Classic sounds to mark MD Anderson's 80th anniversary

R. Lee Clark, M.D., first president of MD Anderson Cancer Center, famously urged colleagues and stakeholders to “make no small plans” during his tenure from 1946 to 1978. MD Anderson continues to embrace Clark’s mantra, advancing discoveries in a mission to end cancer as it prepares to celebrate its 80th anniversary in monumental style.

Plans are underway for a star-studded concert, in-person as allowed by COVID-19 safety precautions, next spring at Houston’s Toyota Center to mark eight decades of Making Cancer History®.

Executive event chairs are Houstonians Suzie and Don Sinclair (Don is a member of the MD Anderson Cancer Center Board of Visitors) and Diana and Jeffrey Foskett. Jeffrey is a singer, songwriter and record producer who worked for decades as a touring and studio musician for the Beach Boys.

Formerly of California, the Fosketts recently moved to The Woodlands, north of Houston, to be closer to MD Anderson, where Jeffrey is in treatment for anaplastic thyroid cancer, a rare cancer diagnosed in less than 2% of all thyroid cancer patients. Jeffrey sees the concert, scheduled for March 24, 2022, as a vehicle of hope for patients with rare cancers like his, and he is enlisting his friends and industry contacts to be a part of the evening’s entertainment.

Actor John Stamos is confirmed as emcee, and a lineup of musicians is in the works, including the Beach Boys; Christopher Cross; The Commodores; and the Generation Radio band, featuring Jay DeMarcus of Rascal Flatts, Deen Castronovo of Journey and Jason Scheff of Chicago on board.

In collaboration with the executive event chairs, a Leadership Committee of MD Anderson supporters across the nation is in place, helping to raise nearly $5.3 million to date toward a goal of $8 million. Proceeds will benefit the institution’s Anaplastic Thyroid Cancer Program and other rare-cancer research initiatives at MD Anderson.

How to take part in 80th anniversary event

For information about tickets to the 80th anniversary concert, visit mdanderson.org/80celebration or call 1-866-262-9029 (press #1 to leave message). As we continue to navigate the pandemic, MD Anderson Cancer Center’s leadership will regularly evaluate evolving COVID-19 and public health guidelines. MD Anderson’s events team will reach out to all sponsors and guests regarding any required changes to the program.