Press Release
2021-05-19
CancerCare’s Festival of Hope Gala Hosted Virtually on May 12, 2021
CancerCare, the leading national nonprofit organization providing free, professional support services to anyone affected by cancer, was honored to host the 33rd Festival of Hope Gala virtually on Wednesday, May 12, 2021.
This annual event is an important opportunity to honor individuals and organizations that have made substantial contributions to improving the lives of people affected by cancer through their partnerships with CancerCare. “The success of this year’s virtual gala is a testament to our community’s passion,” shared Kathy Nugent, LCSW, CancerCare’s Director of Regional Programs. “The past year has shown us how steadfast our supporters are, allowing us to provide expanded services throughout the pandemic. We’re grateful for their generosity so we can serve even more people affected by cancer.”
The evening began with a special video welcome from Broadway legend Laura Benanti, celebrity chef and restauranteur Lidia Bastianich, actress Marcia Cross, New York Yankees pitcher Jameson Taillon and celebrated broadcast journalist Robin Roberts.
This year, CancerCare presented the 2021 Corporate Achievement Award to Genmab, an international biotech company. “Thank you, CancerCare, for the work you do every single day,” Genmab Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer Anthony Mancini said in his remarks. “I’d also like to thank the team at Genmab across all functions for their continued dedication, effort and passion toward achieving our 2025 vision to transform cancer treatment.”
Doron Krakow also accepted the 2021 Help & Hope Volunteer Award on behalf of the Krakow Family. Kathy Nugent told the story of Jonathan Krakow, Doron’s younger brother, who was part of her young adult patient support group nearly 30 years ago. Jonathan succumbed to brain cancer at age 25, and since that time, the Krakows and their supporters have participated in CancerCare's annual Walk for Hope.
“CancerCare is part of us, and we will always be part of CancerCare,” Doron shared in a moving interview. “On behalf of my mother, my late father, my brothers and sister, [my wife] Janet and our children and the friends who have joined us at the walks or contributed year after year, we’re incredibly proud that Jonathan’s memory has inspired this connection. It’s a connection we’ll hold dear to our hearts for the rest of our lives.”
CancerCare would like to thank all sponsors for this event, including Presenting Sponsor Genmab, Benefactor Sponsor Merck and Patron Sponsor Eisai. Contributor Sponsors include AbbVie, Amgen, Bristol Myers Squibb, GlaxoSmithKline, Janssen Oncology, Lilly Oncology, Michael M. Morrone, Pfizer, Taiho Oncology and Takeda Oncology. Beacon Sponsors include AllianceRX, Astellas, AstraZeneca, Blueprint Medicines, Boehringer Ingelheim, EMD Serono, EY, Novartis Oncology, PWC, Regeneron, Sanofi Genzyme and Seattle Genetics.
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 resource navigation, 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 the event website at www.cancercare.org/festivalofhope2021.