Gateway Celebrity Fight Night Shines Light on Research and Hope
Cancer has touched the lives of everyone. While no one is immune to its effects, there remains an organization steadfast in its pursuit of a future where cancer is no longer a dreaded diagnosis.
Each year, Gateway Celebrity Fight Night brings together a vibrant community of philanthropists, world-class entertainers, and passionate leaders, all united by a common goal: to defeat this relentless disease. This year’s event, hosted at the Fairmont Scottsdale Princess on Saturday, March 21st, and co-chaired by Dr. Stacie J. Stephenson and Richard J Stephenson, is set to be the most spectacular yet—the premiere event of the season. With the theme “A New Dawn,” the gala unites philanthropists, celebrities, and medical innovators, all sharing a singular mission: to accelerate the fight against cancer.
Gateway for Cancer Research: Driving Innovation
The heart of this event is Gateway for Cancer Research, a nonprofit dedicated to funding early-phase clinical trials. Dr. Stephenson highlights the unique role of Gateway, explaining, “We are one of the only nonprofits solely dedicated to funding Phase I and II clinical trials, standing on the frontlines where the most promising and innovative therapies are born. These early-phase trials hold the greatest risk, but also the greatest potential, for revolutionizing cancer care.”
Since its founding, Gateway has invested over $126 million in more than 254 clinical trials spanning 29 institutions worldwide today alone. The result: HOPE and healing for over 30,000 cancer patients and their families. Currently, Gateway is supporting 58 active trials across all cancer types—an unprecedented commitment to research. Dr. Stephenson emphasizes, “100% of donations fund groundbreaking research. Every dollar goes straight to the fight.”
Accelerating Tomorrow’s Treatments Today
Gateway for Cancer Research is unwavering in its mission: accelerate tomorrow’s cancer treatments today. Gateway Celebrity Fight Night is more than an evening of star-studded entertainment and high-profile guests—it is a beacon of hope for thousands of cancer patients and their families. Among Gateway’s most ambitious efforts is support for decentralized clinical trials. By utilizing telemedicine and virtual visits, these studies deliver lifesaving therapies directly to patients, eliminating barriers related to distance, mobility, and access.
One such trial, led by Dr. Sameek Roychowdhury, is changing the landscape of care for patients with advanced pancreatic cancer by allowing them to participate from home. Dr. Stephenson shares, “We’ve already witnessed remarkable stories of resilience from patients benefitting from these advances.”
A Night of Celebration and Purpose
Gateway Celebrity Fight Night, curated by musical director and 16-time Grammy Award-winner David Foster, is not only a celebration of progress in cancer research but also a testament to the power of philanthropy and community. Dr. Stephenson remarks, “Philanthropy is the engine that turns bold ideas into breakthroughs and hypotheses into cures. By standing with us at Gateway Celebrity Fight Night, you become part of a community committed to shaping the future of cancer care.”
Event Details
- When: Saturday, March 21, 2026
- 5:30 PM: Cocktail Hour
- 6:30 PM: Event Program
- Where: Fairmont Scottsdale Princess, Princess Ballroom, 7575 East Princess Drive, Scottsdale, Arizona 85255
- Hosted by Dr. Stacie J. Stephenson and Mr. Richard J Stephenson
Purchase tickets now at celebrityfightnight.org, or for more information, contact Carol.Cassidy@gatewaycr.org.
