Jeff Bagwell and Mary Lou Retton Get Together in Houston to Make a Difference

Local Celebrities and Kid Cancer Survivors Walk Hand in Hand

By Shelby Hodge // Feb 14, 2018

Photography John Lewis, CJ Martin

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Cal McNair, Justin Stout, Elijah Lewis, Hannah McNair

What: Texas Children’s Cancer Center Celebration of Champions luncheon

Where: River Oaks Country Club

PC Moment: In their roles as honorary chairs, Major League Baseball Hall of Famer Jeff Bagwell and Olympic gold medalist Mary Lou Retton had the honor of lighting the “Torch of Hope” to launch the 10th annual Celebration of Champions. Local celebrities (many dressed by Saks Fifth Avenue) joined hand-in-hand with Texas Children’s cancer survivors (dressed by Dillard’s) for a stroll down the catwalk where each was greeted with cheers and applause.

Since its founding by Sidney Faust, Judi McGee, Elsie Eckert and Scott Bassinger, the event has raised more than $1.5 million for Texas Children’s Long Term Survivor Program, which monitors patients for delayed side effects and complications caused by previous cancer therapies. Fox 26 morning news anchor Melissa Wilson served as emcee of the upbeat luncheon and fashion presentation.

Community champions sharing the spotlight with the cancer survivors included Linda and Mark Evans, Tena Lundquist Faust and Tyson Faust, Dr. David Poplack, Mary and John Eads, Courtney and Christopher Sarofim, Christie and Billy McCartney, Diane and John Riley, Kristy and Chris Bradshaw, Winell and Doug Herron, Penny and John Butler, Hanna and Cal McNair, Christie and Billy McCartney and Kathi and Bill Rovere.

Who: Carmen and Butch Mach, Emily Crosswell, Lisa and Mike O’Leary, Dr. ZoAnn Dryer, Joanna and Brad Marks, Cathy and Joe Cleary, Scott Butler, Bo Butler, Bethany Hibbetts, Caroline Walter, Megan Cushing and Flo Crady.