On August 21, the National Cheers Foundation brought friends and supporters together for a private gathering with a meaningful purpose: helping raise funds and awareness for the Doris A. Howell Foundation for Women’s Health Research. The intimate evening reflected the spirit of two San Diego organizations that share a longstanding commitment to improving the health and well-being of women.
Founded in La Jolla in 2012, the National Cheers Foundation is dedicated to empowering women to live healthier, more vibrant lives. Its work encompasses care, health, education, empowerment, resources and support, with funds directed toward medical research, community health programs, education and organizations addressing important women’s health needs. Over the years, Cheers has supported dozens of initiatives throughout the San Diego region, ranging from medical equipment and cancer research to maternal care and health education.
The Doris A. Howell Foundation for Women’s Health Research carries forward the remarkable legacy of Dr. Doris A. Howell, a distinguished physician, educator and pioneer in pediatric oncology, hospice and palliative care. Established in her honor in 1995, the Foundation is devoted to advancing women’s health through research scholarships, community education and support for emerging scientists whose work may lead to better prevention, diagnosis and treatment. Its guiding message—“Keeping the Women We Love Healthy”—continues to define its mission.
The August 21 gathering celebrated the natural partnership between the two organizations. Cheers has supported the Doris Howell Foundation and its scholarship efforts in the past, making the evening more than simply a fundraiser—it was another chapter in a relationship built around a shared belief that investing in research and education can change women’s lives. Guests gathered in a warm, convivial setting while helping generate financial support for the Howell Foundation’s continuing work.
It was an evening where friendship and philanthropy came together, reminding those in attendance that meaningful change often begins within a community of people willing to lend their time, resources and voices to an important cause. Through the generosity generated that evening, Cheers helped shine an additional spotlight on the Doris Howell Foundation and its enduring commitment to advancing women’s health.
Photography by Gilda Adler
