#United States #healthcare #Washington, DC #Advocacy #Tigerlily Foundation

Tigerlily Foundation Marks Two Decades of Transformative Impact

On October 24, 2026, the Tigerlily Foundation will proudly celebrate its 20th anniversary with two significant events at the Grand Hyatt in Washington, DC. These gatherings, the 4th Annual BEACON Symposium and the EmPOWER Ball, will not only highlight the journey of advocacy and transformation but also focus on the future of patient-centric healthcare.

Founded by Maimah Karmo, who faced her own breast cancer diagnosis at a young age, the Tigerlily Foundation has evolved into a powerful movement advocating for the needs and rights of patients, particularly women undergoing cancer treatment. Over the last two decades, the organization has championed health equity and has worked tirelessly to ensure that patients have a say in their health care journeys.

A Day of Learning and Collaboration

The 4th Annual BEACON Symposium will commence the day’s events from 9:30 AM to 2:00 PM. This year’s theme is "From Access to Action: Scaling Patient-Led Solutions for an Equitable Future." Attendees will include patient advocates, healthcare leaders, and experts who will collaborate to develop innovative solutions aimed at making healthcare more equitable and centered around patient experiences.

The symposium will feature important discussions on creating equitable, community-focused clinical trials and addressing how drug pricing policies impact patient access to necessary medications. The goal is to move beyond mere discussions of challenges and work towards actionable solutions that can tangibly improve the healthcare landscape.

Maimah Karmo will moderate the symposium, and Kimberly Aldridge, a recognized healthcare executive and patient advocate, will serve as the Mistress of Ceremonies. Through collaborative dialogues, the symposium seeks to empower participants to transform their lived experiences into real-world healthcare solutions.

An Evening of Celebration and Reflection

Following the symposium, the evening will culminate in the 20th Anniversary EmPOWER Ball, starting at 6:00 PM. This black-tie-optional event will gather patients, survivors, advocates, and healthcare industry leaders to honor the strides made over the past 20 years in cancer advocacy, education, and community engagement.

The EmPOWER Ball is more than just a celebration; it serves as a platform to recognize the achievements and contributions of those who have supported the Tigerlily Foundation's mission. Maimah Karmo will host the event, with Lesli Foster, a prominent evening anchor from WUSA9, taking on the role of Master of Ceremonies. Participants will take the time to reflect on the successes achieved while also focusing on the impactful work ahead.

Looking Forward

Together, the BEACON Symposium and the EmPOWER Ball embody Tigerlily Foundation’s commitment to listening to patients, translating their voices into advocacy, and championing solutions alongside healthcare professionals. As the organization steps into its next chapter, it calls on all stakeholders to continue working toward a future where patients are not just passive recipients of care but are actively engaged in shaping research, healthcare policy, and improving access to care.

Tigerlily Foundation believes that every voice counts and that access to essential healthcare services should not be determined by one's identity or location. Through various initiatives, such as the ANGEL Advocate Program and IGNITE Community Engagement, Tigerlily is committed to empowering individuals and communities to play an active role in their health journeys.

In conclusion, the events on October 24 will serve both as a commemoration of past efforts and a rallying call to elevate the voices of patients in the healthcare system. It’s a pivotal moment to celebrate achievements while embracing the work still required to enhance health equity for all.

To learn more and to get involved with either event, please visit the Tigerlily Foundation's website for further information and registration details.