Annual Gala for Life Raises $1 Million to Advance Cancer Research
| The 2026 Gala for Life, themed “Garden of Hope,” raised over $1 million dollars for cancer research at the UAMS Winthrop P. Rockefeller Cancer Institute.
This year’s black-tie event, held Oct. 3 at the Statehouse Convention Center, brought together hundreds of Arkansans for an elegant evening to support groundbreaking research and compassionate patient care, and to honor all those whose lives have been impacted by cancer.
“This is the 29th Gala for Life, and in these 29 years, we’ve raised over $20 million in support for cancer research,” said Michael Birrer, M.D., Ph.D., UAMS vice chancellor and director of the Cancer Institute. “This event supports the high-quality care we provide, from diagnostic to palliative care, as well as the research behind the state’s largest portfolio of clinical trials and our Phase 1 Unit that provides our patients with early access to advanced new treatment options.”
The event also honored June Fezell, an endometrial cancer patient who participated in a Phase 1 clinical trial. Fezell had previously been through all recommended treatment options without success, with her tumor spreading into her abdomen. She was identified as eligible for a targeted treatment that is designed to go straight into a tumor to destroy the cancerous cells. Fezell received the treatment with minimal side effects, and her tumor completely disappeared.
“One of the reasons I decided to participate in this trial was to give other people hope,” she said.
The science behind Phase 1 trials continues to deepen, bringing safe and effective drugs to patients more quickly.
“In the last five years, we’ve grown from having 50 patients on clinical trials per year to over 400 patients on clinical trials annually. We will continue to add more,” said Birrer.
Cancer research is critical for deepening overall understanding of the disease and improving how cancer is prevented, detected, and treated. At the Cancer Institute, research is an integral part of the care that is provided. Researchers and clinicians collaborate closely to evaluate individual cases, inform treatment decisions, and identify the best options for each patient. At the same time, leading scientists are making discoveries that are leading to new therapies and offering clinical trials that will impact the future of cancer care.
Proceeds from the Gala for Life help support the Cancer Institute and its important work, expanding options and creating new opportunities for patients across Arkansas.
“UAMS is committed to serving the state of Arkansas,” said UAMS Chancellor C. Lowry Barnes, M.D. “The Cancer Institute is bringing screening services all across the state with the mobile screening fleet, and as UAMS continues to expand, we are excited to continue investing in and improving access to cancer care. Health should not be decided by your zip code, and neither should cancer diagnosis and treatment.”
Presented by the Willard & Pat Walker Charitable Foundation, the 2026 Gala for Life was chaired by the lifetime members of the Cancer Institute Board of Advisors — Stuart Cobb, Barbara Hoover, Kenan Keyes, Marge Schueck, Pat Cooper, F.E. “Gene” Joyce, M.D., and Remmel T. Dickinson. Though their experiences and backgrounds differ, they share a commitment to supporting an institution that brings hope to patients and families with many years of dedication to the mission of the Cancer Institute between them.
“This year’s theme was “Garden of Hope” because gardens reflect life, growth, and happiness — that is what the Cancer Institute ensures for its cancer patients,” said Birrer.
To view the video tribute for June Fezell, click here.
To view event photos, click here.