PHASE ONE’s 2026 Gala Brings LA Together to Advance Life-Saving Cancer Clinical Trials
PHASE ONE 2026 Gala Co-Chairs: Rebecca Cocco and Martin Correia
PHASE ONE extends its heartfelt gratitude to everyone who made its 2026 Annual Gala a powerful evening of generosity, connection, and hope. Together, we raised over $900K to support promising cancer clinical trials and help move new treatment options closer to the patients and families who need them.
Held on October 16 at Sony Pictures Studios, the Gala brought together a community united by a shared belief: cancer research must keep moving forward. The evening celebrated the progress made possible by PHASE ONE and its supporters— and recognized the urgent work still ahead.
PHASE ONE Board Chair Marc Lebowitz shared a remarkable year of progress. Since the previous Gala, the organization reviewed a record 39 grant proposals and committed nearly $1.6 million across six grants supporting research at Cedars-Sinai, Dana-Farber, UC San Diego, City of Hope, UCLA, and Children’s Hospital. The funded work includes clinical trials for rare carcinomas with no approved treatments, pediatric and adolescent and young adult solid tumors, pancreatic and bile duct cancers, as well as a new diagnostic test aimed at improving colorectal cancer detection in younger patients.
“Every dollar raised helps fund promising Phase I and Phase II clinical trials, and we couldn’t do it without you,” Marc said, thanking guests for making the organization’s work possible.
The evening’s co-chairs—Rebecca Cocco, Martin Correia, and Cathy Carini-Terzoli—shared personal reflections on how cancer had touched their lives and why advancing research matters so deeply to them.
Rebecca spoke about losing her father to stomach cancer when she was eight, and later supporting her husband, Dave, through a diagnosis of Stage 4 soft tissue sarcoma. Because his cancer was rare, treatment options were limited. Seeking doctors willing to think differently gave them two more years together— and the wedding they had dreamed of.
“What I have learned from years of watching the people I love battle cancer is that we must do better—and we are doing better,” Rebecca said. “PHASE ONE is proof of the improvements coming down the pipeline.”
Martin shared the promise he made to his mentor, Dr. Pat Campbell, while they were both confronting the realities of cancer. “I don’t know why I got a pass, but I promise you, my life will not be in vain,” he recalled telling him. Martin said chairing the gala gave him a way to honor that promise— and to help patients now and those who will be diagnosed in the future.
Guests also enjoyed a special video presentation made possible by Creel Studios, took part in the evening’s paddle raise and auction, and enjoyed food from Angelini Osteria, Augie’s on Main, BADMAASH, Bar di Bello, Coin & Candor, Heavy Handed, Henry’s Secret Ice Cream, Jitlada, Lorenzo California, Lucky’s Malibu, Malli Studio, Maple Block, Organic Oren, Sua, Tacos 1986, Yeastie Boys, and Yooshi Sushi.
The gala’s success reflects the dedication of its co-chairs, the PHASE ONE Board of Directors, Junior Board, Gala Committee, staff, volunteers, donors, sponsors, participating restaurants, and everyone who showed up in support of the mission. PHASE ONE is especially grateful to its researchers and grant recipients, many of whom where in attendance, that are transforming PHASE ONE’s grants into new treatment possibilities for patients.
For those who were unable to attend, or simply want to relive this special evening, we invite you to explore the following links for a recap of the Gala:
The proceeds from the 2026 Gala will help PHASE ONE continue funding innovative clinical trials and advancing better options for people facing cancer.
For more information about PHASE ONE’s vital work, click here to view our Past Grant Recipients.