The American Cancer Society is the leading cancer-fighting organization with a vision of ending cancer as we know it, for everyone. We are the only organization working to improve the lives of people with cancer and their families through advocacy, research, and patient support, to ensure everyone has an opportunity to prevent, detect, treat, and survive cancer.
Since 2011, the San Francisco Discovery Gala has raised nearly $19 million to fund the American Cancer Society’s mission and has become one of the premier fundraising events for cancer, both locally and across the nation. In 2023, the event won the American Cancer Society’s prestigious Event of The Year award. It garners the support of the business community and is led by an extraordinary volunteer Board of Ambassadors who champion the mission year-round.
On September 27, 2025, we will come together in the now to transform what tomorrow looks like for cancer patients and their families through the 14th annual San Francisco Discovery Gala.
Carla Andrews is a global adventurer, art lover, and Formula One racing fan who has survived three different cancer diagnoses over the last 20 years. Her journey, beginning with a misdiagnosis in her early 20s, has fueled both her gratitude for life and her commitment to improving health outcomes. Professionally, Carla is a Principal in Strategy at Monitor Deloitte, where she has worked across the US, Europe, Africa, and the Middle East to help organizations tackle complex health challenges. A graduate of Stanford University and the University of Virginia, she is also a dedicated volunteer, currently serving as Vice Chair of the Smith Center for Healing and the Arts in Washington, DC, and actively supporting the American Cancer Society’s mission to end cancer for everyone.
Stephanie Chuang is a former Bay Area television news journalist and the founder of The Patient Story, a platform dedicated to providing “human answers to cancer questions.” After being diagnosed with stage 3 non-Hodgkin lymphoma in 2016, Stephanie experienced firsthand the emotional and informational challenges of navigating a cancer diagnosis. Her journey through nearly 700 hours of chemotherapy inspired her to create a resource that centers patient and caregiver voices, offering support through shared experiences rather than medical jargon. Today, she is in remission and continues to lead The Patient Story, amplifying the power of connection and community in cancer care.
Dr. Roeland Nusse was born in Amsterdam, The Netherlands. He received his PhD from the Netherlands Cancer Institute and the University of Amsterdam in 1980. He completed postdoctoral studies at the University of California, San Francisco in 1982 working with Dr. Harold Varmus. After several years as head of the molecular biology department at the Netherlands Cancer Institute, he returned to the Bay Area and joined the Stanford faculty in 1990 as a Professor of Developmental Biology. He has been a Howard Hughes Medical Institute Investigator since 1990. He has been the chair of the department of Developmental Biology at Stanford from 1999 to 2020, Currently, he is the Virginia and Daniel K. Ludwig Professor of Cancer Research. In 2010, he was elected as a member of the National Academy of Sciences. Roel Nusse is also a fellow of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences and a member of the Royal Dutch Academy of Sciences. In 2016, he received the Breakthrough Prize in Life Sciences. In 2020, he was the recipient of the Canada Gairdner International Award. Last year, he was elected as a fellow of the AACR.
Andrew Schultz brings over 25 years of leadership experience across the technology, media, and telecom sectors, with a focus on strategy, corporate development, M&A, and organizational integration. At HPE, in the role of SVP Global Sales Finance & Pricing, he ensures the company aligns with HPE’s broader strategy while driving growth initiatives. His career spans global corporations, startups, and venture capital, and his international experience—having lived in South Africa, the UK, Australia, Hong Kong, and the U.S.—has shaped his ability to lead diverse, cross-functional teams. Outside of work, Andrew is an avid SCUBA instructor, sports enthusiast, and proud supporter of his children’s athletic pursuits.
Carine Schultz is a seasoned chocolatier and event leader, currently serving as Auction Lead for the San Francisco Discovery Gala. Her confectionery journey spans roles in South Africa, England, Australia, Hong Kong, and California, including positions in chocolate production, cake decorating, and corporate workshops. Since 2017, she has hosted chocolate-themed fundraisers in Palo Alto, combining her culinary talent with her commitment to community engagement. Carine has also actively contributed to local school boards, bringing creativity and heart to both her professional and volunteer work.
Jacqueline Guichelaar is the SVP & GM for Asia Pacific, Japan, and Greater China at Cisco, where she leverages over two decades of experience as a COO, CTO, and CIO to help customers transform their businesses. Formerly Cisco’s Group CIO, she led the overhaul of the company’s global digital infrastructure, enterprise security, and technology platforms—driving innovation and efficiency. Recognized as a dynamic leader and advocate for inclusion, she’s been named to Fast Company’s Queer 50, HITEC 100, and the 100 Women in Tech Leaders to Watch. Jacqueline also serves as Executive Sponsor of Cisco’s Pride Inclusive Community and is a board member of Covenant House California.
Audrey Fauvel is a global business leader with more than 25 years of experience in financial services, currently serving as CEO, Chairperson, and Advisory Board member across organizations in Singapore, the UK, and the U.S. Her expertise spans strategy, international markets, marketing, product development, and organizational change. With a Master’s in International Business and an MBA in Finance, Audrey is also a passionate advocate for diversity and mentorship. Both Jacqueline and Audrey co-chaired the American Cancer Society’s San Francisco Gala in 2021 and 2022, where they combined their leadership and philanthropic spirit to support the fight against cancer.
As the only organization combating cancer through advocacy, discovery, and patient support, the American Cancer Society has made significant contributions to the fight against cancer over the last 110 years. We advocate for lifesaving policy changes, promote healthy lifestyles to help prevent cancer, and provide information, answers, and support to people in every community who have been touched by cancer. We also research cancer and its causes to find more answers and better treatment.
Yet, there is still work to be done – which is why we are so glad you have joined us tonight! The American Cancer Society continues to work tirelessly to fund research and provide support for all types of cancer. And thanks to your generous support, we work to ensure that everyone has an opportunity to prevent, detect, treat, and survive cancer.
Every cancer. Every life.
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For more than 10 decades, the American Cancer Society has been dedicated to pursuing better outcomes for every cancer, every life. Today, more people are surviving cancer than ever before, but there is still work to be done. Join us, support us, and help us end cancer as we know it, for everyone.
towards cancer research
winning scientists received research funding
through all patient support initiatives in 2024
