, shared how research and clinical trials are helping scientists develop better, more individualized approaches to breast cancer treatment.
The evening’s “Wine Dudes” continued a favorite Lombardi Women tradition. Tim Whitebread (pictured second from r) was named this year’s Best Wine Dude.
Steve Owens (second from l) was recognized as Best Dressed Wine Dude.
Lombardi Women co-chairs present and future: (from l) Meredith LaPier, 2026 co-chair; Jessica Miller, 2027 co-chair, Phyllis Liebman Brill, 2027 co-chair; and Jennifer Bognet, 2026 co-chair
A necklace donated by Liljenquist & Beckstead was a special anniversary raffle item.
Carrie Hoernig (pictured second from l) was the lucky raffle winner. She accepted the necklace from Liljenquist & Beckstead co-owner and longtime Lombardi Women supporter Sherrie Beckstead (pictured l).
Twenty years after its founding, Lombardi Women continues to bring together the Washington-area business and philanthropic communities to support breast cancer research at Georgetown Lombardi and the Nina Hyde Center for Breast Cancer Research.