INCREASING CAPABILITIES

A wrist with a multicolor beaded bracelet and a black rubber bracelet with the MD Anderson Cancer Strikethrough logo on it.

Tri Delta Alumnae Group Holds Event to Support Pediatric Cancer Research  

Dr. Richard Gorlick in a suit and mask shaking hands with a woman in a colorful dress and mask, with medical staff and others in the background.
Group of people smiling and holding a large ceremonial check for $300,000 made out to MD Anderson Children's Cancer Hospital from Houston Tri Delta Philanthropies, Inc.
Connie Wright holding a cup while speaking to Dr. Branko Cuglievan.
Dr. Branko Cuglievan's headshot on the right. Dr. David McCall's headshot on the left.
Dr. Branko Cuglievan wearing a surgical face mask with a stethoscope around his neck shaking hands with a patient.

Relative to other types of cancer, securing funding for pediatric cancer research can be challenging. But Houston Tri Delta Philanthropies, Inc. is helping to close that gap. The organization made a $300,000 gift in June 2023 to support the work of Branko Cuglievan, M.D., and David McCall, M.D., both assistant professors of Pediatrics at MD Anderson Children’s Cancer Hospital.  

The Tri Delta group is part of a national sorority alumnae network that embraces the mission to cure childhood cancer as central to its philanthropic activity. MD Anderson is fortunate to be a regular beneficiary of the Houston chapter’s generosity. The group’s annual fundraiser, the SALE Houston, has generated nearly $2 million for pediatric cancer research since its inception in 2015.  

Coming up on its tenth anniversary, the SALE Houston is a two-day shopping event that features more than 50 of Houston's premier fashion boutiques — all in one location at dramatically discounted prices. Through donations and sponsorships, the Tri Delta chapter generates proceeds that directly support pediatric cancer research.  

The Sale Houston is held at Bayou City Event Center, with preview shopping the evening of Thursday, January 11, 2024 and shopping opportunities on Friday and Saturday, January 12-13, 2024. To purchase tickets and support pediatric cancer research, visit theSaleHouston.com.  

“The SALE is a fun opportunity to add some signature pieces to your wardrobe while supporting a worthy cause.”

"I’m proud to be one of many volunteers and participants who work hard to make this possible. If we can help just one child, then it’s all worth it.” 
-Connie Wright (left), Tri Delta pledge at The University of Texas at Austin

Cuglievan (left) and McCall (right) are leveraging their expertise in pediatric blood cancers, like forms of leukemia, to lead clinical trials. In these studies, their research team is exploring menin inhibitors, an oral medication, as an effective treatment option for patients who failed to fully benefit from standard chemotherapies — all while minimizing burdensome side effects. Menin inhibitors selectively target characteristics within blood cancers related to KMT2A and NPM1 genes.  

“You tell me about a novel cancer therapy, and I will tell you how philanthropy made its development possible.”

"We are grateful to Tri Delta Houston for believing in the potential of our research and supporting MD Anderson Children’s Cancer Hospital.”  
-Branko Cuglievan, M.D., Assistant Professor, Pediatrics
TopBuilt with Shorthand