On Tuesday, October 20, 2026, the PRECEDE community gathered at Capitale NYC for Hope Accelerated: Envisioning a Future Without Pancreatic Cancer, PRECEDE’s second annual gala. Together, guests raised $1.2 million to support the PRECEDE Consortium’s work to detect pancreatic cancer earlier, when it is most treatable.
An unforgettable evening of hope
The evening brought together leading scientists, philanthropists, advocates, patients, and supporters around one shared belief: that finding pancreatic cancer earlier will change survival. Journalist Kate Bolduan returned as emcee, guiding a night that celebrated the people moving PRECEDE’s mission forward.
That mission is urgent. Pancreatic cancer has a five-year survival rate of just 13%, largely because it is usually found late. PRECEDE’s goal is to raise that rate to 50% through early detection and prevention.
Honoring the leaders behind the mission
We were proud to recognize five extraordinary honorees:
- Nobility in Science Award: Dr. Diane Simeone. Director of Moores Cancer Center at UC San Diego Health and founder of PRECEDE, Dr. Simeone has dedicated her career to advancing the understanding, early detection, and treatment of pancreatic cancer.
- Champions of Hope Award: Tracy Chen. A PRECEDE Foundation board member, Tracy has co-chaired the gala since its inaugural event in 2025 and helped grow its reach across healthcare, life sciences, research, and philanthropy.
- Champions of Hope Award: Tom Schoenherr. CEO of Tempus Diagnostics and former CEO of Ambry Genetics, Tom has helped broaden awareness of PRECEDE’s mission across the diagnostics and life sciences community.
- Champions of Hope Award: Drs. Rachel and John Hart. Retired veterinarians who became committed PRECEDE supporters after losing a close colleague to pancreatic cancer, the Harts share a deep belief in research and earlier diagnosis.
Why it matters
“I know personally what early detection can mean,” said Jamie Brickell, Chair of the PRECEDE Foundation Board of Directors. “My pancreatic cancer was found early enough for surgery and treatment, and that experience is why PRECEDE’s mission is so important to me.”
Funds raised at Hope Accelerated support the PRECEDE Consortium, a global network of 65 sites with more than 13,000 people at higher risk for pancreatic cancer enrolled. Through shared surveillance, PRECEDE has identified 49 screen-detected pancreatic cancers, 40 of them at stage 0 or 1, or under 2 cm. Patients diagnosed at that stage have an 87% five-year survival rate.
The gala capped a remarkable week. Just two days earlier, more than 175 researchers from 11 countries gathered in New York City for the PRECEDE Consortium’s 8th Annual Meeting.
Thank you to our sponsors
Hope Accelerated was made possible by the generous support of Ambry Genetics, a Tempus Company; ClearNote Health; Kirkland & Ellis; Brookfield; Eversheds Sutherland; Citizens Bank; RJK Commercial Real Estate; Troutman Pepper Locke; Procopio Companies; Jay Riccardo Benavides; Ivy & Marc Duneier; Ridge Real Estate Partners; and Citigroup.
We also extend heartfelt thanks to every donor, event partner, and guest who made the evening possible.
Relive the evening
View the gala photo gallery and watch the Hope Accelerated gala reel below.
Keep the momentum going
The energy of Hope Accelerated does not end with the evening. This Pancreatic Cancer Awareness Month, two generous supporters are matching every gift dollar for dollar, up to $100,000, through Giving Tuesday, December 1.
Frequently asked questions
What is the PRECEDE Foundation gala?
Hope Accelerated is the PRECEDE Foundation’s annual gala, raising funds for pancreatic cancer early detection and prevention research through the PRECEDE Consortium. The 2026 gala was the second, held October 20, 2026, at Capitale NYC.
How much did the 2026 PRECEDE gala raise?
The 2026 Hope Accelerated gala raised $1.2 million to support the PRECEDE Consortium’s research into the early detection and prevention of pancreatic cancer.
Who was honored at the 2026 gala?
Dr. Diane Simeone received the Nobility in Science Award. Tracy Chen, Tom Schoenherr, and Drs. Rachel and John Hart received Champions of Hope Awards.
Can I still support PRECEDE?
Yes. Through Giving Tuesday, December 1, every gift to PRECEDE is matched dollar for dollar, up to $100,000.
