Associates for Cancer Studies Honor Patrick M. Byrne and Nancy O'Dell at 28th Annual Gala

Associates for Breast and Prostate Cancer Studies (ABCs), helmed by president Gloria Gebbia, hosted its annual, star-studded Talk of the Town black-tie gala at the Beverly Hilton Hotel, Beverly Hills, Saturday, Nov. 18, 2017. Gala benefited breast and prostate cancer research at the John Wayne Cancer Institute at Providence Saint John's Health Center. Patrick M. Byrne, founder and CEO of Overstock.com was honored with the Spirit of Hope Award and Entertainment Tonight's co-anchor Nancy O'Dell was recipient of the Spirit of Entertainment Award. Singer/songwriter Bret Michaels performed and actor Taye Diggs hosted.

The ABCs was formed 28 years ago by a group of dedicated philanthropists who wanted to devote all their charitable efforts and resources to eradicating cancer and unanimously chose to support progressive and innovative breast cancer and prostate cancer research at the John Wayne Cancer Institute. They have raised more than $15 million to fund research at the Institute. For more information, please visit www.abcjw.com.

Since 1981, the family of John Wayne has been committed to pioneering cancer research in memory of their father, who died of cancer. For more than 35 years, the courageous and dedicated researchers at the John Wayne Cancer Institute have made groundbreaking discoveries that have changed the way cancer is detected, diagnosed and treated around the world. With its unique ability to rapidly turn scientific discoveries into novel approaches for early detection and treatment, the Institute provides immediate hope to cancer patients everywhere.

Photo Credit: Vince Bucci

Dr. Craig Rosenblum and his mother Sheri Rosenblum, Gala Chair

Marcel Loh, President & CEO of Providence Saint John’s Health Center and the John Wayne Cancer Institute (right) presented the Spirit of Hope Award to Patrick Byrne, founder & CEO of Overstock.com (left)

JoAnn and RoBert Klein, President & CEO, Saint John’s Health Center Foundation

Emcee Taye Diggs, ABCs President Gloria Gebbia, performer Bret Michaels

Taye Diggs presented the Spirit of Entertainment Award to Nancy O’Dell, co-anchor of Entertainment Tonight

Nicole Murphy presented the inaugural Gebbia Family Legacy Award to Gloria Gebbia, President of the Associates for Breast and Prostate Cancer Studies, for her more than 20 years of dedication to the organization.

Bret Michaels performed on stage