Ambassador Victor Ashe hosted with guest of honor and State Department Public Diplomacy Envoy Fran Drescher

Fran Drescher speaking at the reception

On October 10th, Ambassador Victor Ashe hosted a reception for members of the Alumni Association, the Polish Union of Oncology, women’s organizations and Polish celebrities with guest of honor and State Department Public Diplomacy Envoy Fran Drescher, also known as "The Nanny" for her acclaimed performance in the U.S. sitcom of the same name.  Ms. Drescher has recently taken on a new role as a cancer survivor.  After the success of her book, Cancer Schmancer, Ms. Drescher founded the "Cancer Schmancer Movement" to promote early detection of cancer (in stage one) and increase awareness of public health issues.    While in Poland, Ms. Drescher supported U.S. public diplomacy efforts, including working with health organizations and women’s groups to raise awareness of women’s health issues, cancer awareness and detection, and patient empowerment and advocacy. 

At his Warsaw residence, Ambassador Ashe welcomed over 150 guests from all the regions of Poland and from among many professional fields. Fran Drescher spoke about the importance of early detection and urged people to focus greater attention on taking control over their own health.  Alumni Association Director Dr. Jacek Nieckula spoke about the importance of her mission and how the association is proud to take part in it. The association collected money in support of the Urszula Jaworska Foundation, which helps people suffering from leukemia and other blood diseases, conducts educational and information campaigns, and advocates the creation of Bone Marrow Donors Registry.  This was the first charity event organized by the Alumni Association, and through it, the Association collected over 2,400.00 zl, which will be presented to the Urszula Jaworska Foundation.