Caring Souls Spread Candlelight at CanCare HOPE Survivorship Luncheon

Caring Souls Spread Candlelight at CanCare HOPE Survivorship Luncheon

“A candle loses nothing by lighting another candle.” Such was the sentiment of more than 450 impassioned souls who gathered in support of CanCare at its annual HOPE Survivorship Luncheon to light a candle for loved ones and friends affected by cancer. Chair Kristy Bradshaw, Honorees Dr. Marc Boom, Hallie Vanderhider and Elizabeth Stein, along with President and CEO Darcie Wells, were overjoyed by the more than $550,000 raised to support the organization’s ongoing efforts.

At the pre-luncheon reception, the always-popular Giving Tree offered guests the chance to support the charity by purchasing gift cards, which sold out before the ballroom doors even opened. Tenenbaum Jewelers honored CanCare’s 36 years of service with a $6,036 gift card donation. Houston’s top sports teams were well represented, with tickets generously contributed by Mari Glass, Hallie Vanderhider and Beth Wolff.

Emcee and former Channel 2 sportscaster Lisa Malosky led the program and welcomed everyone to a touching afternoon. Reverend Katie Montgomery Mears offered a solemn invocation. Chairman Kristy Bradshaw greeted the crowd, shared part of her cancer journey, and emphasized the importance of CanCare and of having a trained survivor to walk alongside you and provide much-needed HOPE. CEO Darcie Wells provided an update on key developments at the foundation and proudly stated, “HOPE has a dramatic impact on cancer survivorship.”

The honorees above were applauded for their contributions not only to the charity but also to the community. Honoree Elizabeth Stein shared a deeply personal and heartfelt account of how cancer affected her, her family and her friends.

The traditional and heartwarming Candle Lighting Ceremony allowed attendees to light and hold candles in tribute to loved ones affected by cancer. They could say the person’s name aloud or in private as the candle was ceremoniously lit. The memorable moment was followed by a powerful appeal. Those contributing to this effort rang a bell to symbolize the end of a cancer patient’s treatment.

Following the appeal, the stage belonged to Emcee Lisa Malosky and Dr. Marc Boom, who engaged in a lively interview about advances in cancer research, emerging breakthroughs, and actionable ways to support survivors today. The event, produced by Francisco + Co., concluded with an enthusiastic raffle and an excited winner! Guests left enlightened and empowered, firm in the knowledge that there are two ways to spread light: to be the candle or the mirror that reflects it.

In the Social Scene (not previously mentioned):  Elizabeth Colombowala, Andrea Medina, Roslyn Bazzelle Mitchell, Shawn Stephens, Allison Thacker, Emily Crosswell, Brigitte Kalai, Alicia Smith, Farida Abjani, Laura Stein, DeeDee Marsh, Kim Tutcher, Fady Armanious, Heidi Smith, Kelley Lubanko, Dr. Julie Boom, Titus Harris, Leigh Smith, Phoebe Tudor, Chris Bradshaw, Vicki Luna-Lerma, Cheryl Boblitt King, Anne Neeson, Ileana Treviño, Cyndy Garza Roberts, Bobby Dees, Jennifer Allison, Denise Monteleone, Cathy Brock, Heidi Rockecharlie, Mignon Gill, Ann Ayre, Maria Moncada-Alaoui, Beth Muecke, Leisa Holland-Nelson Bowman, Dr. Sippi Khurana, Anne Carl, Cindy Bendy, Amanda Boffone, Nora Jarrard, Kirby and David Lodholz, Elise McKinney, Ileana Treviño, Cheryl Byington, Isabel David, Valerie Dieterich