A Starry Night Gala

On November 5th 2015 we celebrated 12 years of success in the fight against thyroid, head & neck cancers. We also took this opportunity to honor our heroes at “A Starry Night” Gala at the Museum of Modern Art in New York City. Chris Cuomo, anchor of CNN’s “New Day” was the Master of Ceremonies.

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Steve Black and David Hirsh, Board Members and Event Co-Chairs

Board Member, Steve Black and Board Treasurer, David Hirsh, Gala Co-Chairs.

On November 5th 2015 we celebrated 12 years of success in the fight against thyroid, head & neck cancers. We also took this opportunity to honor our heroes at “A Starry Night” Gala at the Museum of Modern Art in New York City. Chris Cuomo, anchor of CNN’s “New Day” was the Master of Ceremonies.

Over 500 guests marveled at works by Van Gogh, Monet, Cezanne, and an exhibition of Pablo Picasso’s innovative three-dimensional pieces. They savored delectable hors d’oeuvres provided by a team of globally renowned chefs and restauranteurs including Donatella Arpaia, Daniel Boulud, Daniel Humm, IBM’s Chef Watson, Stephen Lewandowski, and John Mooney.

We were privileged to honor Michael Tuttle M.D., Endocrinologist and Professor of Medicine at The Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center. Dr. Tuttle is an internationally recognized leading expert and innovator in the management of thyroid cancer. His research continues to center on better defining the risk of recurrence and the role of observation in low risk thyroid cancer. He is closely involved in the establishment and continued modification of the clinical practice guidelines of both the American Thyroid Association and the National Comprehensive Cancer Network.

Eva Grayzel, cancer survivor, moved us with her personal story of recovering from advanced oral cancer. Eva is a nationally recognized Master Storyteller and performance artist who made a remarkable recovery, regained her deep vibrant voice and used her stage skills to communicate the depth of her journey in a uniquely personal way. Eva became an advocate for early detection and initiated the Six-Step Screening campaign to increase awareness of early signs of oral cancer.

Kaley Clavell inspired us with details of her heroic journey which started following the discovery of an aggressive tumor in her jaw during a visit to the local oral surgeon for a scheduled wisdom teeth removal. Kaley’s tumor was removed and the lower jaw was reconstructed during surgery. This young lady engaged us not only with her contagious smile but the courage with which she stayed positive in the face of adversity.

Under the leadership of co-chairs Margie and Steve Black and Liz and David Hirsh, gala supporters contributed $929,546 toward the THANC Foundation’s mission. We are committed to supporting research and education in the early detection and treatment of thyroid and head and neck cancer, to advancing new therapies, and to alleviating the suffering and functional impairment of patients who undergo treatment.

“A Starry Night” was an undeniable success. You have earned our heartfelt gratitude and our sincerest pledge that we will pursue our mission with the utmost commitment and dedication.