Gala, Auction, Golf 2026 Press Release
Community Rallies Behind DetecTogether’s Early Cancer Detection Mission Filling a Critical Gap between Screenings and Diagnosis
While only 14% of diagnosed cancers in the United States are detected through recommended cancer screenings, approximately 86% are diagnosed outside of routine screening, and many cancers have no effective screening test at all. Diagnoses often begin when someone notices a change in their health and knows how to seek timely care. DetecTogether exists to help people recognize those moments sooner and build the skills and confidence to take early action.
Supporters, sponsors, healthcare professionals, business leaders, and community members joined DetecTogether on May 30 and June 1 to raise critical support to equip people with the knowledge, confidence, and self-advocacy skills that lead to earlier diagnosis and better health outcomes.
Unlike traditional awareness approaches, DetecTogether focuses on turning awareness into practical skills, confidence, and action. Donor support allows the organization to reach more firefighters facing elevated occupational cancer risk, more students developing lifelong health habits amid rising cancer rates in younger adults, and more underserved communities where barriers to care can delay diagnosis.
Most people are taught about screenings, but few are taught how to recognize changes in their health that could signal something serious.
Lisa Young, DetecTogether Senior Director of Communications and Engagement
“Most people are taught about screenings, but few are taught how to recognize changes in their health that could signal something serious,” said Lisa Young, Senior Director of Communications and Engagement at DetecTogether. “When people know what to look for and how to advocate for themselves, they are better equipped to seek care sooner and improve their chances of an earlier diagnosis and better health outcomes.”
DetecTogether’s education delivers measurable results:
- 82% of program participants report using DetecTogether’s 3 Steps Detect® in their daily lives
- 42% identified a health concern that warranted medical attention
- 19% received an early diagnosis, and among those diagnoses, 64% were cancer-related
These outcomes demonstrate the power of equipping people with practical early detection skills that help them recognize potential warning signs and seek timely medical care.
The Gala & Auction featured Emmy-nominated comedian Mike Birbiglia, live music by South of Sunrise, exceptional dining, and inspiring stories from cancer survivors whose lives have been positively impacted by DetecTogether.
The weekend’s success extended to DetecTogether’s Golf Tournament at Worcester Country Club and The Haven Country Club, where golfers, sponsors, and supporters came together in support of early cancer detection education. A highlight of the tournament was the Eagle Hole Challenge, sponsored by the Jim and Nancy Coughlin Family in honor of DetecTogether’s 17th anniversary. One golfer sank the winning shot and took home the $17,000 prize, creating a memorable celebration of both skill and philanthropy.
Two powerful stories at the Gala demonstrated how DetecTogether’s early detection education can help people take action sooner – and why that action can make all the difference.
I would have just kept putting it off and putting it off, and who knows what would have happened. Thankfully, my life is back to normal now.
ray stone
Ray Stone, participant of their Workplace Wellbeing Program highlighted the critical role individuals play in recognizing health changes and seeking medical attention – often before a diagnosis is made. Ray shared how DetecTogether’s education helped turn uncertainty into action.
Scott Bridges, a retired firefighter living with Stage 4 colon cancer, shared the impact he believes DetecTogether’s education could have had earlier in his own journey. “I wish I had 3 Steps Detect® earlier because I would have been doing this, and I would have seen there’s something wrong,” said Bridges. “I never thought in a million years that this would happen to me.”
I wish I had 3 Steps Detect® earlier because I would have been doing this, and I would have seen there’s something wrong.
Scott Bridges
“Every gift helps us reach more firefighters, students, and community members with practical skills that can lead to earlier diagnoses, more treatment options, and better health outcomes,” said Ginny Allaby, Vice President of Development at DetecTogether.
This is education that changes behavior, empowers action, and ultimately saves lives.
Ginny Allaby, DetecTogether Vice President of Development
The success of this year’s events was also made possible through the generous support of: Presenting Sponsor CMP Advanced Mechanical Solutions and sponsors Powertech Controls Co., Inc., 1A Auto, Wagner Motors, and UniBank.
Together, sponsors, donors, golfers, volunteers, and attendees are helping expand DetecTogether’s reach into more schools, fire departments, and communities where fear, uncertainty, and barriers to care can delay diagnosis.
To learn more about DetecTogether’s early cancer detection education programs, make a donation, become a corporate partner, or get involved, visit www.detectogether.org.
About DetecTogether
DetecTogether is a national nonprofit dedicated to helping people find cancer earlier, when treatment options are often greater and outcomes better. Through its evidence-informed 3 Steps Detect® education, DetecTogether equips individuals with practical skills, confidence, and self-advocacy tools to recognize potential warning signs of cancer and other serious health concerns, take timely action, and partner effectively with healthcare providers. By teaching people how to move from awareness to action, DetecTogether is changing the way people think about early detection and empowering individuals to become active participants in protecting their own health.
For more information, visit DetecTogether.org.
