Former exec of Paramount Studios inspiring others to overcome adversity

BY LYNDA FIGUEREDO TUESDAY, JANUARY 26TH 2016

Sherry Lansing is the Keynote Speaker at the HOW luncheon.

PALM BEACH (CBS12) — Cancer touches everyone in some way.

That is why the former Chairman and CEO of Paramount Pictures is in town to speak to others on why she became an advocate and how she is helping an aging population.Sherry Lansing is best known for her accomplishments in Hollywood.Now she is taking on a different role, helping others to overcome adversity when it comes to age and health."I am here because I care about ovarian cancer research," said Lansing. Unfortunately I lost my mother to this disease over 30 years ago and it has stayed with me forever. I watched her suffer and her not being able to be diagnosed early," said Lansing.As the Keynote Speaker of the luncheon, "Time is of the Essence," which benefits Hearing the Ovarian Cancer Whisper, Lansing explains you learn more from the challenges in life, not the victories."If you perservere, if you keep going and make sure to stop and enjoy the steps of the journey, you will be successful," said Lansing.Advice, organizers say is key when overcoming any type of adversity."We try not to dwell on this insidious disease, but we try and talk about how women can be empowered and it's through the support, the strengths and the struggles that create success and make us go on," said H.O.W. President Fern Fordiman.Lansing was joined by Pamela Fiori, another woman who made a name for herself by being the first female editor of 'Town and Country.'"I am trying to encourage other people that there is hope out there, that they can be great leaders because leaders are made and not born," said Fiori.Guests were also given a copy of Fiori's popular book, "Toasts for Every Occasion."Hearing the Ovarian Cancer Whisper helps fund research, education and awareness.