Cynthia Smoot
Event Raises Over $1 Million For Blood Cancer United
By Cynthia Smoot Photography by: Tamytha Cameron and Celeste Cass
THE SCENE: The 2026 St. Valentine’s Day Luncheon & Fashion Show: The Heart of the Fight was one for the record books. Event Co-chairs Megan and Keith Conlon, along with honorary chairs Ellen and Clayton Kershaw, welcomed an incredible crowd of 850 guests to the 42nd annual event at the Morton H. Meyerson Symphony Center. The room was filled with energy, generosity, and purpose, and by the end of the day, more than $1 million had been raised to support the mission of Blood Cancer United (formerly The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society).
Among those in attendance were luncheon co-founders Rusty Duvall and Janet Evans, Robyn and Don Conlon, Nancy Gopez, Maggie Kipp, Melinda Knowles, Courtney Petit and Samantha Wortley, Peggy Sewell, Allie Beth Allman, Lisa and Clay Cooley, Elisa Summers, Heather Washburne, Tiffany Divis, Jennifer Dix, Gina Betts, Victoria Snee, Jill Tananbaum, Kimberly Alexander, Katherine Coker, Katy Brooks, Blood Cancer United Chief Medical Officer Dr. Gwen Nichols, and Blood Cancer United Red River Region Executive Director Leah Swanson,
THE VIBE: Guests arrived at the Morton H. Meyerson Symphony Center in their Valentine’s Day-inspired attire in shades of pink and red. Patrons mingled while sipping champagne and perusing items up for bid in the silent auction. At the appointed time, attendees proceeded into the Margaret McDermott Performance Hall for this year’s program.
The award recipients included the inaugural Linda Somerville Memorial Hero award, named for Megan’s beloved mother, was awarded to the late Gene Palma and accepted by Gene’s wife, Susan, along with sons Alex and Charlie, the 2026 ICON Award was presented to Lisa Cooley, Kathi Shuford was recognized with the Lynda Adleta Heart of Gold Award, and the Spirit of Tom Landry Award, given to a youth who has battled blood cancer, was presented to Vivian Haddad, who at four months old was diagnosed with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (ALL).
The highly anticipated fashion show, produced by Robyn Chauvin, then began with models wearing fabulous spring looks from Highland Park Village retailers, including La Vie Style House, MARKET, La Double J, LoveShackFancy, Lela Rose, and Carolina Herrera. The fashion show was then followed by lunch and dessert. As the event concluded, partygoers enjoyed a nearby coffee bar, sponsored by Heart of Gold Awardee Kathi Shuford and her husband, Scott.
THE NON-PROFIT: Blood Cancer United (formerly The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society®) is a global leader in the fight against cancer. The Blood Cancer United mission: to cure blood cancer and improve the quality of life for all patients and their families. Blood Cancer United funds lifesaving blood cancer research worldwide, provides free information and support services, and is the voice for all blood cancer patients seeking access to quality, affordable, coordinated care.
