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’m honored and excited to serve as your 2025–2026 chapter president for this vibrant and growing community of young professionals.

Unfortunately, cancer touches us all. For me, this cause is deeply personal. I lost my father to cholangiocarcinoma and currently walk alongside my mother through her breast cancer journey. These experiences fuel my commitment to making a meaningful impact through my career, advocacy, and fundraising.

Each year, my involvement with the American Cancer Society has grown. In 2023, I was proud to serve as a Pearl Honoree for GenNow’s signature event, Shuck Cancer. It was an incredible experience raising awareness and support among friends and fellow young professionals across Houston. If you haven’t attended Shuck Cancer yet, I highly encourage you to join us this year! It’s unforgettable!

In 2024, I had the privilege of mentoring 25 Pearl Honorees, helping them strategize and maximize their fundraising efforts. I’ve also participated in other impactful events like Tickled Pink, meal service at the Hope Lodge, and the legendary Cattle Baron’s Ball. Volunteering with ACS has helped me grow personally, expand my professional network, build lasting friendships, and have a lot of fun!

Professionally, I work in cancer research, supporting the implementation of clinical trials aimed at developing new treatments and giving patients more options to fight. Much of the research at my workplace is funded by ACS grants. These investments lead to breakthroughs that save lives and improve quality of life. I’ve seen firsthand how emerging treatments become the new standard of care, offering renewed hope to patients and families. There’s still so much research to be done and funding is critical to keep it going.

Beyond research, I’ve witnessed the power of ACS programs in action. Many people know the name American Cancer Society, but few realize the local impact. Programs like Hope Lodge provide free lodging for patients traveling to Houston for treatment, easing the financial burden. Road to Recovery offers transportation to and from appointments, an essential service for those undergoing frequent and exhausting treatments. I’ve seen how these programs lift a heavy weight off patients’ shoulders, and your support helps keep them alive.

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