Prevent Cancer Annual Gala to mark 40 years of impact in cancer prevention and early detection
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Kyra Meister
703-836-1746
kyra.meister@preventcancer.org
Washington, D.C. – On September 18, the Prevent Cancer Foundation® will mark 40 years of impact at its Annual Gala—an evening dedicated to raising critical funds for cancer prevention and early detection.
Founded in 1985 with a bold mission to make prevention a cornerstone in the fight against cancer, the Foundation has spent four decades driving research and innovation in risk reduction and screening. Today, it is joined by a growing chorus of advocates, researchers and community partners committed to helping all populations achieve better outcomes for their health.
This year’s Gala will spotlight the groundbreaking innovations and inspiring work happening in cancer prevention and early detection across the United States, celebrating the institutions and communities making progress possible. To honor these achievements, the Foundation is aspiring to have congressional representation from all 50 states at the event.
From new screening technologies to public education campaigns that have reached millions, Sara Sidner, Anchor and Senior National Correspondent at CNN, will serve as the evening’s master of ceremonies. Ms. Sidner is a breast cancer survivor who has been sharing her personal story to inspire action and uses her platform as a journalist to educate people about the racial disparity that exists among Black women in the U.S. with breast cancer, urging women to get their annual mammograms and pay attention to changes in their bodies.
The Foundation will honor Representatives Brian Fitzpatrick (Pa.) and Robin Kelly (Ill.) with the Cancer Champion award for their significant contributions to increasing access to prevention and early detection services.
Rep. Fitzpatrick’s connection to cancer is personal—his brother, former Congressman Mike Fitzpatrick, survived colon cancer before later dying of melanoma, the deadliest form of skin cancer, in 2020. Through his work on the Congressional Cancer Caucus and the Childhood Cancer Caucus, Rep. Fitzpatrick placed a focus on raising awareness and advocating on behalf of others.
Rep. Kelly has long been an advocate on issues related to cancer and health disparities. She currently serves as Chair of the Congressional Black Caucus Health Braintrust and has been a champion of legislation regarding cancer prevention, early detection and research during her time in office, emphasizing the need for more inclusive health care across all populations.
Proceeds from the Gala support the Foundation’s programs, including research grants and fellowships and community grants. Funds will also support the Foundation’s public education campaigns, including “Early Detection = Better Outcomes,” to educate U.S. adults on the routine cancer screenings they need and encourage them to schedule appointments.
D.C. media is invited to attend and report on the Gala:
What: Prevent Cancer Annual Gala
When: Thursday, September 18, 6:00 p.m. ET.
Where: National Building Museum, 401 F St. NW, Washington, D.C. 20001
Dress: Business or formal attire
If you plan to attend, please RSVP to kyra.meister@preventcancer.org by Monday, September 15. Please note that members of the press will not be seated for dinner.
A silent auction benefitting cancer research fellowships and community outreach will be held the evening of the event. Bids can be placed online beginning Thursday, September 4. Learn more about the Prevent Cancer Annual Gala.
The 2025 Prevent Cancer Gala thanks its top sponsors:
Presenting Sponsor:
- GRAIL
Emerald Sponsors:
- The Beebe Family
Diamond Sponsors:
- Gilead
- Merck
- Walmart
Platinum Sponsors:
- Amgen
- Cizzle Bio
- Daiichi Sankyo, Inc.
- Guardant
- Incyte
- Johnson & Johnson
- Novartis
- Pfizer
- PhRMA
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About the Prevent Cancer Foundation®
The Prevent Cancer Foundation® is the only U.S.-based nonprofit organization solely dedicated to cancer prevention and early detection. Through research, education, outreach and advocacy, we have helped countless people avoid a cancer diagnosis or detect their cancer early enough to be successfully treated. We are driven by a vision of a world where cancer is preventable, detectable and beatable for all.
The Foundation is rising to meet the challenge of reducing cancer deaths by 40% by 2035. To achieve this, we are committed to investing $20 million for innovative technologies to detect cancer early and advance multi-cancer screening, $10 million to expand cancer screening and vaccination access to medically underserved communities, and $10 million to educate the public about screening and vaccination options.
For more information, please visit www.preventcancer.org.