CURE GALA
presented by
L I G H T
T H E
W A Y
CELEBRATING 20 YEARS OF HOPE LODGE
September 26, 2026
Every Cancer. Every Life. The American Cancer Society is the leading cancer-fighting organization with a vision to end cancer as we know it, for everyone. We are the only organization improving the lives of people with cancer and their families through advocacy, research, and patient support, to ensure that everyone has an opportunity to prevent, detect, treat, and survive cancer.
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oUR nIGHT 6:00 P.M.
Cocktail Hour
7:15 P.M.
Welcome & Dinner
7:45 P.M.
Program Begins
Sponsored by Veho Hospitality
Emcee, Liz Reyes, Fox 8 News
2026 Co-Chairs Megan & Phil Lorio
Presenting Sponsor Ochsner MD Anderson Cancer Center
Live Auction Sponsored by Kiefer & Kiefer Sheena Reagan, Auctioneer
Heart & Soul Award Presentation Presented by Morris Bart, 2025 Heart & Soul Recipient Remarks by Mrs. Phyllis Taylor
Fund the Mission Paddle Raise benefiting the American Cancer Society Patrick F. Taylor Hope Lodge
Presentation 2026 Cure Champion Honorees Cure Champion of the Year Award
8:40 P.M.
Program Concludes
11:00 P.M.
Evening Concludes
Live entertainment outside!
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2026
Gala
Chairs
Megan & Phil Lorio 4
2026
hEART & sOUL
aWARD
rECIPIENT
Phyllis Taylor
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2026
Cure
Champions
Ladies
Chloe Chetta
Elizabeth Lapeyre, MD
Hedy Rose Kraft
Megan Kiefer
Meghan Donelon
Michelle Goehring, LCSW
Sarah Worsley
Sharonda Williams
Barrasso Usdin Kupperman Freeman & Sarve
Kiefer & Kiefer
Mint Julep Productions
Ochsner MD Anderson Cancer Center
TRULEO, Inc.
First Horizon Bank
Entergy New Orleans
Pinki Prasad, MD
Private Practitioner
Manning Family Children’s Hospital
Shelley Brown
Tara Castellano, MD
Former TV News Anchor
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J.J. Lafleur
Pan-American Life Insurance
LCMC Health
2026
Cure
Champions
Alex Johnson
Gentlemen
ABJ Advisory, LLC
Fishman Haygood, LLC
Brent Barriere
David Pointer, MD
Elliot Hutchinson
Jeff Howard
Justin Chopin
Ronald Carrere
Sean Carrigan
NOLA Public Schools
Mark Glago
Glago Williams, LLC
Ochsner MD Anderson Cancer Center
Gallagher
Chopin Law Firm
Xavier University
FUZE Technology
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Give back from the front seat. Volunteer to drive cancer patients to treatment.
cancer.org/drive | 1.800.227.2345 ©2026, American Cancer Society, Inc. No. 0325.33
YOUR STORY INSPIRES THE BREAKTHROUGHS BLACK WOMEN DESERVE. The VOICES of Black Women study, conducted by the American Cancer Society, is your tool to reshape how science understands your health. Your personal experience is the critical data needed to solve health disparities. The Power of One Is Real. Your decision to share your story directly with the American Cancer Society will fuel the science that leads to better outcomes. Your courage is what makes this research possible.
WHAT
VOICES of Black Women is a landmark study to improve health for Black women. Our goal is to enroll 1 00,000 Black women in the study.
WHO
Black women, ages 2060, never diagnosed with cancer (except less aggressive skin cancer), in the US.
HOW
Through an initial onehour online survey and two 30-minute check-ins each year. By sharing your personal experience, you will help build knowledge that can strengthen care for generations of Black women.
ACT NOW: voices.cancer.org ©2026 American Cancer Society, Inc.
2026
Live
Auction Items
#1 HOPE LODGE BENCH 1
Celebrate the spirit of the Patrick F. Taylor Hope Lodge with this handcrafted bench, signed by patients, volunteers, and staff. This unique piece, symbolizes the comfort and support found at Hope Lodge—a home away from home for cancer patients and caregivers. Each detail reflects the compassion and community surrounding those facing cancer, reminding us no one walks this journey alone.
