Tickled Pink is the American Cancer Society’s premier fundraising luncheon honoring exceptional Houstonians who have made significant contributions to our community.
Portrait Donated by Gittings Houston
Shelley Reeves Boyer’s dedication to the American Cancer Society is inspired by her sister Gretchen’s courageous battle with colon cancer. In honoring her sister’s memory, Shelley actively supports ACS’s research, advocacy, and patient‑focused initiatives. Her commitment reflects her belief in helping create a future where no family must face cancer alone.
For Denise Monteleone, the fight against cancer is profoundly personal. After losing multiple loved ones and surviving breast cancer herself, she has dedicated her energy to advancing research and support through the American Cancer Society and other cancer-focused organizations. Her service is fueled by compassion, resilience, and her hope for a world without cancer.
Gaye Lynn Zarrow has been a devoted supporter of the American Cancer Society, serving as a 2025 luncheon honoree and returning this year as a chair. During her 35‑year hairstyling career, she compassionately supported clients undergoing cancer treatment by donating services and hair pieces. Her long‑standing commitment reflects her deep desire to uplift those facing cancer and strengthen ACS’s mission in Houston.
Leisa Holland-Nelson Bowman
Dr. Sippi Khurana
Jana Arnoldy
Zane Carruth
Ellen Elam
Jennifer Fitts
Heidi Smith
Travis Torrence
Since 1946, the American Cancer Society has supported researchers at pivotal points in their career – to give them the support they need to keep great research going or to take their ideas from dream to reality. The American Cancer Society is proud to have helped more than 24,000 investigators make important advances in prevention, early detection, treatment, and care for those with cancer. In fact, 53 of those investigators have gone on to win the Nobel Prize, considered the highest accolade any scientist can receive. As the largest private not-for-profit, non-governmental funder of cancer research in the US, the American Cancer Society has played a role in many of the major cancer research breakthroughs of the last century.
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
