Press Release

CancerCare^® to Host Virtual National Gala on April 21, 2021

CancerCare, the leading national nonprofit organization providing free, professional support services to anyone affected by cancer, is excited to announce the 2021 National Gala will be held virtually on Wednesday, April 21, 2021.
This year’s event will honor Michael Barasch on behalf of Barasch & McGarry, Lawyers for the 9/11 Community, with the 2021 Corporate Achievement Award.

“For 77 years, CancerCare has been at the forefront of addressing what matters most to patients and their families through free, direct services to help cope with the emotional, practical and financial challenges of a cancer diagnosis,” said CancerCare CEO, Patricia J. Goldsmith. “This annual gala is a vital way to raise funds, and we are so grateful for everyone who participates each year. A special thank you to Michael Barasch and Mastercard for their generosity.”

When asked about their participation in the gala, Michael Barasch said, “My law firm is privileged to represent more than 20,000 people in the 9/11 community. 68 cancers have now been linked by the C.D.C. to exposure to the World Trade Center toxic dust. Thousands of first responders, downtown office workers, residents and students have been diagnosed with and/or died from these cancers. It’s an honor to support the wonderful work that CancerCare does to help tens of thousands of people with cancer. I am particularly grateful to its wonderful and compassionate oncology social workers who are on the front lines helping patients and their families cope with their illnesses.”

Mastercard will serve as the Exclusive Auction sponsor and Preferred Payment Partner of this year’s gala. The auction features selections of fine wines, art, food experiences, a suite for a New York Yankees game, vacation getaways, once-in-a-lifetime experiences such as a personalized pre-recorded message from Laura Benanti and a virtual book club with New York Times best-selling author of “The Henna Artist,” Alka Joshin. The event will also showcase a live performance by Tony Award-winner and five-time Tony Award nominee Laura Benanti.

CancerCare would also like to thank the 2021 Gala Co-Chairs, Renata & Flavio Figueiredo and Annette Alvarez Pizzo, as well as the Gala Committee: Paul M. Friedman, Beth Greenberg, Christine Converse Hogan, Kay Hsu, Rachel Klein, Paula Lascano, Loretta & Raymond Moseman, Marsha Palanci, Lori and Michael Parisi, Chandni Patel, Drew Pizzo, Eleanor Sigona, Susan Smirnoff & Kirk Zachary and Burt Zweigenhaft.

Gala Sponsors include Premier Sponsors Dorothy Schachne and the Schachne Family, Leadership Circle Sponsors Barasch & McGarry, Paula Lascano and Merck. Gala Gold Sponsors are Renata and Flavio Figueiredo, Genentech, Kay Hsu and Anthony Zaret, Marsha Palanci, Lori and Michael Parisi, Annette Alvarez Pizzo and Andrew Pizzo. Silver Sponsors include AbbVie, Amgen, The Association for Value-Based Cancer Care (AVBCC), Bristol Myers Squibb, Eisai, Susan and Paul Friedman, Gilead, GlaxoSmithKline, Harborside, Christine and Paul Hogan, Janssen Oncology, Lilly Oncology, Loretta and Raymond Moseman, Onco360, Pfizer, Susan Smirnoff and Kirk Zachary, Takeda Oncology and ViacomCBS.

Click here for more information on CancerCare's Virtual National Gala.

About CancerCare®

Founded in 1944, CancerCare is the leading national organization providing free, professional support services and information to help people manage the emotional, practical and financial challenges of cancer. Our comprehensive services include counseling and support groups over the phone, online and in-person, educational workshops, publications and financial and co-payment assistance. All CancerCare services are provided by master’s-prepared oncology social workers and world-leading cancer experts.
To learn more, visit our website or call 800-813-HOPE (4673).

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