For the past decade, the Every Color Matters (ECM) Cancer Awareness Foundation has served as a powerful beacon of hope and strength for families navigating a cancer diagnosis. To celebrate its 10th anniversary, the Atlanta-based nonprofit is preparing to host its highly anticipated 2026 ECM Gala & Fundraiser at the spectacular Georgia Aquarium.
Scheduled for Saturday, June 20, this milestone event will honor a full decade of relentless advocacy, compassion, and direct support for individuals facing every type of cancer.
The foundation was born out of profound personal tragedy, driving its mission to ensure no one faces the disease alone. Recently appearing on the local broadcast Atlanta News First, ECM’s CEO and Executive Director, Barney Jackson, opened up about the heartbreaking string of losses that inspired him to launch the organization ten years ago.
“My mom’s a two-time cancer survivor. She’s still with us, thank God,” Jackson shared during the segment. However, the disease ultimately took a heavy toll on the rest of his family. “I lost my godfather, who was a pastor in my church, in 2011, from colon cancer, my biological father in 2014, from kidney cancer, the June of 2016, my eldest brother from a form of brain cancer, and that same year… lost my stepdad from lung cancer.”
Jackson explained that ECM was his way of turning that immense pain into a greater purpose.
“Just through grief and, you know, therapy and processing the correct way, I wanted to give back,” he said. “This is a way for me to give back and not just towards or bring awareness to one form of cancer, but all forms, because of my personal impact.”
What sets ECM apart in the nonprofit space is its commitment to providing direct financial assistance to patients, bypassing the usual red tape.
“What makes us unique is that we give the money directly to the person, and it’s not funneled through another organization,” Jackson noted on Atlanta News First. “People are able to come directly to us for the resource,” whether that means help with everyday groceries or covering expensive medication co-pays.
The foundation also places a strong emphasis on supporting caregivers, recognizing that they frequently put their own lives on hold to care for their loved ones, and runs community-focused programs like the annual Community 5K Run/Walk and the Home for the Holidays initiative.
This year’s 10th-anniversary gala will run from 7:00 PM to 11:00 PM. Drawing inspiration from an iconic cinematic franchise, the event embraces a “Mission Possible” mentality.
“It’s year 10. We had to go bigger and better,” Jackson explained on the broadcast. “Our theme is Mission Possible. We kind of took the tagline from the movie Mission: Impossible, but for us, we believe that every cancer diagnosed is not like the end or death sentence… It is possible to get through a cancer diagnosis.”
Guests attending the gala can expect a memorable evening that includes a beautifully plated, chef-curated dinner, live band and DJ entertainment, silent and live auction experiences, and special moments reflecting on ECM’s journey.
Jackson is quick to share the credit for reaching this 10-year milestone with his dedicated team and community. “We have a huge support system. I like to call them my village,” he said. “Our village is strong. We have everything we need to accomplish the goal that we set forth.”
In addition to direct patient support, the foundation is currently accepting applications for the ECM Scholarship Fund. This initiative provides financial assistance for college, trade, or technical school to high school seniors or college students whose parents or guardians are currently battling cancer. Eligible students can find more information and apply online at EveryColorMatters.com by April 17.
As ECM celebrates this massive milestone, Jackson is already looking toward the future. During his TV appearance, he proudly spoke his ultimate five-year goal into existence: “I want, in the next five years, for at least two more branches of ECM. I believe every state needs an Every Color Matters chapter.”
As the foundation prepares to gather in June, their overarching message remains clear: Every life, every color, and every story matters. Get your tickets for the gala here.
