A Night of Hope

By contributor Tamara Buchwald

Photo credit: Washington Talent Agency

The National Building Museum transformed into a breathtaking setting for the Prevent Cancer Foundation 32nd Annual Gala, an evening dedicated to cancer prevention and early detection. With almost a thousand people in attendance, the grand historic architecture of the National Building Museum illuminated in a warm, sophisticated glow. Dramatic lighting washed across the soaring columns and magnificent arches, highlighting the scale and beauty of the Great Hall while creating an intimate, elegant backdrop for an evening of celebration, philanthropy, and connection.

Governor Jenniffer González-Colón, Rep. Steve Scalise, Sara Sidner, Representative Pablo José Hernández Rivera (D-P.R.), Rep. Richard Neal

This year’s Gala, “Puerto Rico: La Isla del Encanto,” celebrated Puerto Rico’s remarkable progress in cancer prevention, screening and early detection. The theme reflects the Foundation’s commitment to expanding access to cancer prevention and early detection throughout the island, a mission underscored by the participation of Governor Jenniffer González-Colón and Representative Pablo José Hernández Rivera (D-P.R.), who served as honorary co-chairs of the 2026 Gala. Their involvement highlights the importance of partnerships among government, health care and community organizations in addressing cancer disparities and expanding access to lifesaving services. The Foundation is also recognizing organizations working on the ground in Puerto Rico, including the VOCES Immunization and Health Promotion Coalition, based in Guaynabo, and the Migrant Clinicians Network, based in San Juan, each of which received $100,000 over two years through the Foundation’s community grant program to support patient navigation and help more people access cancer prevention and early detection services.

The evening began with cocktails and mingling which provided an opportunity to peruse the interesting silent auction items which included a trips to Italy, France and Key West. The welcome remarks were delivered by CNN Anchor and Senior National Correspondent Sara Sidner who returned once to serve as the master of ceremonies for the evening. Sidner, a breast cancer survivor, has used her public platform to discuss her experience and raise awareness about cancer screening and disparities in cancer outcomes. Her participation adds a deeply personal dimension to an evening centered on prevention and early detection.

Rep. Richard Neal and Rep. Steve Scalise

One of the evening’s most meaningful moments was the presentation of the 2026 Cancer Champion Awards to Representative Steve Scalise (R-La.) and Representative Richard Neal (D-Mass.). The Prevent Cancer Foundation honored both lawmakers for their leadership and longstanding commitment to advancing cancer prevention and early detection. Scalise, cancer survivor, has openly shared his experience with multiple myeloma and emphasized the vital role that early detection can play in saving lives. Neal has been a longtime champion of cancer prevention and early detection in Congress, including efforts to advance legislation focused on multi-cancer early detection. Together, their recognition underscored the importance of continued leadership and bipartisan action in the fight against cancer.

Dave Mitrani

The most emotional part of the evening was the as remarks from Dave Mitrani, who will remember his late wife, Lorelei Mitrani, a Prevent Cancer Foundation staff member who died from cancer earlier this year.

Jody Hoyos, CEO Prevent Cancer Foundation

This year, the Foundation is placing particular emphasis on cancers for which there is no guideline-recommended routine screening or effective early-detection method. The donations made during the Gala will support research and innovation aimed at developing new approaches to finding these cancers earlier. That focus reflects one of the most significant challenges in the fight against cancer. While routine screening exists for certain cancers, many others are typically detected only after symptoms appear. Advancing new technologies and approaches to early detection could help address that gap.

The Foundation has announced an ambitious long-term commitment to reducing cancer deaths by 40 percent by 2035, including planned investments in innovative early-detection technologies, expanding screening and vaccination access in medically underserved communities, and educating the public about cancer prevention.