On Thursday, October 9, The Pink Agenda (TPA) hosted their 18th Annual New York City GALA. The evening, which raised $340,000 for breast cancer research and care, was themed “Pink Elegance” and took place at the Tribeca Rooftop. #Powerjournalist Markos Papadatos has the recap.
“The reason I’m standing here today is because of research—the scientific and medical advancements that The Pink Agenda has helped fund, which supported me through not just one, but two breast cancer diagnoses,” said Nicole Seagriff, President of TPA and two-time breast cancer survivor.
The evening honored Dr. Eleonora Teplinsky, Head of Breast and Gynecologic Medical Oncology at Valley-Mount Sinai Comprehensive Cancer Care in Paramus, NJ, with The Pink Agenda Icon Award. Actress and content creator Miranda McKeon presented Dr. Teplinsky with the award.
McKeon shared heartfelt remarks and noted that her mom was the one who discovered Dr. Teplinsky – on Instagram. “She has exceeded every expectation. When I say my mom and I fell in love, I mean we fell in love,” McKeon said.
“Dr. Teplinsky makes you feel like you’re the only girl in the room, I’m blushing. No but truly, she is so attentive and makes me comfortable asking every kind of question. My mom still comes to my appointments with me, and I guarantee it’s more to see Dr. T than to get updates on my health.”
Accepting the Icon Award, Dr. Teplinsky reflected upon how cancer impacted her life from an early age – her grandmother received an ovarian cancer diagnosis when Teplinsky was only 16 years old – and how it informs the work she does today.
“In an age where misinformation often spreads faster than the truth, my mission has always been, and will continue to be, to provide accurate evidence-based information that doesn’t inspire fear but inspires action,” she remarked. “Being embraced by this community as a trusted and reliable voice is a privilege and not one that I take for granted. Although social media certainly has its downsides, it is responsible for bringing so many of the people in this room together and is a true space for education, empowerment and advocacy. Used intentionally, it can be a lifeline, helping people find resources, opening conversations about often stigmatized topics such as survivorship, fertility, sexuality, and mental health. It enables us to reach those who might otherwise feel isolated, reminding them that they are not alone.”
Throughout the evening, guests enjoyed activations by Chic Sketch and Forever Golden. The live auction, hosted by Adam Kuperstein, included a rosé pink electric guitar signed by rock icon Jon Bon Jovi and a Bermuda getaway which included a $1,000 gift card from Brazilian luxury fashion brand, PatBo.
Additional guests at the Gala included Katie Thurston, Alison Hall, Jenna Leigh Green, Sarrah Strimel Bentley, Emma Myles, Hayley Paige, Carly Cardellino, Zac Mathias, Gina Naomi Baez, Dani Trop, Millie Densing, Jennifer Taylor, Adrien Finkel, Raline Shah, Justine Morris, and more. Guests danced the night away to a set by DJ Ya Girl Ash.
The evening’s sponsors included: William P. Lauder, Citrone 33, Alanna & Kyle Griswold, Perfect Moving, CGA Capital, Hampton Water, Kendra Scott, Labaton Keller Sucharow, Paul Hastings, Troutman Pepper, Wirths Family, Paxman Scalp Cooling, In Loving Memory of Erica I. Starr, Epstein Partners, Brooke & Aaron Goldstein, LYS Beauty, Melle & Matt Micari, Movado Group, Ocean Block Capital, Saie, The Quick Family, and WME.
The evening’s Host Committee included: Adam Kuperstein, Amanda Batula, Carly Cardellino, Casey Fleming, Danielle Lauder, Dr. Lisa Weichmann, Emily Mattys, Emma Myles, Giovanni Viccaro, Hayley Paige, Jenna Leigh Green, Jesse Bongiovi, Kyle Cooke, Lauren O’Connell, Lia Michelle Higgins, Lucky Sekhon, Megan Lyons, Michael Blanchard, Miki Kuperstein, Millie Densing, Negar Mohammadi, Rachel Lauder, Raline Shah, Rebecca Jarvis, Sabrina Poon, Sarrah Strimel Bentley, Steven Beltrani, Taylow Servetnick, Tisha Thompson, and Zac Mathias.
Honoree Dr. Eleonora Teplinsky is the Head of Breast and Gynecologic Medical Oncology at Valley-Mount Sinai Comprehensive Cancer Care in Paramus, NJ and serves as a Clinical Assistant Professor of Medicine at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai. In her clinical practice, she specializes in breast and gynecologic cancers, providing expert, compassionate care to patients navigating some of life’s most difficult challenges.
Beyond the clinic, Dr. Teplinsky is deeply committed to making complex medical information accessible and empowering. Through her writing, speaking, and social media presence, she translates scientific findings into clear, understandable language—equipping patients, families, advocates, and the broader public with knowledge that is both actionable and hopeful.
She is the host of the INTERLUDE podcast, which amplifies the voices and stories of women affected by cancer. By sharing experiences of resilience, vulnerability, and strength, the podcast provides support and connection for those facing similar journeys.
Dr. Teplinsky’s influence extends far beyond the exam room. A trusted voice in the breast cancer community, she bridges the gap between research and real life, science and story—work that embodies the values at the heart of The Pink Agenda’s mission.
Founded in 2007, The Pink Agenda (TPA) is a nonprofit organization committed to raising money for breast cancer research and care, as well as awareness of the disease among young professionals.
Born of the belief that engaging today’s generation can go a long way toward finding tomorrow’s cure, TPA finds, funds, and partners with people and programs that are improving the lives of those impacted by breast cancer and conducting the groundbreaking research necessary to improve their outcomes.
Since 2012, the organization has shared a strategic partnership with its longtime beneficiary, the Breast Cancer Research Foundation (BCRF). In addition, TPA also proudly collaborates on Giuliana Rancic’s very own FAB-U-WISH, a special initiative geared towards making wishes come true for young women impacted by breast cancer across the country while funding the research needed for their ultimate wish – to find a cure.
To date, TPA has raised over $11.5 million for breast cancer research and care – and the best is yet to come! Fun and philanthropy are not mutually exclusive, and we prove that in every way. While we’re serious about our mission, we’re also serious about having a good time. When good people come together for a good cause, great things happen.
For more information, visit The Pink Agenda official website.
