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Tribute Dinner Highlights Cancer’s Lasting Impact on Young People

Posted on November 8, 2025

“Be inspired to add some hope and color to your community.” 

These were Alexandra Hall’s parting words during her keynote address at Cancer Services’ Tribute Dinner on September 10, 2025. This year’s event highlighted the lasting impact of a cancer diagnosis on adolescents and young adults.

Keynote speaker Alexandra Hall shared how the cancer she faced in her teens and twenties continues to impact her life today.

 

Hall highlighted how her cancer altered her life trajectory and inspired her to pursue an art career. Hall is a national award-winning artist who grew up in Fort Wayne and is best known locally for Art This Way, a public art program which implements large scale public art projects in downtown Fort Wayne.  Hall’s cancer journey started when she was a teenager. Her keynote primarily focused on the lasting impact getting cancer at a young age had on her life choices, health, and finances.

Dr. Alan Yahanda, President of the Parkview Packnett Family Cancer Institute, shared important information about Adolescent and Young Adult (AYA) cancers, which are rising worldwide. Over the past 15 years, Parkview has seen a 220% increase in AYA cancer cases.

Dr. Alan Yahanda, President of the Parkview Packnett Family Cancer Institute, shared that cancer rates in adolescents and young adults are rising worldwide.

 

In addition to Hall’s keynote, Cancer Services had the privilege of honoring William “Bill” Seidel and his two decades of service to prostate cancer survivors with the William A. Kunkel Champion of Hope Award. The William A. Kunkel Champion of Hope Award recognizes an individual who embodies the mission of Cancer Services of Northeast Indiana through his or her lifelong commitment to people affected by cancer. Seidel facilitates Cancer Services’ Prostate Cancer Support Group (one of the nation’s longest-running groups of its kind) and has been a heavily involved board member, serving on the Events Committee and Friends Committee, as well as being available for meetings with funders and sharing Cancer Services’ mission at health fairs.

Bill Seidel, recipient of the Champion of Hope Award for his commitment to prostate cancer survivors, with his wife Laine.

 

Generous donors raised $67,607 so far to help local people with cancer. Every cent of those donations will help community members access supplies, emotional support, exercise, financial help, and compassion.​

Thank you to all sponsors, donors, volunteers, attendees, and staff for making Tribute Dinner a success. Your support makes a huge difference to families who no longer feel like they are facing cancer alone.