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2026
Live
Auction Items
#2 DOVE HUNT EXPERIENCE Migrate to South America for premier wing shooting at one of MGW's signature lodges in Argentina or Uruguay. The winner(s) of this trip will be treated to some of the finest dove shooting in the southern hemisphere, while being taken care of by professional field guides and lodge staff. This is a hunt of a lifetime, and one that will not be forgotten! Not included in this package: Airfare Airport Transfers (Roundtrip): $125/person (Argentina) | $300/person (Uruguay) Field Fee: $320/hunter Hunting Licenses: $375/hunter (Argentina) | $425/hunter (Uruguay) Gun Rental: $100/day (Argentina) | $110/day (Uruguay) Ammunition & Gratuity (Shells avg. $24–$26/box)
11
2026
Live
Auction Items
#3
2-NIGHT STAY AT FOUR SEASONS NEW ORLEANS Enjoy two nights at Four Seasons New Orleans in a Two-Bedroom Suite, with daily breakfast and dinner for four at a signature restaurant. During peak periods like Mardi Gras and Jazz Fest, the package is limited to one night, based on availability.
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2026
Live
Auction Items
#4
FRENCH OPEN TICKETS Experience world-class tennis at the French Open in Paris—the ultimate competition for top male and female pros. You and a guest will enjoy Opening Day of the 2027 French Open on May 23, with two exclusive private seats at Roland Garros, courtesy of donor and cancer survivor Rob Kinas. Enjoy all-day hospitality from the French Tennis Federation. 13
PATRICK F. TAYLOR HOPE LODGE
The American Cancer Society Patrick F. Taylor Hope Lodge is a unique “home away from home” for those who need hope, comfort, compassion, and no-cost accommodations during their cancer treatment while traveling to New Orleans-area medical facilities. Guests of the Hope Lodge enjoy a private room with a full bathroom and television. Other amenities include a shared kitchen, library, dining room, living room, and laundry room. The Hope Lodge team members are committed to providing a nurturing home away from home for our guests 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Guests are able and encouraged to make themselves very much at home, engaging in such normal everyday activities as buying groceries, preparing meals, doing dishes, working at a computer terminal, or watching television. Hope Lodge provides a positive environment for those seeking either privacy or the supportive fellowship of others experiencing similar circumstances and emotions.
Opened in July 2006 34 Private Rooms 1 of 31 Hope Lodge facilities for cancer patients established in the United States and Puerto Rico. Located on River Road in New Orleans, it is the only Hope Lodge in the state of Louisiana 14
FUND THE MISSION
Benefiting the American Cancer Society Patrick F. Taylor Hope Lodge $25,000 $10,000 $5,000
$2,500 $1,500 $500
$100
100% tax-deductible gift that directly benefits the operating costs of the American Cancer Society Patrick F. Taylor Hope Lodge on River Road in New Orleans. Tonight, we ask for full attendee participation by contributing any amount to fund our mission and keep the Hope Lodge a free resource and home away from home for cancer patients and their caregivers during treatment.
Visit cancer.org/hopelodgeneworleans to learn more. 15
2026
Gala
Sponsors
THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS. P R E S E N T I N G
S P O N S O R
P R E M I E R
S P O N S O R
P L A T I N U M
S P O N S O R
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2026
Gala
Sponsors G O L D
S P O N S O R
De D e nn ii ss e e & & C C hh rr ii ss
Sadler S I L V E R
S P O N S O R
B R O N Z E
S P O N S O R
H O S P I T A L I T Y S P O N S O R
I N K I N D S P O N S O R S
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M E D I A S P O N S O R
Thank You! Together, we are driving positive change and creating a brighter future for those impacted by cancer. Thank you for your generosity, support, participation, and commitment. Together, we are forging a path toward a world free from the burden of cancer. With heartfelt gratitude,
CURE GALA
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