/PRNewswire/ - Tigerlily Foundation will celebrate a milestone 20 years of impact on Saturday, October 24, 2026, with two signature events at the Grand Hyatt Washington: the 4th Annual BEACON Symposium and the 20th Anniversary EmPOWER Ball.

The combined events will reflect the complete range of Tigerlily's mission by advancing patient-led solutions throughout the day and recognizing the community behind two decades of progress in the evening.

Established by Maimah Karmo after her personal breast cancer diagnosis as a young woman, Tigerlily Foundation has evolved into a national and global initiative focused on patient advocacy, health equity and systemic improvements for women before, during and after cancer.

"Over 20 years, Tigerlily has operated on the principle that patients deserve not only a place at the table but also influence in determining future steps. BEACON puts this principle into practice by uniting patients and healthcare leaders to convert real-world experience into solutions, while the EmPOWER Ball offers a chance to acknowledge the remarkable community that has sustained this mission. As we mark 20 years, we reflect on our progress and look forward to what we can achieve together."
- Maimah Karmo, Founder, President and CEO, Tigerlily Foundation

From Access to Action: Patients Driving Healthcare Change

Tigerlily Foundation's 4th Annual BEACON Symposium: Transformation with Patients Leading in Healthcare will occur on Saturday, October 24, 2026, from 9:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. ET at the Grand Hyatt Washington in Washington, DC, under the theme "From Access to Action: Scaling Patient-Led Solutions for an Equitable Future."

BEACON gathers patient advocates, healthcare leaders, providers and science experts to develop solutions that promote truly patient-centered and equitable care. This year's sessions will explore creating more equitable, community-focused clinical trials and assessing how drug pricing policies affect patients and access. Group discussions will allow attendees to move past problem identification and help shape potential solutions.

Maimah Karmo, President and CEO of Tigerlily Foundation, will moderate the event, with Kimberly Aldridge, PhD, Healthcare Executive and Patient Advocate, serving as Mistress of Ceremonies.

Marking 20 Years of Beauty, Strength and Transformation

That evening, Tigerlily Foundation will mark its 20th anniversary with the 20th Anniversary EmPOWER Ball, starting at 6:00 p.m. on Saturday, October 24, 2026, at the Grand Hyatt Washington in Washington, DC.

The black-tie-optional gathering will unite patients, survivors, advocates, healthcare leaders, partners and supporters to honor 20 years of Beauty, Strength and Transformation and those who have influenced Tigerlily Foundation's path.

Beyond celebration, the EmPOWER Ball will highlight two decades of advocacy, education, community involvement and efforts to promote health equity, while preparing for the next phase of Tigerlily's mission and reach.

Karmo will host the milestone event, with Lesli Foster, WUSA9 Evening Anchor, serving as Master of Ceremonies.

One Day. Two Signature Events. One Mission.

The combination of BEACON and the EmPOWER Ball captures the full scope of Tigerlily Foundation's efforts: listening to patients, converting lived experience into action, developing solutions with healthcare partners, and celebrating those who enable progress.

As Tigerlily Foundation begins its next phase, October 24 will mark not only a recognition of past achievements but also a call to build a future where patients are viewed as leaders in shaping research, policy, access and care.

About Tigerlily Foundation

Tigerlily Foundation is a national patient advocacy organization dedicated to improving the lives of women and families affected by cancer and other serious health conditions. Founded by Maimah Karmo after her own breast cancer diagnosis as a young woman, Tigerlily has become a strong advocate for health equity, working to remove barriers, reduce disparities, amplify patient voices, and guarantee that every person receives the education, support, and quality care they need.

Central to Tigerlily's mission is the conviction that every voice counts, every patient should be heard, and access to lifesaving care must never depend on identity or location. Through education, advocacy, clinical trial awareness, policy engagement, patient support, and strategic partnerships, Tigerlily enables individuals and communities to participate actively in their health while fostering meaningful change in the healthcare system.

Through signature programs including the ANGEL Advocate Program, SPARK Clinical Trials, ONE in a MILLION, HEAL Policy Center of Excellence, and IGNITE Community Engagement, Tigerlily converts lived experiences into effective advocacy, strengthens communities, and drives lasting systemic improvements.

Because at Tigerlily Foundation, advocacy goes beyond raising awareness. It involves converting voices into action, removing barriers, and building a future where everyone can thrive.

Media Note:

Interviews with Maimah Karmo, Tigerlily Foundation leaders, patient advocates, event speakers and select honorees may be arranged upon request. Media interested in covering the BEACON Symposium or EmPOWER Ball should contact Julie Annen [email protected]

Learn more and register for BEACON 2026
20th Anniversary EmPOWER Ball information and tickets

Media Contact
Julie Annen
Senior Director, Strategic Communications and Marketing | Director RISE CoE | Tigerlily Foundation
[email protected]

SOURCE TIGERLILY FOUNDATION