FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – PHOTOS INCLUDED
Contact: Lisa Berry
703-519-2107
lisa.berry@preventcancer.org
 L-R: Mrs. Gouri Mirpuri, Carolyn “Bo” Aldigé, David Tutera, and His Excellency, the Ambassador of the Republic of Singapore Ashok Kumar Mirpuri. |
WASHINGTON, D.C. —The Prevent Cancer Foundation® hosted its 24th Annual Spring Gala Wednesday to advance the Foundation’s mission of saving lives across all populations through cancer prevention and early detection. The Foundation welcomed more than 1,000 guests to the National Building Museum, including more than 30 members of Congress from both sides of the aisle, as well as diplomats and leaders in the business, government, medical, sports, media, social and philanthropic communities. The event raised $1.7 million for the Foundation.
Singapore Ambassador, His Excellency Ashok Mirpuri, and Mrs. Gouri Mirpuri served as honorary patrons of the event, Sensations of Singapore. Foundation president and founder Carolyn Aldigé presented the foundation’s 2018 Cancer Champion award to Senators Roy Blunt and Patty Murray for their leadership in increasing funding for the National Institutes of Health (NIH). WUSA-TV9 anchor Andrea Roane served as emcee for the evening.
Singer-songwriter Alejandro Escovedo shared his story during the “Lighting The Way to Prevention” pledge drive. Escovedo was diagnosed with hepatitis C in 1996. At the time, he did not know that hepatitis C is a leading cause of liver cancer. Fortunately, he was tested and treated for the virus before he developed cancer, and is now hep-C cured.
 Cancer Champion Senator Roy Blunt (C) with Gala Co-Chairs Angela Riemer (L) and Rai Downs (R). |
“I was told there was a strong chance that I wouldn’t be here to tell my story, sing my songs and hold my children and loved ones,” Escovedo said. “I am a lucky and grateful man.”
The Prevent Cancer Foundation® Annual Spring Gala is consistently recognized as one of Washington’s top 100 Events by BizBash (ranked #4 in the benefits category in 2017).
Gala décor was inspired by the Republic of Singapore and personally designed by TV personality and weddings and celebrations expert David Tutera, who is a member of the Foundation’s Board.
The evening also included a silent auction, which featured 73 items and raised over $95,000.
About The Prevent Cancer Foundation®
The Prevent Cancer Foundation® is one of the nation’s leading voluntary health organizations and the only U.S. nonprofit organization focused solely on cancer prevention and early detection. Founded in 1985, it has catapulted cancer prevention to prominence and fulfills its mission through research, education, outreach and advocacy across the country.
For more information, please visit preventcancer.org.
