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Harriet Legum's personal crusade began more than twenty years ago when she was diagnosed with breast cancer. After successful treatment at The Johns Hopkins Hospital, her illness became a catalyst that would affect her life and change lives in the community. Using her newfound voice, she became a powerful advocate for breast cancer research and education. As the chair of the Johns Hopkins Oncology Breast Cancer Research Chair and Fellowship Campaign she raised $2.1 million, endowing the first chair and fellowship of its type in the country. Harriet recently chaired a fund raising event for the Johns Hopkins Avon Breast Center.
Harriet's developing interest in women's health issues helped spur the creation of "A Woman's Journey." Currently she serves as a co-chair of the multidisciplinary educational program. The annual symposium features Johns Hopkins professors who address a variety of current women's health topics. The program which began in 1995 is open to the public and attracts nearly 1,000 women each year.
Since 2004, Harriet also serves as a member of the Johns Hopkins Medicine Board of Advisors, a member of the Oncology Advisory Committee and the Wilmer Advisory Board. Harriet and her husband Jeffrey have endowed a Professorship in Acute Neurological Medicine at Johns Hopkins Medicine. Harriet's community involvement extends to the Kennedy Krieger Institute where she serves on its Board of Trustees. She assisted in the creation of a revolutionary music therapy program for children at the Kennedy Krieger School. In 2000 Harriet chaired the Festival of Trees for Kennedy Krieger and successfully raised $600,000 for the event. She also has held volunteer leadership positions at The Park School and The Baltimore Museum of Art. Harriet has served as a board member of the Susan G. Komen Foundation and was a founding member of the "Race for the Cure" in Baltimore. Harriet also served as a chair of the auction of Baltimore Crabs Event to benefit Baltimore City Schools.
Harriet continues to serve as a resource for newly diagnosed breast cancer patients, offering support and personal insight into treating and surviving the disease.
Biography courtesy of the Maryland Commission for Women, 2009. |
