The American Cancer Society (ACS) will celebrate 40 years of progress and legacy on May 1, with a special spotlight on Les Hirsch, president and CEO of Saint Peter’s Healthcare System, as this year’s Medical Honoree.
Hirsch, a veteran leader with over 45 years in the health care industry, is being recognized for his transformative impact on cancer care in New Jersey. Since taking the helm at Saint Peter’s in 2017, Hirsch has championed a community-first approach, expanding access to cutting-edge clinical trials and highly specialized oncology services right in New Brunswick.
“Our goal is to always help ease the emotional, physical, and financial burdens often felt by patients,” Hirsch said, noting that specialized local care ensures residents don’t have to leave the state to find world-class treatment.
Over the last ten years, the gala has raised more than $5 million, providing a critical financial engine for ACS programs. This year’s theme, “A Legacy Written in the Stars, A Future Fueled by Innovation,” highlights the tangible progress made in the field; for the first time, the five-year relative survival rate for all cancers combined has reached 70%.
The 40th-anniversary gala will also celebrate Patricia Pearson with the Judith A. Hoffman Humanitarian Award. Over the last decade, the event has raised more than $5 million to fuel cancer research and patient programs, a mission that grows increasingly vital as the ACS projects over 60,000 New Jerseyans will face a cancer diagnosis this year.
Event details
- What: 40th Annual Night of Wine and Roses Gala
- When: May 1, 2026
- Where: Somerset, New Jersey
- Purpose: Supporting ACS research and free patient services.
For more information, tickets, or sponsorship opportunities, visit wineandrosesnj.acsgala.org or contact Cara Haggerty at 732-687-2678.
