WASHINGTON, Oct. 19, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Tigerlily Foundation will mark a milestone 20 years of impact on Saturday, October 24, 2026, with two signature events at the Grand Hyatt Washington: the 4th Annual BEACON Symposium and the 20th Anniversary EmPOWER Ball.

Together, the events will capture the full scope of Tigerlily’s mission: advancing patient-led solutions during the day and honoring the community that has powered two decades of progress in the evening.

Founded by Maimah Karmo following her own breast cancer diagnosis as a young woman, Tigerlily Foundation has grown into a national and global movement advancing patient advocacy, health equity and systemic change for women before, during and after cancer.

“For 20 years, Tigerlily has been driven by the belief that patients should not simply have a seat at the table, but a voice in shaping what happens next. BEACON represents that work in action, bringing patients and healthcare leaders together to turn lived experience into solutions, while the EmPOWER Ball gives us a moment to honor the extraordinary community that has carried this mission forward. As we celebrate 20 years, we are not only reflecting on how far we’ve come. We are looking ahead to what we can build together next.”
 — Maimah Karmo, Founder, President and CEO, Tigerlily Foundation

From Access to Action: Patients Leading Healthcare Transformation

Tigerlily Foundation’s 4th Annual BEACON Symposium: Transformation with Patients Leading in Healthcare will take place on Saturday, October 24, 2026, from 9:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. ET at the Grand Hyatt Washington in Washington, DC, under the theme “From Access to Action: Scaling Patient-Led Solutions for an Equitable Future.”

BEACON brings patient advocates, healthcare leaders, providers and experts in science together to co-create solutions that move healthcare closer to truly patient-centered and equitable care. This year’s program will examine building more equitable, community-centered clinical trials and understanding how drug pricing policies can impact patients and access. Collaborative discussions will give participants opportunities to move beyond identifying challenges and contribute to potential solutions.

Maimah Karmo, President and CEO of Tigerlily Foundation, will serve as moderator, with Kimberly Aldridge, PhD, Healthcare Executive and Patient Advocate, serving as Mistress of Ceremonies.

Celebrating 20 Years of Beauty, Strength and Transformation

Later that evening, Tigerlily Foundation will commemorate its 20th anniversary with the 20th Anniversary EmPOWER Ball, beginning at 6:00 p.m. on Saturday, October 24, 2026, at the Grand Hyatt Washington in Washington, DC.

The black-tie-optional celebration will bring together patients, survivors, advocates, healthcare leaders, partners and supporters to honor 20 years of Beauty, Strength and Transformation and the people who have helped shape Tigerlily Foundation’s journey.

More than a celebration, the EmPOWER Ball will recognize two decades of advocacy, education, community engagement and work to advance health equity, while looking ahead to the next chapter of Tigerlily’s mission and impact.

Karmo will serve as host of the milestone celebration, with Lesli Foster, WUSA9 Evening Anchor, serving as Master of Ceremonies.

One Day. Two Signature Events. One Mission.

The pairing of BEACON and the EmPOWER Ball represents the full arc of Tigerlily Foundation’s work: listening to patients, transforming lived experience into action, building solutions alongside healthcare stakeholders, and celebrating the people who make progress possible.

As Tigerlily Foundation enters its next chapter, October 24 will serve not only as a celebration of what has been accomplished, but as a call to continue building a future where patients are not simply included in healthcare conversations, but recognized as leaders in shaping research, policy, access and care.

About Tigerlily Foundation

Tigerlily Foundation is a national patient advocacy organization committed to transforming the lives of women and families impacted by cancer and other serious health conditions. Founded by Maimah Karmo following her own breast cancer diagnosis as a young woman, Tigerlily has grown into a powerful force for health equity, working to break down barriers, eliminate disparities, amplify patient voices, and ensure that every individual has access to the education, support, and quality care they deserve.

At the heart of Tigerlily’s mission is the belief that every voice matters, every patient deserves to be heard, and access to lifesaving care should never depend on who you are or where you live. Through education, advocacy, clinical trial awareness, policy engagement, patient support, and strategic partnerships, Tigerlily empowers individuals and communities to take an active role in their health while driving meaningful change across the healthcare system.

Through signature initiatives including the ANGEL Advocate Program, SPARK Clinical Trials, ONE in a MILLION, HEAL Policy Center of Excellence, and IGNITE Community Engagement, Tigerlily transforms lived experiences into powerful advocacy, strengthens communities, and advances lasting systemic change.

Because at Tigerlily Foundation, advocacy is more than raising awareness. It’s about turning voices into action, breaking barriers, and creating a future where everyone has the opportunity to thrive.

Media Note:

Interviews with Maimah Karmo, Tigerlily Foundation leaders, patient advocates, event speakers and select honorees may be available upon request. Media interested in covering the BEACON Symposium or EmPOWER Ball should contact Julie Annen Jules@tigerlilyfoundation.org

Learn more and register for BEACON 2026
20th Anniversary EmPOWER Ball information and tickets

Media Contact
Julie Annen
Senior Director, Strategic Communications and Marketing | Director RISE CoE | Tigerlily Foundation
Jules@tigerlilyfoundation.org

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SOURCE TIGERLILY FOUNDATION