Award ceremony will be held Friday, September 11 at the Wenatchee Convention Center
information released
Cancer Support Community Central Washington (formerly known as Wellness Place) is proud to announce the 2026 honorees for the second annual Central Washington Cancer Heroes, taking place Friday, September 11, 2026, at the Wenatchee Convention Center.
Sponsored by Wenatchee Valley Medical Group, Central Washington Cancer Heroes is a red-carpet awards celebration honoring local members of the cancer community whose strength, compassion, perseverance, and impact inspire us all.
The 2026 honorees were nominated by community members whose lives they have touched, inspired, supported, or made brighter through their strength, compassion, and commitment to others.
From those nominations, Cancer Support Community Central Washington is proud to recognize the following 2026 Cancer Heroes:
- Amy Silva
- Becky Cummins
- Becky Guinn
- David Notter
- Dolly McClellan
- Don Super
- Emelia Gutzwiler
- James Perkins
- Kim Everett
- Lindsay Bentsen
- Rosa Garibay
- The Shemorry Family
- Vicki & Randy Niman
- Westside High School Leadership Class
Each honoree was nominated by someone who has been inspired by their story or impacted by the difference they have made. Together, this year’s Heroes represent the many ways cancer touches a community. Their stories include individuals impacted by cancer as well as caregivers, families, students, and community members who have made a meaningful difference in the lives of others.
“Cancer touches so many people in so many different ways, and the stories represented by this year’s Heroes are a beautiful reflection of that,” said Marissa Collins, Executive Director of Cancer Support Community Central Washington. “These honorees represent strength and resilience, but they also represent love, compassion, advocacy, and the countless ways people show up for one another when cancer enters their lives. We are incredibly honored to celebrate them.”
The evening will bring the community together for dinner, desserts, powerful stories, live entertainment, and an award showcase, followed by live music and dancing.
Central Washington Cancer Heroes is also an important fundraiser for Cancer Support Community Central Washington, helping ensure that no one in Central Washington has to face cancer alone. Proceeds from the event support the organization’s free programs and services, including care essentials, support groups, healthy living programs, education, Joy Fund gifts, and resource navigation for people impacted by cancer throughout Chelan, Douglas, Grant, and Okanogan counties.
“Cancer Heroes is a celebration, but it is also a reminder of why community support matters,” Collins said. “Every ticket purchased and every dollar raised helps us continue providing free support to local individuals and families navigating cancer.”
The event is made possible by the generosity of local sponsors, led by Presenting Sponsor Wenatchee Valley Medical Group. Additional sponsors include Confluence Health, Numerica Credit Union, Cascade Autocenter, Munchen Haus, Arseneault Automation, Cashmere Valley Bank, Goodfellow Bros., Jones & Jones-Betts Funeral Home, Gesa Credit Union, Integrity Piercing, Edward Jones’ Mina Gomez – Financial Advisor, JBe Marketing, and JP Portrait Studio.
Community members are invited to join in celebrating the 2026 Cancer Heroes and the people whose stories remind us that no one faces cancer alone. Tickets and additional event information are available at www.csccentralwa.org/cw-cancer-heroes.
About Cancer Support Community Central Washington
Cancer Support Community Central Washington is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization based in Wenatchee, WA, with a mission to uplift and strengthen people impacted by cancer by providing support, fostering compassionate communities, and breaking down barriers to care. Programs and services are always free for residents of Chelan, Douglas, Grant, and Okanogan counties throughout their cancer journey. Learn more at www.csccentralwa.org.
