#USA #Los Angeles #Ed Sheeran #Roger Daltrey #Teen Cancer America

Teen Cancer America Welcomes New Leadership for 2026-28

Teen Cancer America (TCA), a pioneering national nonprofit organization founded in 2012 by Roger Daltrey and Pete Townshend of The Who, recently announced significant developments in its governance. The announcement comes as TCA gears up for its largest annual fundraising event, the Backyard Concert, which will feature renowned artists like Ed Sheeran and Jackson Browne.

New Board Appointments and Executive Slate

On August 5, 2026, TCA officially welcomed five impressive new members to its Board of Directors as well as announcing its executive officers for the term of 2026-28. The new board members are:

• - Peter Bristow – President at First Citizens Bank (Raleigh, NC)
• - Kamesh Nagarajan – Managing Director and Private Wealth Advisor at Morgan Stanley Private Wealth Management (New York City)
• - Huw Shakeshaft – Founder and Managing Partner at TransAtlantica Partners (London/Palm Beach)
• - David Simoné – Co-Owner at DSW Entertainment (New York/Los Angeles)
• - Tina Fasbender – Founder and CEO at Fasbender Financial Management (Santa Monica, CA)

These appointments reflect TCA’s commitment to diverse leadership, incorporating expertise from various sectors.

The executive slate for the term includes:

• - Chairman: Rebecca Rothstein, TCA co-founder and Managing Director at Merrill Lynch Private Bank & Investment Group (Los Angeles)
• - Vice Chairman: Rick French, Chairman & CEO of French/West/Vaughan (Raleigh, NC)
• - Treasurer: Howard Jaffe, TCA co-founder and Attorney (Philadelphia)
• - Corporate Secretary: Maria Taylor, Real Estate Broker at Klemm Real Estate (Waterbury, CT)

In expressing gratitude for the new members, Shannon Sullivan, TCA’s Chief Executive Officer, stated, "I am deeply grateful to all the extraordinary individuals giving of their time, expertise, and passion to help fulfill the promise of Teen Cancer America. Their leadership strengthens our mission and ensures we can continue expanding world-class adolescent and young adult cancer programs throughout the U.S."

Drive for Change in Young Cancer Care

Since its inception, TCA has successfully raised over $36 million and set up 73 specialized Adolescent and Young Adult (AYA) cancer programs in hospitals across the United States. The organization's vision is to ensure that young cancer patients have access to adequate resources, including mental health support, fertility counseling, and survivorship planning.

Currently, TCA partners with 73 leading health systems, supporting the needs of more than 204,000 patients and their families. This transformative initiative addresses the unique challenges faced by young people battling cancer, who often lack the necessary support systems and resources.

The Upcoming Backyard Concert Fundraiser

The announcement arrives just ahead of TCA’s Backyard Concert fundraiser, scheduled at a private residence in Pacific Palisades. This year’s highly-anticipated event promises to bring together a star-studded lineup, including Ed Sheeran, Jackson Browne, Boz Scaggs, and Don McLean, among other surprise artists.

This annual concert not only raises substantial financial support for TCA's mission but also raises awareness about the critical needs of teens and young adults dealing with cancer.

As the organization continues to expand its efforts and influence, the new board members and executive team will be pivotal in steering TCA toward achieving its ambitious goals for the future.

To learn more about Teen Cancer America and support their mission, visit TeenCancerAmerica.org.