Expect Miracles Foundation [EMF] proudly hosted the SAMFund Soirée Boston 2026 on Tuesday, March 10, at the UMass Club, bringing together an inspiring community committed to supporting young adult cancer survivors. The evening highlighted the life changing impact of EMF’s SAMFund Grant Program, which provides financial assistance to young adult cancer survivors as they rebuild their lives following treatment.

Co-chaired by John Ryan (Bank of America Merrill Lynch) and Kaitlin Lang (Petra Funds Group, Boston YPEM Leadership Team Member), the Soirée brought together a dynamic group of supporters, including SAMFund grant recipients, young professionals, industry leaders, and longtime EMF partners. Guests gathered overlooking the Boston skyline to connect with fellow supporters and celebrate the growing impact of EMF’s SAMFund program and the community that makes this work possible.

A Story of Resilience

A highlight of the evening was hearing from Samantha, who shared her inspiring story of survivorship and perseverance. Samantha spoke about how a SAMFund Grant supported her during two critical moments in her cancer recovery. The grant enabled her to maintain stable housing while also empowering her to continue her graduate studies at Brown University to move forward in her career. Her story brought EMF’s mission to life and demonstrated how timely financial assistance can help survivors regain stability and continue pursuing their goals.

“The generosity of the donors and support for the SAMFund grant program is a necessary lifeline for young adults recovering from cancer. It certainly was for me, and for so many others in the young adult cancer community. We’re so grateful.”

Samantha M.
SAMFund Grant Recipient, Keynote Speaker

Honoring Leadership and Commitment

During the evening, Jennie Sheridan, Director of Programs at EMF, presented the Mary Keenan Award to Rich Straesser of the Graham Family Foundation. The award recognized the Graham Family Foundation’s extraordinary commitment to young adult cancer survivors. Over the years, the foundation has contributed more than $350,000 to EMF’s SAMFund program, providing critical financial assistance to survivors across the country.

From Inspiration to Impact

The evening also highlighted the power of partnership within the financial services community. Nicsa proudly presented a $20,000 check to EMF, reaffirming its commitment to supporting individuals navigating life after cancer. Guests also demonstrated incredible generosity during the live appeal, raising more than $24,000 to support EMF’s SAMFund Grant Program and the young survivors it serves. Every dollar raised helps ensure that survivors have access to the financial support they need to move forward with confidence and hope.

To every attendee, sponsor, volunteer, and supporter who helped make the evening possible, thank you. Your generosity ensures EMF can continue to provide critical financial assistance grants through the SAMFund program, helping young adult cancer survivors regain financial stability and pursue the futures they envisioned before cancer disrupted their lives. Together, we are helping survivors move forward and building brighter futures.