By Ally Morrison
The American Cancer Society will host the 42nd annual Hope Gala on Aug. 20 at the Birmingham Country Club to raise money for cancer research and education.
Anna Comer, Kristin McPherson and Sumner Starling will be this year’s co-chairs, and the gala will feature four honorees: Lee Edwards, Lesly Simon, Cary Wahlheim and Dana Wolter.
This year’s co-chairs all are from Mountain Brook and all have personal connections to cancer.
McPherson, who lost her mother to cancer in 2018, is excited for attendees to hear the personal testimonies of each honoree.
“All four of our honorees are so incredible,” McPherson said. “Each one of them are beautiful inside and out. I was so fortunate to be able to sit in on all of their interviews when they made their videos for the gala and to hear their stories was incredible. They were so moving and really changed me. They all have one thing in common, and that’s hope.”
Starling has been involved with the American Cancer Society for almost 10 years and has dedicated much of her time to the women’s committee, helping with the Hope Gala.
“When they asked me to be a co-chair, I was humbled and flattered,” Starling said. “I lost my father and father-in-law to cancer, so the cause is near and dear to my heart. Cancer is so indiscriminate, and nobody is immune. All the proceeds go to research, and I’m excited for people to invest in hope.”
Comer also spent time working with the women’s committee and is keen on raising awareness for the cause.
“My mother was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2020, and my aunt was diagnosed with it 30 years ago,” Comer said. “I want to raise awareness and money for research and do anything we can to someday find a cure.”
The event will feature a seated dinner and cocktails, a program, live entertainment and live and silent auctions.
All proceeds from the event raise money to help the American Cancer Society save lives by funding groundbreaking cancer research, supporting education and prevention efforts, and providing information and critical services for people with cancer.
