HOUSTON – Nora Jarrard and Katie Tsuru’s lives have been touched by cancer in many ways, so they decided to take their heartbreak and channel it to help make a difference. They’re co-chairing ‘Shuck Cancer,’ a foodie event that will bring together more than 25 local restaurants and a thousand young professionals to sip cocktails, enjoy freshly shucked oysters, and support the lifesaving work of the American Cancer Society.
An estimated two million new cancer cases will be diagnosed this year in the United States, and more than 600,000 people are expected to die from cancer.
“I do it for my father, my grandmother, friends that have been diagnosed, friends that are going through chemotherapy now,” says Jarrard, who is in her third year co-chairing ‘Shuck Cancer’ and who lost her father to cancer 21 years ago.
In its first year, ‘Shuck Cancer’ had 300 attendees and raised $173,000. Now in its third year, organizers are expecting 1,000 attendees and to raise more than $350,000. The American Cancer Society says funds go directly toward groundbreaking cancer research, advocacy and patient support right here in the Houston area.
Katie, whose father and father-in-law have both battled cancer, is in her second year co-chairing the event and says she is proud to be getting so many young professionals involved.
“There is so much work left to do which is why we put on this event, especially in the young community I think a lot of people don’t realize this can affect them and it can affect their families,” said Tsuru, who has also been honored as a ‘pearl honoree’ for her personal fundraising efforts.
‘Shuck Cancer’ is happening Thursday, November 21st at Post Houston downtown. The evening will also feature a silent auction, live music by The Moment Band, and special recognition for top fundraisers and community partners of the American Cancer Society.
Tickets can be purchased at ShuckCancerHouston.org.