Presented by Mazda, the American Cancer Society will host our Orange County Gala on March 7, 2026. The evening will celebrate the progress the American Cancer Society has made in the fight against cancer and the hope that continues to drive us forward. Guests will enjoy an epic evening including entertainment, delicious cuisine, and unique auction experiences.
The American Cancer Society is a leading cancer-fighting organization with a vision to end cancer as we know it, for everyone. We are the only organization improving the lives of people with cancer and their families through advocacy, research, and patient support to ensure that everyone has an opportunity to prevent, detect, treat, and survive cancer.
“I’m passionate about serving as Chairman of the American Cancer Society’s Orange County Chapter because it gives me the opportunity to lead an important part of an organization that’s changing the course of cancer. This role lets me help shape strategy, support groundbreaking research, and expand resources for patients and families who need them most. Having seen how deeply cancer impacts so many lives, I feel a personal responsibility to rally others, drive progress, and bring hope to those facing the disease.”
Leadership
Todd and Diane met as college students at Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo, and have been married for 36 years. They raised their two sons in Orange County, splitting family time between beaches and hockey rinks, where many of their favorite memories were made.
The day after Christmas in 2017, their picture-perfect life turned upside down when Todd was diagnosed with multiple myeloma, a rare and incurable blood cancer. At just 52 years old, he was healthy, active, and showing no signs beyond minor back pain. Suddenly, their family was faced with a reality of intensive treatments, and an uncertain future.
Since then, Todd has endured numerous rounds of chemotherapy, radiation, immunotherapy, and a stem cell transplant. During the first two years, they made nearly 100 trips to and from treatment – a trip that often took 90 minutes or more each way. Today, he continues daily oral and monthly immunotherapy treatments, and he is grateful to receive his care closer to home in Orange County. Though his cancer is not yet curable, Todd and Diane know they are among the fortunate ones to have the resources and flexibility to access leading-edge, comprehensive care.
Rather than stepping back in retirement, they chose to step up. Together, they have educated and inspired thousands of patients and caregivers through leading support groups, one-on-one mentoring, research advocacy, and collaboration with the American Cancer Society, among other organizations. Their children joke that they have “failed retirement,” but Todd and Diane see no greater purpose than helping others through their cancer journey.
They are incredibly grateful that the American Cancer Society is a life-line resource for so many. By sharing their story, they hope to raise awareness, accelerate access to care, and support ACS’s advocacy, patient support programs, and research, because cancer does not wait, and neither can we.
Please join us for a special evening as we honor, The Spanos Family, as our inaugural Beacon of Light Award Recipients, in recognition of their compassionate leadership and steadfast support of cancer patients and their families, we celebrate the lasting impact they’ve made in our community.
More Details Coming Soon
JT & Friends, supported by the generosity of John Tu, CEO and co-founder of Kingston Technology, will provide unforgettable entertainment, bringing energy, heart, and spirit to this meaningful celebration.
JT & Friends is a powerhouse ensemble of top-tier musicians known for high-energy performances, impeccable musicianship, and a crowd-moving mix of classic hits and modern favorites. A 40-piece band led by John Tu on the drums, the band features standout vocalists and a razor-sharp rhythm section that keeps the dance floor packed all night long. We’re honored to welcome JT & Friends to the ACS Orange County Gala to ignite the stage in celebration of the patients, families, and caregivers at the heart of our mission.
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.
For 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
