For the past 40 years, the American Cancer Society’s Alabama chapter has hosted its annual Birmingham Hope Gala in support of the organization’s mission to fund groundbreaking cancer research, support education and prevention efforts and provide patient support.
Prior to pandemic effects, this year’s gala was scheduled to take place on Aug. 21, organized by co-chairs Kristen Ritter and Carey Wahlheim
“Unfortunately, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, this year’s event is going to look a bit different,” said Wahlheim.
Rather than hosting a gala, an online fundraising campaign has been established at acshopegala.swell.gives.
The theme for this year’s campaign is Pearls of Wisdom, highlighting the wisdom of five cancer survivors who also continue to support the efforts of the American Cancer Society.
On the site, each of this year’s honorees share “pearls of wisdom” from their personal experiences with cancer, through their relationship with cancer and their journey to survivorship.
The honorees include Mary Gene Boulware, 25-year breast cancer survivor; Donna Greene, 22-year breast cancer survivor; Val Holman, 16-year breast cancer survivor; Rosilyn Houston, 10-year thyroid cancer survivor; and DA Tynes, 20-year breast cancer survivor.
“This fight against cancer is at risk of being affected by COVID-19,” Wahlheim said. “Cancer never stops, and neither do we.”
For more information and updates, visit acshopegala.swell.gives.
