The 28th Annual Cattlemen’s Ball of Nebraska, held June 5th and 6th, once again demonstrated the power of community by bringing together supporters, donors, advocates, researchers and leaders from across the state committed to advancing cancer research and improving lives.
The Fred & Pamela Buffett Cancer Center sincerely thanks the 2026 hosts, Linda and Howard (Howdy) Benjamin and their family, their neighbors, the Board of Directors, and the many dedicated volunteers whose hard work and generosity made this year’s event a success.
“The impact of the Cattlemen’s Ball extends far beyond a single evening,” said Dr. Joann Sweasy, director of the Fred & Pamela Buffett Cancer Center. “The funds raised drive meaningful advances in cancer research, clinical care and community education. Over the past decade, Ball-supported pilot awards have generated preliminary data for 123 research projects, helping investigators secure nearly $100 million in external research funding.”
This year’s event welcomed a distinguished group of attendees, including Nebraska Governor Jim Pillen, state senators and legislators, University of Nebraska-Lincoln football leadership and team members, and members of the Buffett and Scott families. During the event, Dr. Sweasy engaged with attendees to share the impact of Cattlemen’s Ball-supported research, with discussions centered on donor support and ongoing research improving cancer outcomes for patients and families throughout Nebraska.
One of the most popular destinations at the event was the Cancer Center–hosted Health Tent, which welcomed over 800 attendees. Visitors accessed a range of health resources and services, including FIT kits for colorectal cancer screening (17 distributed), PSA screenings (22 completed), blood pressure checks (124), HPV vaccinations (2 administered), and multi-cancer early detection (MCED) testing through Galleri (36 completed), empowering attendees to take proactive steps toward their health.
One highlight of the Health Tent was the Research Wall, where attendees learned firsthand about cancer research underway in Nebraska. Cancer center scientists shared their work to improve outcomes for patients and families affected by cancer. Participating researchers included Dr. Kate Hyde, Dr. Nick Woods, Dr. Maher Abdalla, and Dr. Grinu Mathew, who engaged with attendees, presented their research and answered questions from community members.
The ongoing success of the Cattlemen’s Ball of Nebraska shows the strength of a statewide partnership focused on reducing the impact of cancer. Thanks to the generosity of donors, volunteers, hosts, and supporters, the event continues to support discoveries that are changing cancer care and bringing hope for the future.
