Thomas J. Henry and Dr. Elena Alvarez-Henry back American Cancer Society gala in Puerto Rico

Thomas J. Henry and Dr. Elena Alvarez-Henry served as title sponsors of the American Cancer Society’s 2026 Grand Gala in San Juan, extending their shared philanthropy into cancer care support. The event helped raise funds for Puerto Rico Hope Lodge and other services that reduce travel and lodging barriers for patients seeking treatment.

Why it matters: - The sponsorship supports cancer patients and caregivers who must travel for treatment and need temporary housing near care centers. - The backing helps fund Puerto Rico Hope Lodge, which offers no-cost lodging and a supportive environment during active treatment. - The couple’s involvement signals a shared philanthropic focus on practical needs, not just donations in name.

What happened: - Thomas J. Henry and Dr. Elena Alvarez-Henry served as title sponsors of the American Cancer Society’s 2026 Grand Gala. - The gala took place August 29, 2026, at the Puerto Rico Convention Center in San Juan. - This was the couple’s second time as title sponsors of the event. - The gala is one of the American Cancer Society’s signature fundraising events in Puerto Rico.

The details: - Funds raised at the gala support services including Puerto Rico Hope Lodge and Hogar Niños Que Quieren Sonreír. - Puerto Rico Hope Lodge helps cancer patients and caregivers who travel for treatment by providing complimentary accommodations. - The San Juan-area Hope Lodge opened in 2013 and has 33 guest rooms. - The facility is part of the American Cancer Society’s nationwide Hope Lodge program, which has more than 30 locations across the United States and Puerto Rico. - Eligible patients and caregivers can stay at no charge while patients undergo active cancer treatment away from home. - Dr. Elena Alvarez-Henry said the mission resonates with an experience from medical school, when she saw a fellow student struggle because a young son with leukemia had to travel for treatment. - That experience shaped her view that access to care includes more than medicine alone. - Thomas J. Henry’s charitable work spans more than three decades across health care, education, hunger relief, children, veterans and community organizations. - In 2025, Henry established the Thomas J. Henry Center for Philanthropy in Corpus Christi, Texas, to coordinate charitable partnerships and direct resources to communities. - Around the time of the couple’s engagement celebrations in Puerto Rico, Henry contributed $1 million to SER of Puerto Rico as the organization approached its 75th anniversary. - The donation helped SER expand access to specialized medical and rehabilitation services for children and adults across Puerto Rico. - More information on the Thomas J. Henry Center for Philanthropy is available here.

Between the lines: - The gala sponsorship fits a broader pattern of targeted giving tied to health access, family support and local community impact. - Puerto Rico appears to hold personal significance for the couple, linking private milestones with charitable commitments on the island. - The article frames the couple’s philanthropy as a joint effort that has moved from parallel giving to coordinated priorities.

What's next: - The couple appears likely to continue supporting organizations that address treatment access, lodging and specialized care. - The Thomas J. Henry Center for Philanthropy will likely remain a central vehicle for coordinating future charitable partnerships. - The American Cancer Society will continue using gala fundraising to support patient services in Puerto Rico.

The bottom line: - The Henrys are turning personal philanthropy into a shared strategy, with cancer care and practical patient support at the center.