New Orleans Magazine: Dr. Neil Jolly as "Cure Champion of the Year" for American Cancer Society

Dr. Suneil "Neil" Jolly was featured in the March issue of New Orleans Magazine to highlight his fundraising efforts for the New Orleans Pelicans Cure by Design Gala. 

The Sugar Mill was the place to be for 600 people on Oct. 7 at the New Orleans Pelicans Cure by Design Gala presented by Ochsner MD Anderson Cancer Center.

This was the second year for this iteration of the American Cancer Society benefit, previously known as the Belles and Beaus Ball, which honors local heroes whether it be medical professionals, cancer caretakers, advocates or survivors.

This year recognized 20 impactful and influential Cure Champions honorees, including Neil Jolly, MD, who was named the Cure Champion of the Year for raising the most funds — more than $42,000. David Griffin, executive vice president of Basketball Operations of the New Orleans Pelicans, was also honored, receiving the 2023 Heart and Soul Award.

Among the other important moments of the night was a speech by Tancharelle Washington, a cancer survivor, who opened the evening with a moving story of her cancer journey and received a standing ovation. Dr. Brian Moore from Ochsner MD Anderson Cancer Center also spoke.

In addition to the speeches and awards, there was dining provided by more than 25 local restaurants and the chance to bid in the silent auction, which had 50 items consisting of fine jewelry, artwork, vacation packages, and New Orleans Saints/Pelicans sports memorabilia. There was also a wine pull from DAOU Vineyards and a raffle of diamond earrings from Diamonds Direct.

Funds raised by Cure by Design are used to ensure that the needs of cancer patients in Louisiana are met by delivering life-saving programs, services and advanced research.

Event co-chairs were Barbara Bedestani and Melanie Perret. Dr. Jolly and his wife, Rena, we also named co-chairs of next year's gala, so stay tuned for updates and news about the upcoming year's event and fundraising efforts! 

Congratulations, Dr. Jolly!