Cattlemen’s Ball is June 6-7 outside Blue Springs

For Joann Sweasy, PhD, her first Cattlemen’s Ball was an experience.

“The Cattlemen’s Ball is truly a one-of-a-kind event, bringing together community, generosity and hope across Nebraska,” she said.

Dr. Sweasy attended the 2024 event – which was the 26^th edition of the annual fundraiser for cancer research – in her role as the new director of the Fred & Pamela Buffett Cancer Institute.

“It was a spectacular gathering,” she said, adding that this year’s event – set for June 6 and 7 – promises to be just as memorable.

This year’s Cattlemen’s Ball will be hosted by Terry and Bev Acton and their family on their ranch just east of Blue Springs, in southeastern Nebraska. More than 5,000 attendees are expected for the event, which rotates across the state each year, uniting urban and rural communities in a shared mission to fight cancer.

This year, the Fred & Pamela Buffett Cancer Center will once again host the Health & Wellness Tent, offering opportunities for cancer screenings, awareness resources and genetic education. The UNMC College of Nursing also will be among the community partners offering wellness screenings.

“We’re also bringing back a crowd favorite, Rolanda, the giant inflatable colon and inflatable lung,” Dr. Sweasy said.

Another highlight: The opportunity to showcase research funded by previous Cattlemen’s Ball donations. Attendees will have a chance to meet the scientists behind these innovative projects and learn firsthand about the progress being made in cancer research.

“The Cattlemen’s Ball is critical in supporting cancer research and advancing care across Nebraska,” Dr. Sweasy said. “It helps us meet people where they are, raise awareness and share our scientific discoveries with the communities we serve.”

Funds raised through the ball support pilot research projects, essential for early-stage studies that often lead to big grants and breakthroughs for investigators. The event’s ongoing support also helps the cancer center recruit and retain top-tier faculty, invest in specialized equipment and provide more patients with access to clinical trials.

“At the heart of it all, the ball supports our mission,” Dr. Sweasy said. “The Fred & Pamela Buffett Cancer Center is here for the entire state of Nebraska, and I’m deeply grateful to the host families and the dedicated Cattlemen’s Ball Board of Directors. Their commitment, experience and passion for the cattle industry and cancer research make this event a powerful force for good.”