Congressman Chaffetz, Amberley Synder to be Keynote Speakers at Annual Breast Cancer Luncheon for Utah Survivors

CEDAR HILLS, UT – Special guests Congressman Jason Chaffetz and paralyzed rodeo champion Amberley Synder will speak to breast cancer survivors at a special luncheon hosted by Dr. Mark Jensen, plastic surgeon, on October 11, 2016 from 12:00 to 1:30 pm.

“Every patient has a unique life story of courage that inspires us,” said Dr. Mark Jensen, board certified plastic surgeon in American Fork, Utah. “We wanted to find a way to recognize what they have overcome. The bond we have with these patients runs deep, having walked with them through an extremely difficult time. This luncheon is a great event to see them healthy and stronger people than they were before. The luncheon becomes a reunion of sorts, one that is growing each year.”

People all over the world recognize breast cancer awareness during the month of October. It is a time for healing, celebrating and remembering. For many Utah women, it is also a time to pay-it-forward to future breast cancer patients.

“Breast cancer survivors learn and experience so much during their fight against cancer; they can be a caring and valuable resource to recently diagnosed breast cancer patients, “ Dr. Jensen explains. “My wife, Anna, and I created the Pay-It-Forward program because we wanted to give back, and we wanted to facilitate a way for breast cancer survivors to give back as well.”

During the annual luncheon, attendees create care packages for Dr. Jensen’s future breast cancer patients. These bags include a small gift from local businesses as well as cards with a personal, encouraging message from luncheon attendees who are currently on or finishing their own breast cancer journey.

This year’s event will include keynote speaker Congressman Jason Chaffetz. Chaffetz’s mother passed away in 1995 after a long fight with cancer. It was the generosity of medical professionals and the quality of care she received that initially inspired Chaffetz to become involved in government.

“My mother fought breast cancer for twelve years, “ Chaffetz said. “I saw up close and personal the toil this disease takes on patients and families. We appreciated so much the work of trained professionals who worked hard not only to treat her physical ailments, but also to give emotional support during a very difficult time for our family.”

Rodeo champion Amberley Synder will be the other keynote speaker. After a paralyzing car accident, doctors told Snyder that she would never walk again, let alone rodeo. This life changing experience could have kept her down, but through hard work and determination, she has ‘gotten back on the horse’– literally. Despite being paralyzed below her waist, Synder has become a champion rodeo roper and professional barrel racer, often performing better than her competitors.

“Speaking to a group of women who have felt hard struggles, and can relate to the life changing challenges that life throws at us, is a humbling experience for me,” says Synder. “Dr. Jensen has been a part of all of our stories and, through his gifted hands, has helped give us the opportunity to return to the life we love.”

Key Event Details

October 11, 2016, 12:00 pm – 1:30 pm

The Vista at Cedar Hills Golf Club

10640 N Clubhouse Drive, Cedar Hills UT 84062

“Pay It Forward” project participation will take place at the beginning of the event

Media is welcome to attend the keynote presentations 

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 Dr. Jensen, a native to Utah, earned his doctorate of medicine from the Mayo Medical School in Rochester, Minnesota, after graduating Cum Laude from Brigham Young University. During his residency at the Mayo Clinic he was Chief Resident. Training under many of the top plastic surgeons in the nation, Dr. Jensen has gained expertise in many areas of reconstructive surgery. Dr. Jensen has published often and has been involved in medical missions in third world countries, most recently in Lima, Peru, performing surgical corrections for cleft lip and palates. He has a long history of volunteer work and community service.