Triathlete, Cancer Survivor Delivers Stirring Message At Darien Luncheon

DARIEN, Conn. -- Like many athletes, Karen Newman will say that adversity has a way of building strength. For many years, the former Old Greenwich resident was on top of the endurance sports world.

Center for HOPE Speaker Karen Newman addresses the audience of 300.
Photo Credit: *ChiChi Ubina*

Event Co-Chairs and Karen Newman: (l-r) Kelly Caroon (Greenwich), Susan Yonce, (Greenwich), Karen Newman, Stephanie Douglass (Greenwich) and Barbara Epifanio (Darien).
Photo Credit: *ChiChi Ubina*

Kate Clark and Martha Reed Murphy attended the luncheon.
Photo Credit: *ChiChi Ubina*

Kelly Caroon (Greenwich), Alexis Sweet, Kristy De la Sierra and Kendra Seth at the event.
Photo Credit: *ChiChi Ubina*

Schuyler Morris and Ashley Allan enjoy the luncheon.
Photo Credit: *ChiChi Ubina*

Courtney Evans, Elizabeth Lake (Greenwich), Lindsay Barth visit the luncheon.
Photo Credit: *ChiChi Ubina*

Tom Renner

05/11/2016 5:30 a.m.

As a member of Team USA, Newman claimed All-American status in the triathlon and competed in numerous World Championship races. But out of nowhere, her career - and life - were threatened when she was diagnosed with advanced breast cancer.

During her remarks at the Center for HOPE Luncheon at Wee Burn Country Club, Newman told an audience of nearly 300 how hope, faith and support inspired her to continue training despite undergoing aggressive chemotherapy treatments. Just one year after completing cancer treatment, Newman earned a silver medal at the World Championships in New Zealand and set a world record in the triathlon.

Newman's new book, "Just Three Words," is a gripping story that reveals the incredible power words have - to shatter or empower us - and the astonishing potential that love has to heal. Newman has inspired thousands as she continued training and competing in triathlons throughout her grueling cancer treatments, and was featured on the NBC "Today" show twice because of her rousing message of hope.

The 2016 Center for HOPE Luncheon, Kelly Corroon of Greenwich, Stephanie Douglass of Greenwich, Barbara Epifanio of Darien and Susan Yonce of Greenwich, raised more than $115,000 for the Center for HOPE and The Den for Grieving Kids - Family Centers' critical illness and bereavement support programs.

Family Centers is a private, nonprofit organization offering education and human services to children, adults and families in Fairfield County. More than 200 professionals and 3,000 trained volunteers work together to provide a wide range of responsive, innovative programs.

A United Way, Community Fund of Darien and New Canaan Community Foundation partner agency, Family Centers is a member of the Connecticut Council of Family Service Agencies and the Alliance for Children and Families and is accredited by the Council on Accreditation (COA) and the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC). The agency is licensed by the State of Connecticut Departments of Public Health and Children and Families.

Visit www.familycenters.org for additional information.

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