Our Chapter

Chapter Highlights

The GenNow Network Houston, TX chapter brings together members from the community to support the American Cancer Society. Since 2022 we have continued to see growth in our impact and look forward to what is ahead for us.

We are proud of all the efforts of our chapter, especially Shuck Cancer Houston which has raised over $850,000 over the past 3 years.

Chapter President


Headshot of Mari Gray<br />

Mari Gray

Chapter President
MD Anderson
Clinical Research Monitor
Interested in Becoming a Member?

Welcome to the Houston chapter of ACS GenNow! I am excited to serve as the 2025 president of this growing, dynamic group! Unfortunately, EVERYONE has been touched by cancer, be it through a family member, a friend, or loved one. Cancer truly impacts us all. Personally, this cause means so much to me, while my father faces cholangiocarcinoma.  I desire to make an impact for those facing cancer, through my career, advocacy, and fundraising.

Each year, my participation with American Cancer Society has grown. In 2023, I had the opportunity to serve as a Pearl Honoree for GenNow’s annual event, Shuck Cancer! It has been a blast to raise awareness about this great cause among friends and other young professionals throughout Houston. If you’ve never been to Shuck Cancer, you must join us this year! In 2024, I served as a mentor to the 25 Pearl Honorees, helping plan fundraising strategy for each pearl to help us raise as much money as possible! I have also participated in several other amazing events including Tickled Pink, meal service at the Hope Lodge, and Cattle Barron’s Ball! Volunteering and fundraising for ACS has allowed me to develop personally, establish an expansive professional network, build new friendships, and have a lot of FUN!

My career is focused on cancer research, assisting with the implementation of clinical trials with the goal of pioneering new treatments to allow patients further opportunities to fight. Research that takes place at my workplace is frequently supported by grants from ACS. By financially supporting cancer research, we help find new treatments that can save lives and improve the quality of life for those living with cancer. I have seen the impact of effective clinical research and have seen emerging treatments become standard of care, offering new hope for those facing cancer! I appreciate the opportunity to have a platform to inform the public that there is still so much research to do and there are so many ways to help our loved ones facing cancer! Funding is critical to allow research to continue.

I have personally seen patients benefit from ACS programming and raise support to expand these helpful opportunities for patients. Many have heard of American Cancer Society but are unsure of the local impact. Patients have access to lodging at the ACS Hope Lodge to minimize the cost of lodging while seeking treatment in Houston. Cancer treatment often requires patients to be seen frequently for lab checks, check-ups, and treatments. These appointments can be tiresome. Road to Recovery is a service that provides cancer patients transportation to and from their visits. I have personally seen the burden that these two ACS programs can remove from patients facing cancer. Your support is necessary to allow these programs to continue!

Looking for professional community, service opportunities, and FUN? Join us!

Mission

ACS GenNow Network chapters implement mission-centric opportunities for members and supporters to further ACS initiatives.

The American Cancer Society is the leading cancer-fighting organization with a vision to end cancer as we know it, for everyone. Together are improving the lives of people with cancer and their families as the only organization combating cancer through advocacy, research, and patient support, to ensure that everyone has an opportunity to prevent, detect, treat, and survive cancer.

ACS GenNow Network educates members on the mission and vision of the American Cancer Society and integrates these into chapter activities. Chapters are encouraged to provide opportunities to support ACS patient support programs and services and fundraising activities.

Mentorship

ACS GenNow Network members are offered opportunities for professional development and networking with other members and chapters.

We value the opportunity to leverage the strength of our GenNow Network along with our strength as the American Cancer Society in order to help provide members opportunities for professional development through mentorship from other members and/or ACS contacts.

By creating opportunities for members to expand their personal and professional networks within the community, we allow for involvement within the chapter to benefit our members in a variety of ways.

Impact

ACS GenNow Network chapters host unique, memorable events to engage communities in raising funds to help end cancer as we know it, for everyone.

The impact component of our GenNow Network chapters is essential to helping support the life-saving mission of the American Cancer Society. From rooftop cocktail parties to poolside social events, our young professionals host trendy and impactful events to raise funds for the American Cancer Society’s vision to end cancer as we know it, for everyone.

Shuck Cancer

Fighting Cancer Takes More Than Medicine