Former First Lady Laura Bush Accepts Award at St. Valentine’s Day Luncheon
By Contributor Isabella Castillo
The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (LLS) held its 41st annual St. Valentine’s Day Luncheon & Fashion Show titled XOXO Sending Love & Care on February 12.
Co-chairs Courtney Petit and Caitlin Wilson and honorary chairs Mona and Grey Stogner were joined by more than 650 attendees at the event where more than $640,000 was raised for the LLS mission.
Guests arrived at the Morton H. Meyerson Symphony Center in their Valentine’s Day-inspired attire, sipped champagne, perused items up for bid in the silent auction, and enjoyed a fashion show.
The fashion show, produced by the Jan Strimple, began with models wearing fabulous spring looks from Highland Park Village retailers, including La Vie Style House, Veronica Beard, Simkhai, Lela Rose, and Carolina Herrera. The annual tradition of host committee members’ children modeling Valentine’s-inspired looks from Love Shack Fancy once again stole the show, complete with 12-year-old “mailman,” Jack, handing out valentines to each as they walked the runway.
The program was emceed by Fox 4 anchor Clarice Tinsley. A variety of recognitions and awards also took place at the luncheon.
The 2025 ICON Award was presented to former first lady Mrs. Laura Bush. Mrs. Bush accepted her award and gave brief remarks regarding the Bush family’s commitment to the mission of LLS as President George W. Bush’s sister, Robin Bush, lost her battle with leukemia when she was just three years old.
Three additional awards were presented by LLS to recognize individuals whose actions helped accelerate progress as cancer research moves toward a cure.
Dr. Robert Berryman, a renowned oncologist with expertise in treating blood cancer patients, received the Lynda Adleta Heart of Gold Award, which recognizes individuals who have had a profound impact on the fight against cancer.
Texas native and legendary “Dallas” actor, the late Larry Hagman, was recognized with the Memorial Hero Award, which honors an individual in the community who has battled blood cancer and passed away. His son Preston Hagman accepted the award on his behalf.
The Spirit of Tom Landry Award, given to a youth who has battled blood cancer, was presented to Jude Cobler. After having bone marrow transplants, CAR-T therapy, and most recently relapsing during his freshman year of college, Cobler is a 5-time survivor of leukemia. After years of battling cancer, he is in remission and studying computer science at the University of Texas at Dallas.
