In a city where style and service often walk hand in hand, few events capture the spirit of both like the Saint Valentine’s Day Luncheon and Fashion Show. On Wednesday, February 4, 2026, the Morton H. Meyerson Symphony Center will once again set the stage for this beloved Dallas tradition—a celebration of fashion, philanthropy, and deeply personal stories that continue to make an impact on Blood Cancer United’s (formerly The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society) mission.
Now in its 42nd year, the annual fundraiser unites generations of supporters, survivors, and families who gather not only for the glamour of the runway, but to fuel life-saving progress in the fight against blood cancers. This year’s event will be chaired by Megan and Keith Conlon, two Highland Park natives whose ties to the cause run deep, and whose personal stories give this year’s event a powerful resonance.
Legacy, Loss, and Leading with Heart
For Megan Conlon, chairing the 2026 luncheon is more than a community honor; it’s a full-circle moment rooted in personal loss and enduring purpose. Conlon lost her mother, Linda Somerville, to leukemia when she was just 12 years old. Her passing left a profound impact on the Conlon family, shaping their long-standing support of Blood Cancer United and the luncheon itself.
“Chairing the 42nd St. Valentine’s Day Luncheon is deeply personal to both of us and such an honor,” Conlon shares. “My mom passed away from leukemia in 1999, and with more loved ones affected by blood cancers, this cause hits close to home. Chairing this luncheon is a way to honor my mom’s memory, stand with others still in the fight, and support the incredible, life-saving work Blood Cancer United continues to do. Keith and I are grateful to serve a mission that means so much—not just to our family, but to so many others.”
The Memorial Hero Award also holds special significance for the Conlon family, as it was first introduced in honor of Somerville. Now named the Linda Somerville Memorial Hero Award, it continues to recognize those whose lives inspire the ongoing mission of Blood Cancer United. Adding another layer of connection, Somerville was also the best friend of Robyn Conlon, Keith’s mother—further intertwining the families’ histories in heartfelt symmetry.
“We are so honored to have Megan and Keith serve as chairs of our 2026 St. Valentine’s Day Luncheon and Fashion Show,” says Leah Swanson, executive director of Blood Cancer United Red River Region. “They have been unwavering in their support of our mission, and we know they will bring their enthusiasm, community relationships, leadership, and expertise to their role.”
Where Fashion Meets Mission
While Blood Cancer United’s cause takes center stage, the fashion show, featuring Spring 2026 collections, is one of the event’s most anticipated moments. From modern classics to statement pieces, the runway always reflects Dallas’ signature blend of sophistication and charm. “Highland Park Village brings the best fashion reflecting the most current trends in our community,” shared an event representative.
More than a stylish afternoon, the event’s fashion show adds a vibrancy that draws new supporters each year, many of whom return annually because of the deeper meaning behind the glamour.
“The fashion show is an amazing component, but it’s the honorees, stories shared, and progress in the blood cancer space that give us hope for a world without cancer,” says the event team. Each year, the awards segment adds an emotional anchor to the day, transforming statistics into stories that linger long after the last walk down the runway.
A Community Legacy
Since its founding by Janet Evans and Rusty Duvall, the Saint Valentine’s Day Luncheon and Fashion Show has raised over $16 million, directly supporting research and patient care programs across Texas, including at UT Southwestern Medical Center. Over the past four decades, the event has become one of the most successful and enduring Blood Cancer United fundraisers in the country.
“This event is one of a kind across the country and one of the oldest events that we have,” a representative shared. “Over the last 75 years, Blood Cancer United has funded over $1.8 billion in research and supported patients to the tune of $1.5 billion.”
This year’s luncheon also marks a new chapter with the debut of the organization’s rebranded name: Blood Cancer United—a shift intended to reach more patients faster, and with a more unified voice across communities and regions. “This will be a special one with our first year under our new brand,” the representative shares. “A brand that will reach more people and give families more time with their loved ones.”
Supporters of the luncheon include Clayton and Ellen Kershaw, whose ongoing advocacy for children’s health and wellness through Kershaw’s Challenge has aligned closely with Blood Cancer United’s mission. Their presence over the years has helped elevate awareness, fundraising, and visibility. Whether through words of encouragement or behind-the-scenes generosity, the Kershaws embody the kind of hands-on philanthropy that defines this gathering.
How to Get Involved
As the 2026 luncheon approaches, there are an abundance of ways for the community to step in and make a difference. Whether through table sponsorships, donations, auction contributions, or volunteering, every effort plays a part in changing lives.
Beyond the luncheon, Blood Cancer United continues its work year-round with initiatives like Light The Night, Big Climb, and Visionaries of the Year—events designed to engage communities, celebrate survivors, and fund new breakthroughs in cancer research and care.
As the countdown begins, the Saint Valentine’s Day Luncheon and Fashion Show promises more than an afternoon of style and storytelling—it offers a legacy of love that continues to grow. With Megan and Keith Conlon at the helm, the event’s message is clearer than ever: that behind every dollar raised and every name honored is a family, a memory, and a future worth fighting for.
“Chairing this luncheon is a way to honor my mom’s memory, stand with others still in the fight, and support the incredible, life-saving work Blood Cancer United (formerly The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society) continues to do.” - Megan Conlon