Breakthrough Ball: Toasting Cancer Research at UChicago Medicine

By Judy Carmack Bross

Rosendo, Noel and Isamar Lopez hear Noel’s story at the Breakthrough Ball.

The Breakthrough Ball recently celebrated the flourishing breakthroughs in cancer research at UChicago Medicine. Entitled “Where Breakthroughs Blossom,” the evening was abundant in
authenticity and highlighted messages of hope in the Four Seasons ballroom transformed with purple blossoms. Cochaired by Bridget Rahr and Anna Smith, the event raised over $1.3 million, adding to the $25 million of funding the Breakthrough Board has invested in
groundbreaking cancer research at UChicago Medicine over the past 75 years.

The Breakthrough Ball at the Four Seasons Chicago, “Where Breakthroughs Blossom.”

Committee Members Kristi Nuelle and Mary Conrad.

Live Auction co-chairs Miranda Maxfield and Molly Curley with fellow members Meghan Ryan and Katherine Corigliano.

Board President Barb Sessions welcomed guests to the Ball.

Barbara and Rex Sessions.

Courageous Breakthrough Board President Barb Sessions told of her own cancer diagnosis and received a standing ovation after sharing her trust in the early detection, clinical trials and treatment that UChicago provides. She shared her gratitude with the doctors in the audience, who she asked to stand and be recognized, as well as the patients who were guests that night. Later in the evening, Presenting Sponsor Ogilvy once again produced a moving video, focusing on three patients served by the UChicago Medicine Comprehensive Cancer Center observing its 50th anniversary of leadership in cancer research.

Melissa Scott Nelson and Brooke Jones.

Breakthrough Board President Barb Sessions, Dr. Kunle Odunsi, 2024 Partner is Breakthroughs Award recipient, and Breakthrough Ball Co-Chairs Anna Smith and Bridget Rahr.

Dr. Kunle Odunsi, Director of the University of Chicago Medicine Comprehensive Cancer Center received the 2024 Partner in Breakthroughs award. Dr. Odunsi is a nationally recognized expert in immunotherapy, a pioneering researcher, a catalyst for clinical trials, and a longtime Board ally.

Liz Stiffel.

Raffle ticket sales superstar Alessandra Smith with her mother and the evening’s Co-Chair Anna Smith.

Co-Chair Anna Smith told us:

“As I look back on our remarkable evening I am filled with gratitude for everyone who joined us in this fight against cancer. Together we are not just raising funds we are igniting hope and
paving the way for breakthroughs in cancer research.

“Advocating for research and patient care is incredibly important to me. I think of my late mother, Anna Sroka who extended her life through cancer clinical trials. My daughter Alessandra is equally passionate – she actively recruits her friends and leads the wine raffle ticket sales team at the Ball. This year, Alessandra and team raised $26,000 in raffle ticket sales.”

Linda Finkel.

Lisa and Tom Gregory.

Louise Rahr, Co-Chair Bridget Rahr, David Rahr, Erin O’Rourke, and Gordon Rahr.

Bridget Rahr told us:

“Co-chairing The Breakthrough Board gala where Breakthroughs Blossom was my absolute honor and joy. Cancer has touched all our lives and as our President Barb Sessions said in her opening remarks –‘awareness begins with us.’ From that awareness comes the knowledge to treat cancer and the money we raise for cancer research at U of C provides cutting edge treatments personal to each patient and their cancer. We are now at the point where Cancer is survivable and with the incredible talent of the Breakthrough Board and all our extremely generous donors, we are raising funds to blossom breakthroughs that save lives, and we are
having fun while doing it!”

Caroline Quazzo-Elnick and Tom Elnick.

Jack and Kimi Werner, Laura and Michael Werner.

Sotheby’s Chicago Head and amazing auctioneer Gary Metzner brings home the live auction filled with fabulous experiences and a bespoke necklace.

Gary Metzner, Head of Sotheby’s Chicago, led an incredible live auction which included a rare wine dinner in Geoffrey and Laura Luce’s historic David Adler home in Lake Forest, one week in
downtown Vail in March, and an opportunity to sing with Maggie Speaks that evening—with several winning bids accepted. A sparkling live auction prize—a cushion link gold necklace with
diamond and sapphire clasps valued at $32,800–was donated by Breakthrough Board member and Live Auction co-chair Molly Curley, owner and designer of Barbara Parker Fine Jewelry. Her donation honors her mentor Barbara Parker, who died of cancer in 2021.

Diane Reilly, Louise Lynn and Caroline Reilly.

David and Marcy Gookin, David Phelps and Leslie McLean.

Guests cheer for Cindy Polayes.

“The Ball raises awareness and shares powerful stories, Smith said. Our guests and sponsors, many of whom have been with us for decades truly understand that their support directly impacts critical, lifesaving cancer research. It’s incredibly rewarding,” Smith said.