Debra Shanahan to Receive ACS Grado Award

The American Cancer Society cordially invites you to the Imagination Ball, Friday, February 11, 2022, at the JW Marriott Marco Island. Presented by Bill and Karen Young, and Jim and Christine Walker, this black-tie optional gala will celebrate its 10-year anniversary with fine food, music, and both live and silent auctions. Please join us for an enchanted evening in the fight against cancer as we honor 10-year Gala Chair, Debra Shanahan with the prestigious and well deserved Grado Award.

The American Cancer Society has held a gala fundraiser on Marco Island for more than 30 years, but ten years ago, the event engaged in a whole new quest for a cure when it was re-invented as the “Imagination Ball”. ACS then set the theme to “imagine a world without cancer.” With its new title, the event was blessed with new co-chairs, Marco Island’s beloved Dick and Debra Shanahan.

Over the years, the gala has become a celebration of life, raising funds for research, education, and patient support services. In many ways, the event has become one of the greatest love stories ever told.

In 2016, Dick Shanahan was diagnosed with stage four hepatobiliary cancer. Even while undergoing cancer treatments, Dick presided over the Imagination Ball Executive Committee meetings with a flair and presence distinctly his own. “It’s important to continue funding research,” he said, “not only for us, but for the millions of people suffering from cancer.” Sadly, Dick Shanahan passed away October 20, 2016.

From that day forward, Debra Shanahan has continued to chair the event without missing a beat. Perhaps it is her dedication and outstanding courage that have fueled her leadership in the quest to find a cure. Perhaps it is the love and light that shine from the beautiful heart of this phenomenal lady. Debra humbly explains it as an opportunity to offer her time, talent, and heart to the causes she feels passionate about. She says, “Having lost family and friends to cancer made fighting this disease an easy decision.”

For many years, Debra’s energy has been an outstanding force in the community spirit of Marco Island. Debra’s first stab at getting involved in the community was in volunteering for the Marco Island Film Festival. Since then, she has served as a past Executive Director of the Marco Police Foundation and past board member of Christmas Island Style. A graduate of Leadership Marco 2006, she is a past member of Marco Island Code Enforcement, and past chair of the ACS Volunteer Leadership Board. The Rotary Club of Marco Island Sunrise holds a special place in Debra’s heart as she has served as past Secretary, past President, and current Treasurer. She was named Rotarian of the Year in 2008 and 2019. Other awards include Marco Eagle Volunteer of the Year 2010, Naples Daily News Citizen of the Year 2014, and the ACS Volunteer of the Year in 2015, an award that she shared with Dick Shanahan.

It is with immense pride that the American Cancer Society will honor Debra Shanahan with the 2022 Grado Award. Named for Corrie Grado and her late husband John in honor of their years of leadership and service to ACS, the award is presented to individuals who have contributed significantly to the fight against cancer. Debra Shanahan is indeed the epitome of this honor.

Please join us in honoring this outstanding human being. Imagine a world without cancer!

To purchase tickets or learn more about sponsorship and volunteering opportunities, please contact your American Cancer Society at Sue.Olszak@cancer.org, http://www.acsimaginationball.com or 239-610-3032.