When we hold hands, we tell each other: I’m here. You’re not alone. We’re in this together.

At this year’s luncheon, reach out and hold her hand. The woman who fled violence, terrified for her family’s life. The woman caring for her children, far from everything she knows. The woman praying over her baby, hoping their fever breaks.

Hold her hand, so she can play with her children. Hold her hand, so she can bring dinner to a neighbor. Hold her hand, so she can fold them together in prayer.

The luncheon is an opportunity for our compassionate members to reach out and join hands as a global community. Together, we’ll hold her hand, so she can thrive.

With inspirational speakers and stories from the work you make possible around the world, you won’t want to miss this special afternoon.

If you are passionate about being a champion for women and children’s health around the world, and want to connect with like-minded people, you’ll love this year’s luncheon!

Meet our Speaker Helen Manson

Helen Manson is a multi-award-winning New Zealand humanitarian photographer and storyteller. Helen’s work has taken her around the world to some of the most challenging environments documenting famine, refugee settlements, post war environments, child sponsorship, micro-enterprise, trauma counselling and disaster zones. She’s travelled to more than 47 countries including places like Iraq, Democratic Republic of Congo, Lebanon, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Ethiopia and India, documenting global humanitarian issues for charities and not for profit organizations all over the world.  When she’s not ‘shooting in the field’ you’ll find her jumping on the trampoline in her backyard with her husband and four kids in Auckland, New Zealand.

Lauren Taylor

Lauren comes to Medical Teams International with a background in international relief and development, experience working in fragile contexts, and bringing a passion for moving people out of trauma and suffering into healing, wholeness, empowerment, and opportunity. Lauren most recently served as National Director of World Vision International’s Jerusalem/West Bank/Gaza program for the past five years. Lauren has also worked at the regional level in a technical leadership role, overseeing a Development, Learning & Impact team. Additionally, she brings experience at a headquarters level, managing technical specialists (including health), country program mangers and grant proposal and report writers.

Meet our Seattle MC | Monique Ming Laven

Monique Ming Laven co-anchors KIRO 7 News at 4:00 p.m., 5:00 p.m., 6:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m., Monday through Friday. An Emmy®, Edward R. Murrow® and a National Headliner Award winner, Monique has been on the desk for some of Western Washington’s biggest news stories. She continues to be recognized for her excellence in reporting and also for her dedicated commitment to our local community. Monique lives in Seattle with her husband, Jamie, and their two little ones.

Meet our Portland MC | Katherine Cook

 Emmy-winning journalist Katherine Cook has been reporting stories for KGW News for over 17 years. She’s proud to call Portland her hometown and shares a special connection with the communities she covers. Before coming to KGW, Katherine reported for news stations in Colorado Springs and Southern Oregon. Giving back is important to Katherine. She has a heart for supporting overseas missions, especially in Guatemala, where her mother was born. She’s honored to support Medical Teams International.