Houston’s 2026 Pearls Revealed as Shuck Cancer Plays To the City’s Food Strengths — Emerging Leaders and Brilliant Seafood
Bringing People Together To Fight For a Cause
By Shelby Hodge //
Photography Jacob Power
What better place for the American Cancer Society to kick off the 2026 Shuck Cancer season than elevated Gulf Coast seafood bastion Brennan’s of Houston? Young professionals, food lovers and supporters gathered for an evening of oysters, seafood, cocktails and celebration at the “Meet the Pearls” event introducing the 2026 Pearl Honorees.
The ACS GenNow Network spearheads the event that honors a covey of emerging Houston leaders who have committed to raising awareness and funds in support of the American Cancer Society.
Say hello to and prepare to support Aaron Herrera, Andrea James, Arianne Walker, Becky Helms, Carlisle Powell, Catherine Stiles, Colton Larsen, Dylan Milam, Emily Porter, Eryn Taylor, Jennifer Smith, Kelsey Falcone, Laura Mallon, Laurel Wheatley Hutton, Lauren Sanders, Lindsey Leigh Hohlt, Mary Ann Mason, Peter Bustamante, Richard Sarabia, Shanelle Shojaei, and Shernette Sherrill.
Their fundraising efforts, which have already begun, will continue through the fall culminating in the popular Shuck Cancer fundraiser. On that evening, set for November 19 in Silver Street Studios at Sawyer Yards, the three top fundraisers will be given special recognition.
Among this evening’s speakers was Becky Helms, a Pearl Honoree, cancer survivor, nurse and Houston content creator. Helms shared her own cancer journey, including her diagnosis with Hodgkin lymphoma after the discovery of a tumor in her chest.
Courtney and Clayton Freels and Shelby and Jack Scharnberg chair the upcoming fundraiser, which this year will support the American Cancer Society Hope Lodge Houston community, which provides cancer patients and their caregivers with a free place to stay when receiving treatment far from home, saving sick patients nearly $7 million last year.
Baobab Classique Scented Candles
“Shuck Cancer is about bringing people together around something Houston does exceptionally well — food — and turning that shared experience into meaningful impact for people facing cancer,” Shelby Scharnberg says.
The November 19 event event will feature servings of fresh oysters from regional and national seafood vendors paired with selected wines, craft beers and cocktails. Live entertainment and auctions will add to the energy.
For tickets, sponsorship opportunities and more information for Shuck Cancer, go here.
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