Hamptons.com, June 2011

East Hampton - Cancer Schmancer, a women's health movement founded by actress and uterine cancer survivor, Fran Drescher, celebrated Father's Day at East Hampton Studio on Sunday, June 19, 2011.

Michael Wudyka of East Hampton Studio, Fran Drescher, and guests Alex McCord and Simon van Kempen at Sunday's Cancer Schmancer’s celebration. (Lisa Tamburini)

Countess LuAnn de Lesseps and Angela La Greca show their support. (Lisa Tamburini)

The family event featured entertaining activities such as live music, video games, face painting, bounce house, craft projects and viewing of U.S. Open Golf - all for the benefit of the organization's "We The Future" youth initiative for prevention and healthy living. The event also honored East Hampton Studio owner Michael Wudyka as Father of the Year.

East Hampton Studio is the largest indoor space in the Hamptons, hosting concerts, charity events, and TV and movie productions, and Wudyka celebrated the day with his sons Tucker (18) and Wyatt (16). He offered that the Studio currently has three productions lined up for September, but also revealed "I am happy to be here celebrating the day with my sons, and as a member of this community, any opportunity I have to use the studio for a charitable and worthwhile cause I am happy to do so." For more information go to www.easthamptonstudio.com.

After two years, eight doctors, and an odyssey of misdiagnoses and mistreatments, Drescher was diagnosed with Stage 1 uterine cancer. To share her experience so women wouldn't have to go through what she did, she wrote the New York Times best seller, "Cancer Schmancer." In 2007, she launched Cancer Schmancer, dedicated to transforming generations from passive patients into informed medical consumers and educating communities on the importance and methods of prevention and early detection. In July 2010, Cancer Schmancer was named one of the Top-Rated Health Nonprofits by GreatNonprofits.

Chazz Palminteri with his son Dante, who performed at the event, daughter Gabriella and wife Gianna. (Lisa Tamburini)

The Cancer Schmancer's "We The Future" program seeks to engage teens and young adults with creative curriculum on prevention, healthy living and reducing their exposure to carcinogens. The mission of the organization is hopeful that this next generation of medical consumers, teens and young adults will not only have a huge influence on their friends and family, but have the power to save lives and create a healthier world.

The lovely Fran Drescher is all smiles. (Lisa Tamburini)

Graciousness has no limitations as was evidenced by the lovely Ms. Drescher, who took the time to conduct a telephone interview en route to JFK after leaving the event, as she is due in the studio in California tomorrow. Due to a late arrival at East Hampton Studio - a victim of our famous Hamptons traffic - Drescher exhibited total charm and professionalism by posing for as many photos and sitting for as many interviews as possible, before having to depart. Unable to speak with all members of the press this hard working lady and healthy lifestyle choices advocate proved that she is more than just a spokesperson - she's a doer, so she picked up the phone in her car and called to discuss the organization and its goals, and the courtesy is certainly appreciated.

Drescher indicated that one of the Board members is friends with Wudyka and that is why the event was held in the Hamptons. "This area is beautiful and I have friends out here. I live in Malibu and keep a place in NYC, but would like to be able to spend more time out here."

Commenting on her abilty to use her celebrityhood and name for a cause that is very important to her, Drescher revealed "I am trying to reach a generation of youngsters that for the first time in the history of mankind will not outlive their parents." Embarking on another television series that premiered last week, "Happily Divorced" (TVLand), about a married woman of 18 years whose husband reveals he is gay, Drescher stated "I'm trying to use the 'Nanny' legacy to turn it around for kids and parents to be empowered and involved in healthy choices they can do that will not only educate them but maybe prolong their lives." Further, "This new show is about my own life - love is love - not conditional - my relationship with my ex-husband, or all relationships that might have people realize that if you pay attention to not just your own life, but your environment and others, and assume the obligation of trying to impart something valuable to others, you will benefit yourself as well. Getting as many people to think globally about choices benefits everyone." Drescher also exclaimed, "Working again on a series is a bit more physcially challenging than it was 18 years ago, but I feel great and am very excited about this opportunity."

Songbird Leah Laurenti belted out some great tunes. (Lisa Tamburini)

According to Drescher "By empowering individuals to listen to their bodies, ask the right questions of their doctors and seek second opinions, we can prevent cancer and, if they still end up with cancer, detect it in its earliest stages when it is most treatable."

Well known actor Chazz Palminteri was present to show his support not only for the organization, but also to cheer on his son Dante, whose band Kaymus performed live music that kept guests rockin'. According to Dante (lead vocalist), the band has been together for four years, and includes members Justin Gold (drums and producer for the band), Evan Schwartzman (bass guitar), and David Batten (guitar). It was a family affair as daugther Gabriella (9) and wife Gianna Palminteri were on hand as well.

Additional live music was provided by the enormously talented Leah Laurenti. A Medford, New York native, this songtress has made it to Hollywood twice on "American Idol" - and with those pipes let's hope she goes all the way soon. Currently opening locally for New Life Crisis, catch this vocalist whenever and wherever you can.

Members of the band Kaymus who performed, including Justin Gold, Evan Schwartzman, David Batten, and Dante Palminteri. (Lisa Tamburini)

Other guests included 'Real Housewives of NYC' Alex McCord and Countess LuAnn de Lesseps, Angela La Greca, Simon van Kempen, and sons Francois and Johan. McCord exclaimed, "This is such a worthy event, and for all of us to be together on Father's Day is just wonderful. We were in Montauk last night and had a wonderful family evening so it's lovely to keep that going. The boys sent their father a Father's Day card on their Ipad notebooks which he got a kick out of." The Countess, looking particularly stunning, offered "I love Fran and any organization that brings attention to healthy choices and preventive means so our kids and ourselves might live longer is one I am happy to be associated with. I have a nursing background and really hope the message of making choices and being truly engaged in your care resonates with everyone."

Discussing her hope that perhaps this new program could be integrated in after school or school meals programs and school curriculums, Drescher offered "You know, the Boys Scouts give out badges for all sorts of accomplishments, I'd like to see programs where we give out badges for healthy choices." If so, perhaps the first "Merit" Badge should go to Drescher for all she does for others.

The Cancer Schmancer Movement hits the Hamptons. (Lisa Tamburini)