Press Release
2025-05-08
CancerCare®'s 2025 National Gala Raises Over $1 Million in Support of People Affected by Cancer
CancerCare®, the leading national nonprofit organization providing free, professional support services to anyone affected by cancer for over 80 years, is pleased to share that this year’s national gala raised over $1 million to help fund its emotional, practical and financial assistance services.
This year’s event honored three exceptional entities and companies for their contributions and support of people diagnosed with cancer: the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO), Bluprint Oncology—Powered by Petauri™ and Petauri. This year’s Dorothy Schachne Corporate Achievement Award was awarded to Bluprint Oncology—Powered by Petauri and Petauri and the Dorothy Schachne Partners in Progress Award was awarded to ASCO.
The Dorothy Schachne Volunteer Help & Hope Award was awarded to The Butterflies, a group of dedicated volunteers who have raised over half a million dollars over the years at CancerCare's annual Walk for Hope on Long Island.
“We are incredibly grateful to everyone who made CancerCare's National Gala such a meaningful and successful evening,” said Christine Verini, RPh, CancerCare's Chief Executive Officer. “The generosity of our donors, the dedication of our partners and the tireless work of our staff allow us to continue providing free, personalized support services to people facing cancer nationwide. This annual event reminds us of what we can achieve when we come together with a shared purpose of offering help and hope to those who need it most. A huge thank you to everyone involved: our honorees, donors, our dedicated gala committee, all our staff and especially our oncology social workers, who are the real heroes behind the scenes.”
In addition to the standout musical performances of the night, over 400 attendees participated in a live and silent auction, with prizes ranging from opening night at the Tribeca Film Festival to one-of-a-kind sports and culinary experiences. Mastercard served as the exclusive auction sponsor and preferred payment partner.
CancerCare would like to thank its 2025 Gala Co-Chairs Susan Smirnoff and Harvey Shapiro, Auction Co-Chairs Joan Brower, and Marsha Palanci, as well as the Gala Committee: Annette Alvarez, Paul M. Friedman, Kay Hsu, Ellen Negrin, Michael Parisi, Eleanor Sigona, and Burt & Susan Zweigenhaft.
This year’s gala was made possible by the generous support of our sponsors, including Premier Sponsor, the Schachne Family and Leadership Sponsors: Collection 18, Kay Hsu & Anthony Zaret and Merck; Gala Gold Sponsors: The Lauber-Palanci family, Lori & Michael Parisi and Susan Smirnoff & Kirk Zachary. Silver Sponsors include Amgen, the Association for Value-Based Cancer Care (AVBCC), Blaylock Van, LLC, Eisai, the Evans Family, Renata and Flavio Figueiredo, Susan and Paul Friedman, Gilead, Johnson & Johnson, McKesson, Carolyn & Walter Messner, Loretta and Raymond Moseman, Onco360, PINC AI Applied Sciences, Premier, Real Chemistry and Harvey Shapiro.
Learn more about CancerCare's National Gala.
About CancerCare®
For over 80 years, CancerCare has empowered millions of people affected by cancer through free counseling, support groups, educational resources, advocacy and financial assistance. Our oncology social workers improve the lives of people diagnosed with cancer, caregivers, survivors and the bereaved by addressing their emotional, practical and financial challenges. To learn more, visit www.cancercare.org.
About the American Society of Clinical Oncology
Founded in 1964, the American Society of Clinical Oncology, Inc. (ASCO®) is committed to the principle that knowledge conquers cancer. Together with the Association for Clinical Oncology, ASCO represents more than 50,000 oncology professionals who care for people living with cancer. Through research, education, and promotion of high quality patient care, ASCO works to conquer cancer and create a world where cancer is prevented or cured, and every survivor is healthy. Conquer Cancer, the ASCO Foundation, supports ASCO by funding groundbreaking research and education across cancer’s full continuum. Learn more at www.ASCO.org, and follow us on Facebook, X, LinkedIn, Instagram, Bluesky, and YouTube.
About Bluprint Oncology—Powered by Petauri
Bluprint Oncology is a scientific communications agency that specializes in oncology and hematology medical and commercial strategy, engagement, and education. We are passionate about leveraging expert insights for relevant learnings and conveying science and data in compelling, credible communications tailored to your audience.
About Petauri
Petauri is a purpose-built pharmaceutical services platform based in Nashville, Tennessee. Founded by CEO Dan Renick in partnership with Oak Hill Capital, the platform is launching, acquiring, and combining best-in-class companies with recognized expertise in global market access, medical affairs, commercialization support, patient services, and data and analytics. Since it was founded in 2023, the platform has launched Petauri Advisors and acquired The Kinetix Group, the agencies of FORCE Communications, Mtech Access, Delta Hat, the agencies of the Brightly Network, and Formulary Insights, all now Powered by Petauri™. The platform works with pharmaceutical and life sciences clients to improve patient outcomes by establishing the scientific, economic, humanistic, and societal value of medical advances. From strategy to implementation, Petauri seamlessly supports these clients with a wide range of innovative solutions that speed patient access to life-changing care. For more information, please visit www.petauri.com.