CanCare’s Annual Hope Survivorship Luncheon: A Celebration of Resilience and Community
The River Oaks Country Club was filled to capacity with 400 guests, all gathered for a powerful purpose: to support CanCare’s mission of providing peer support to those facing cancer. The annual Hope Survivorship Luncheon, chaired by Michele Leal Farah and Tony Bradfield, was a resounding success, raising over $350,000 for this vital cause.
A Show of Community Continuity
One of the most striking aspects of the event was the show of community continuity, as six years of former luncheon chairs joined in celebration. This impressive display of dedication and commitment included Donna and Norman Lewis, Jordan Seff, Kelley Lubanko, Stephanie Tsuru, honorary chair Frank Tsuru, Phoebe and Bobby Tudor, and 2026 luncheon chair Kristy Bradshaw. Their presence served as a testament to the enduring power of community and the importance of supporting one another in the face of cancer.
A New Literary Endeavor: Hope in the Face of Cancer
The program, emceed by longtime supporter Lisa Malosky, introduced CanCare’s newest literary endeavor: Hope in the Face of Cancer. This moving collection of stories from survivors, caregivers, and healthcare professionals is both inspiration and action, echoing the nonprofit’s mission to pair cancer patients and caregivers with trained survivors. President and CEO Darcie Wells framed the book as a powerful tool for making a meaningful difference in the lives of those affected by cancer.
Honoring the Many Sides of the Cancer Fight
This year’s honorees reflected the many sides of the cancer fight. Corporate Honoree JP Morgan Chase was represented by Nick Adam and Meredith Beaupre, who spoke to the bank’s commitment to local impact. Healthcare Honoree Dr. Katy Rezvani, a pioneering force at MD Anderson Cancer Center, delivered the keynote address, sharing breakthroughs from her work as vice president of the Cell Therapy Institute. Community Honorees, the Mir Family, embodied resilience with Marisa Mir, Beckie Mir, Marcie Mir, Gasper Mir III, and Gasper Mir IV all recognized for their shared journey.
A Powerful Moment of Reflection: The Candle Lighting Ceremony
The emotional centerpiece of the afternoon was the candle lighting ceremony, which filled the room with flickering flames held high in memory of loved ones. Keith Saathoff followed with a powerful testimonial, and nearly every attendee gave in the appeal that followed. This poignant moment served as a reminder of the profound impact of cancer on individuals and families, and the importance of supporting one another through difficult times.
A Luminous Gathering of Supporters
The event was attended by a luminous gathering of supporters, including Brigitte Kalai, Alicia Smith, Jordan Seff, Vanessa Ames, Megan Vondra, Fady Armanious, Titus Harris, Kristen Cannon, Leigh Smith, Whitney Kuhn Lawson, Vicki Luna, Anne Neeson, Ileana and Michael Trevino, Cyndy Garza Roberts, Hallie Vanderhider and Bobby Dees, Jennifer Allison, Lesha Elsenbrook, Denise Monteleone, Katie Tsuru, Cathy Brock, Creighton Edwards, Christy Lynn, Michael Fife, John Nau, Martiza Gonzales, and Heidi Rockcharlie. Their presence and generosity helped make the event a resounding success.
Conclusion
The CanCare Hope Survivorship Luncheon was a powerful celebration of resilience and community, raising vital funds and awareness for the nonprofit’s mission. Through the introduction of Hope in the Face of Cancer, the honoring of dedicated individuals and organizations, and the poignant candle lighting ceremony, the event served as a reminder of the importance of supporting one another in the face of cancer. As the community continues to come together to make a meaningful difference, the impact of CanCare’s work will only continue to grow, inspiring hope and resilience in all those affected by cancer.
