Sharon Stone recently revealed in an impassioned speech at a cancer charity that she has been hit financially by recent bank failures.
Stone was honored with the 2023 Courage Award at the Women’s Cancer Research Fund’s An Unforgettable Evening benefit event on Thursday, March 16, for her “support of breast cancer research and commitment to raising awareness of the cause,” according to a press release.
During her speech at the benefit, which was captured and shared by The Hollywood Reporter’s Chris Gardner Twitterthe longtime activist urged attendees to increase their donations, noting that a mere donation is a form of “courage” at this difficult time.
“Because I know what’s going on. I just lost half my money on this bank thing and that doesn’t mean I’m not here,” she said, wiping a tear from her face.
While the 65-year-old gave no further details about her financial loss, the news came less than a week after Silicon Valley Bank was shut down by the California Department of Financial Protection and Innovation on Friday, March 10, according to NBC News. The SVB shutdown was the largest bank failure since the 2008 financial crisis and the second largest in US history after the collapse of Washington Mutual.
Stone has also been open about other personal struggles in her life, citing some of the difficult experiences she’s had over the past few months.
“My brother just died, and that doesn’t mean I’m not here,” she said. “This is not an easy time for any of us.”
The actor’s brother, Patrick Stone, died on February 12 after suffering a heart attack. He was 57.
The ‘Basic Instinct’ star confirmed his death in a video on Instagram and thanked fans for their support during this devastating loss. She added, “Like any family, we thank you for your love and support at this time of immeasurable sadness and appreciate all your condolences.”
Stone continued, “Yes, we’ve had a tremendous loss over the last few years, as have so many of you,” referring to the death of her 11-month-old godson River, who died of “total organ failure” in August 2021.” And we understand very well that the loss here on earth is ours.”
Continue reading
Before making her emotional plea to attendees, The Hollywood Reporter reported that in her speech, Stone also reflected on her own health struggles over the years, including a procedure to remove tumors from the actress’ breast.
“So never feel compelled not to have a mammogram, blood test or surgery because it doesn’t matter,” she said. “I stand here and tell you that I had a tissue and a half or more removed from my breasts and neither of you knew it.”
Francesca Gariano