Introduction to CanCare’s Hope Survivorship Luncheon
The River Oaks Country Club was filled with 400 guests, all of whom were there to support CanCare’s annual Hope Survivorship Luncheon. This event, chaired by Michele Leal Farah and Tony Bradfield, aimed to raise funds for CanCare’s mission of providing peer support to those facing cancer. The gathering was a huge success, raising more than $350,000 for this worthy cause.
A Show of Community Support
The event saw six years of former luncheon chairs join in celebration, including Donna and Norman Lewis, Jordan Seff, Kelley Lubanko, Stephanie Tsuru, honorary chair Frank Tsuru, Phoebe and Bobby Tudor, and 2026 luncheon chair Kristy Bradshaw. This show of community continuity highlighted the importance of the cause and the impact that CanCare has on those affected by cancer.
The Program and Honorees
The program was emceed by longtime supporter Lisa Malosky and introduced CanCare’s newest literary endeavor — Hope in the Face of Cancer. This moving collection of stories from survivors, caregivers, and healthcare professionals was framed by President and CEO Darcie Wells as both inspiration and action. The event also honored several individuals and organizations for their contributions to the cancer fight, including Corporate Honoree JP Morgan Chase, Healthcare Honoree Dr. Katy Rezvani, and Community Honorees, the Mir Family.
Fundraising and Giving
Generosity was in abundance at the event, with Giving Tree gift cards being snatched up before lunch began and a glittering raffle sponsored by Tenenbaum Jewelers offering winners the pick of dazzling jewelry or coveted Astros Diamond Club seats. 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.
Attendees and Supporters
The event was attended by a multitude 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.
Conclusion
The CanCare Hope Survivorship Luncheon was a resounding success, raising vital funds and awareness for the organization’s mission. The event highlighted the importance of community support and the impact that CanCare has on those affected by cancer. As the organization continues to provide peer support to those in need, events like this luncheon will remain crucial in helping to fuel their mission and bring hope to those facing cancer.
