The Yvonne Awards 2026 brought together the global oncology community in Chicago to recognize physicians, researchers, advocates, mentors, and innovators whose work continues to shape cancer care across regions, disciplines, and generations.
Held during the OncoDaily Party 2026 at Park West, Chicago, the ceremony celebrated excellence across several areas of oncology, including global oncology, community oncology, breakthrough research, pediatric oncology, humanitarian work, leadership, mentorship, artificial intelligence, and voices challenging the status quo. The Yvonne Awards, symbolized by the strength and longevity of the yew tree, honor exceptional achievements in oncology and recognize individuals advancing cancer care through science, service, leadership, and innovation.
Natera served as the exclusive partner of the Yvonne Awards Ceremony and OncoDaily Reception.
Honoring The 2026 Yvonne Award Recipients
- Global Oncology: Syed Nabeel Zafar
- Lifetime Achievement Award: Eduardo Cazap
- Lifetime Achievement Award: Charles Balch
- Humanitarian Award: Mohammad I. M. Hojouj
- Community Oncology: Hannatu Ayuba Usman
- Leadership: Herbert Loong
- Voice of Oncology: Amol Akhade
- Mentorship: Adrienne Waks
- Community Oncology: Joanna Metzner-Sadurski
- Pediatric Oncology: Emmanuella-Faith Amoako
- Mentorship: Samvel Bardakhchyan
- AI in Oncology Named by ZS: Caroline Chung
- Breakthrough Research: Hasmukh Jain
- Challenging the Status Quo: Nickhill Bhakta
- Challenging the Status Quo: Ana Velazquez-Manana
- AI in Oncology Named by ZS: Abhishek D. Garg
Yvonne Awards 2026 Honored Leaders Shaping the Future of Oncology
The oncology community came together for one of the most anticipated events of the year as OncoDaily Party 2026: Chicago Lights Encore welcomed global leaders, innovators, researchers, advocates, and rising stars in oncology for an unforgettable evening at Park West in Chicago.
Held immediately following the Yvonne Awards 2026 Ceremony, the event transformed a celebration of excellence into a night of meaningful connections, inspiring conversations, and shared commitment to advancing cancer care worldwide.
The evening began with networking among attendees from across five continents, followed by the Yvonne Awards Ceremony, where oncology professionals were recognized for their exceptional contributions to research, clinical care, innovation, advocacy, and leadership. As the ceremony concluded, the celebration seamlessly transitioned into the OncoDaily Reception, creating an atmosphere that reflected the spirit of the global oncology community.
The event was made possible through the support of Natera, the exclusive partner of both the Yvonne Awards Ceremony and the OncoDaily Reception.
Bringing the Global Oncology Community Together
What made Chicago Lights Encore truly special was the remarkable diversity of its attendees. Senior investigators, clinical trial leaders, physicians, researchers, patient advocates, industry representatives, and early-career oncologists gathered under one roof, representing institutions and organizations from around the world.
The evening demonstrated the unique ability of the oncology community to connect beyond scientific sessions and conference halls. Without presentations, slides, or formal discussions, attendees engaged in authentic conversations, exchanged ideas, celebrated achievements, and strengthened collaborations that will continue to shape the future of cancer care.
Building on a Growing Tradition
Chicago Lights Encore marked another milestone in the evolution of the OncoDaily Party tradition.
The journey began with the inaugural Yvonne Awards and OncoDaily Party during ASCO 2025 on the Chicago Riverwalk. It continued with the highly successful OncoDaily Party Berlin 2025 during the ESMO Congress, where more than 500 guests from over 10 countries across five continents gathered to celebrate the global oncology community.
Returning to Chicago in 2026 carried special significance, bringing the tradition back to the city where it first started while welcoming an even broader international audience.
Leadership Behind the Event
The event was co-chaired by Dr. Yelena Janjigian, Chief of Gastrointestinal Oncology at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, and Dr. Gevorg Tamamyan, Editor-in-Chief and Co-Founder of OncoDaily.
They were joined by an outstanding international hosting committee composed of leading oncologists, researchers, educators, innovators, and advocates representing major cancer centers and organizations worldwide. Their collective efforts helped create an event that reflected the collaborative and multidisciplinary nature of modern oncology.
More Than a Celebration
Beyond the music, networking, and vibrant Chicago atmosphere, OncoDaily Party 2026 served as a reminder of what makes the oncology community unique: a shared mission to improve the lives of patients with cancer.
The evening celebrated not only achievements but also the relationships, collaborations, and friendships that drive progress across research, clinical practice, education, and advocacy.
As guests departed Park West, one thing was clear: Chicago Lights Encore was more than a party it was a celebration of a global community united by purpose.
With another successful chapter now written, the oncology world looks forward to the next gathering where science, leadership, and human connection come together under the OncoDaily banner.
