For more than 110 years, including over 40 years of serving the Coastal Bend community, the American Cancer Society (ACS) has improved lives nationwide through advocacy, research and patient support. Led by volunteers and dedicated staff, the ACS Coastal Bend chapter is committed to bettering the lives of locals affected by cancer.
Last year, Texas received $52,752,083 to oncology researchers undergoing groundbreaking work that benefits cancer patients in the Coastal Bend, the state of Texas and beyond. Funding in the Coastal Bend helps advance research and support programs such as the free 24/7 cancer helpline, where cancer patients, caregivers, those in remission and others seeking guidance can talk to a trusted, trained live staff member for support. Other services include the ACS Road to Recovery program, which provides free rides to cancer patients for lifesaving treatment.
“If someone is on the cusp of ‘I want to get screened, but I’m scared,’ they can pick up the phone and call the hotline and get guidance and get some validation and some security. That is what we want. We want to break down barriers and break those cycles,” ACS South Region Associate Director Victoria Gonzalez said.
These vital services are funded in part by various local efforts, such as the Cattle Baron’s Ball, an ongoing event celebrating 40 years this month, where all money raised goes to ACS. This Western-themed gala, set for March 28, is a fundraising event featuring food, drinks, dancing, a special auction and more. The ball has continuously brought together community members committed to the fight against cancer.
“Cattle Baron’s continues to be so meaningful in our community because it is deeply personal,” 2026 Co-Chair Elizabeth Welsh said. “This event, beyond raising funds for cancer research, honors our families, friends and neighbors; the people who have sat in hospital waiting rooms, the ones who received that life-changing news, the ones who are still fighting and the ones who we get to honor as survivors. As long as Cattle Baron’s is a place for our community to gather, it will always have meaning.”
In addition to the four decades of Cattle Baron’s support, Ticia’s Little Wranglers is a local event that directly aids pediatric cancer patients in the Coastal Bend. This summer camp brings together thrivers: cancer patients enduring treatment and survivors, patients in remission, who also support thrivers, cultivating fun and fellowship. Supporting cancer patients at every stage of life remains central to the ACS mission, a commitment reflected in Making Strides, a fundraiser walk that celebrates courage and hope.
“Cancer has touched everyone in some way,” Gonzalez said. “It is almost like a grieving process, like grieving the life that you envisioned for yourself. We have had people talk about the amount of hope they have gotten when they come and get to share their experience at Making Strides because they are walking alongside either thrivers, survivors or caregivers, and hearing stories. That is one thing that is so beautiful about the community; that at every level, people understand the importance of this fight and want to join in on it.”
Those interested can get involved with the ACS Coastal Bend through its website, a trusted local resource for patients and families at any stage or diagnosis. The site offers ways to volunteer, give and connect with local needs. Whether by giving, volunteering or showing up, the ACS Coastal Bend will continue to bring hope.
Contact: cancer.org | corpuschristi.acscbb.org | @acs.cattle.barons.ball.cc
