On Saturday, October 4, the Forbeck Foundation proudly hosted its annual Blue Jean Ball and Fall Scholar Retreat in Lake Geneva, Wisconsin. This year’s events were especially meaningful as we celebrated several remarkable milestones—the Foundation’s 40th anniversary, along with the 20th anniversaries of both the Scholar Retreat and the Blue Jean Ball.
Over the past 40 years, we’ve had the privilege of welcoming more than 1,300 Forum participants from over 510 institutions worldwide and have awarded and supported over 200 exceptional Forbeck Scholars—affirming our ongoing commitment to empowering the next generation of cancer researchers. One short life has inspired an extraordinary legacy—creating lasting impact and new hope for thousands of cancer patients and survivors.
Highlights from the celebration included:
- Scholars from around the world representing diverse areas of cancer research from the past forty years of Forbeck Forums.
- Mentors from renowned institutions including the National Cancer Institute, Children’s Hospital of Los Angeles, Northwestern University, the University of California, San Francisco and Children's Hospital of Philadelphia.
- Presentation of the Charles H. Jesser Distinguished Ambassador Award to Jason Hecksel for his ongoing dedication and for being our “Mr. Lake Geneva.” Jason has connected the Foundation with friends, family, and local groups whose generosity has strengthened our mission.
Featured speakers at the event included:
- Ron Miller, Chair, Forbeck Foundation Board of Directors
- Jamie Forbeck Collins, Executive Director, Forbeck Foundation, and Billy's sister
- Ben Williams, PhD, childhood friend of Billy Guy, 2005 Forbeck Scholar, Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center
- Garret Brodeur, MD, Participant at the first Forbeck Forum in 1985, Professor of Pediatrics, and Director, Cancer Predisposition Program, The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia
- Susan L. Cohn, MD, Professor of Pediatrics, University of Chicago, INRG Task Force
- W. Kimryn Rathmell, MD, PhD, MMHC, 2004 Forbeck Scholar, current SAB member, Former Director of the National Cancer Institute, CEO, The James, Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center
- Jennifer Forbeck, Co-founder, Forbeck Foundation, and Billy’s mom
Guests enjoyed a lively evening at Lake Geneva Country Club, featuring a retrospective of the last 40 years, interactive food stations, games like Boozy Ring Toss and the Wine Pull. The silent auction brought even more excitement, with incredible trips to Italy, Napa and Nicaragua, Aspen, and more—along with local dining, home, and sports packages.
Guests also honored loved ones on a heartfelt display celebrating the lives of those we’ve lost, supporting those still fighting, and honoring the survivors who inspire us all. Each heart represented a shining reminder that no one fights alone — and that love and resilience truly rock.
The evening's entertainment began with Bill Serritella and Elliot Wimbush performing Sinatra-style ballads, followed by high-energy dance vibes from DJ Cordell Miles that kept guests on their feet.
Thank you to Victoria McHugh Photography for beautifully capturing the evenings events.
As the Forbeck Foundation marks its 40th anniversary, we invite you to watch this special video which offers a heartfelt reflection from those who have been part of our journey—past participants, Scholars, and Foundation co-founder Jennifer Forbeck. Through their stories and memories, we celebrate the enduring impact of the Foundation’s collaborative model and the lasting connections it has fostered within the scientific community. Their reflections capture not only the progress made in cancer research but also the spirit of innovation, mentorship, and hope that has defined Forbeck for four decades.
Thank you Sponsors & Volunteers
This unforgettable weekend was made possible by our generous donors, volunteers, and sponsors—including CIBC, Dalco Metals, Inc., Interstate Insurance, Stonecrafters, Sub-Zero Candy, Vosges Haut Chocolat, and William Blair.
A special thank you to Wendy Martorano and Terisa Namy for the beautiful florals, and to Sub-Zero for the delicious Candy Bar, and to Vosges Haut Chocolat for the stunning, edible centerpieces.
To view the full list of event donors, volunteers, and more, please visit our event micro-site.
Keep the impact going—Donate, Sponsor a Scholar and More...
If you couldn’t join us—or missed the Paddle Raise—but would still like to make a difference, please click below to make a donation. Every contribution, no matter the size, helps advance the fight against cancer.
