Illumination Gala Raises more than $3.5 million for Cancer Research

The Foundation for Barnes-Jewish Hospital is pleased to announce more than $3.54 million was raised for cancer research through its 2020 Illumination Gala. This year's event was particularly special because it celebrated the 20th anniversary of The Alvin J. Siteman Cancer Center at Barnes-Jewish Hospital and Washington University School of Medicine and the leadership of Timothy J. Eberlein, MD, FACS. The event was also unique because it was held virtually for the first time in the gala’s 13-year history.

The funds raised at the gala support innovative cancer research at Siteman, including the Cancer Frontier Fund established by Amy and Bill Koman to accelerate breakthroughs in cancer treatment. Over the past 13 years, donations to Illumination have fueled more than 125 vital research projects that have led to breast cancer and melanoma vaccines, better treatment for pancreatic cancer, breakthroughs in leukemia and lymphoma, and so much more.

“Illumination has been an extraordinary event over the years,” said Dr. Eberlein. “There’s just been an extraordinary outpouring from our friends and supporters, not just individuals, but corporations who have gotten behind us and supported us.”

Hosted annually by the Foundation, this year’s event was held on October 23. The evening featured music by the famous country and gospel trio the Gatlin Brothers, moving remarks by Dr. Eberlein, John Lynch, MD, president of Barnes-Jewish Hospital, Pat and Mark Burkhart and Noémi and Michael Neidorff, co-chairs of the Illumination Gala and Committee, which helped with outreach and raising funds for the gala.