The American Cancer Society is the leading cancer-fighting organization with a vision of ending cancer as we know it, for everyone. We are the only organization working to improve the lives of people with cancer and their families through advocacy, research, and patient support, to ensure everyone has an opportunity to prevent, detect, treat, and survive cancer.
Since 2011, the San Francisco Discovery Gala has raised over $22 million to fund the American Cancer Society’s mission and has become one of the premier fundraising events for cancer, both locally and across the nation. In 2023, the event won the American Cancer Society’s prestigious Event of The Year award. It garners the support of the business community and is led by an extraordinary volunteer Board of Ambassadors who champion the mission year-round.
On September 12, 2026, we will host the 15th annual San Francisco Discovery Gala, a milestone moment in the Bay Area’s fight against cancer.
Carla Andrews is a global adventurer, art lover, and Formula One racing fan who has survived three different cancer diagnoses over the last 20 years. Her journey, beginning with a misdiagnosis in her early 20s, has fueled both her gratitude for life and her commitment to improving health outcomes. Professionally, Carla is a Principal in Strategy at Monitor Deloitte, where she has worked across the US, Europe, Africa, and the Middle East to help organizations tackle complex health challenges. A graduate of Stanford University and the University of Virginia, she is also a dedicated volunteer, currently serving as Vice Chair of the Smith Center for Healing and the Arts in Washington, DC, and actively supporting the American Cancer Society’s mission to end cancer for everyone.
It’s important to me that patients have state-of-the-art care and a team that really cares about them. Its emotionally very difficult to have cancer or have a child with cancer, and we work hard to support patients and their families throughout the journey. It’s very much a family affair.
Making sure the family and patient are informed is paramount, and I spend a lot of time explaining the treatment in detail. Information is power, and when families understand what you’re doing and why, that helps us work together on decision-making. By the end of treatment, families often say to me, “I know so much, I could be a doctor.”
I want patients to look forward to coming to the clinic as much as I look forward to seeing them. It’s a long journey, and I’m honored to be a part of their lives, standing beside them in the fight to beat cancer. Helping patients feel better and providing them with the best treatment available are my top priorities.
Jacqueline Guichelaar is the SVP & GM for Asia Pacific, Japan, and Greater China at Cisco, where she leverages over two decades of experience as a COO, CTO, and CIO to help customers transform their businesses. Formerly Cisco’s Group CIO, she led the overhaul of the company’s global digital infrastructure, enterprise security, and technology platforms—driving innovation and efficiency. Recognized as a dynamic leader and advocate for inclusion, she’s been named to Fast Company’s Queer 50, HITEC 100, and the 100 Women in Tech Leaders to Watch. Jacqueline also serves as Executive Sponsor of Cisco’s Pride Inclusive Community and is a board member of Covenant House California.
John Hinshaw has extensive experience leading and transforming organizations in a wide range of industries including Financial Services, Aerospace, Technology, Telecom, and Food & Beverages. He currently serves on the Board of of Sysco Foods and chairs their Corporate Governance and Nominating Committee. He also serves on the Board of Illumio, a cyber security company, where he chairs their Compensation Committee. John also serves on the board of Single Store, the world’s leading real time data platform.
As the only organization combating cancer through advocacy, discovery, and patient support, the American Cancer Society has made significant contributions to the fight against cancer over the last 110 years. We advocate for lifesaving policy changes, promote healthy lifestyles to help prevent cancer, and provide information, answers, and support to people in every community who have been touched by cancer. We also research cancer and its causes to find more answers and better treatment.
Yet, there is still work to be done – which is why we are so glad you have joined us tonight! The American Cancer Society continues to work tirelessly to fund research and provide support for all types of cancer. And thanks to your generous support, we work to ensure that everyone has an opportunity to prevent, detect, treat, and survive cancer.
Every cancer. Every life.
Learn MoreFor more than 10 decades, the American Cancer Society has been dedicated to pursuing better outcomes for every cancer, every life. Today, more people are surviving cancer than ever before, but there is still work to be done. Join us, support us, and help us end cancer as we know it, for everyone.
towards cancer research
winning scientists received research funding
through all patient support initiatives in 2024
