Doctors treat cancer. We treat the lives it changes.
Your support of the Better Together Benefit is what makes that possible – free counseling, support, and wellness programs for patients, caregivers and families facing cancer across the Chicagoland area. We can only reach as many people as your generosity allows.
Join us for an evening of comedy and connection.
Event Details
Comedy Show – Cocktails – Small Plates – Cabaret Style Seating Silent Auction – Dessert Reception
Date: Thursday, September 24, 2026 – 6:30 pm – 9:30pm
Location: Renaissance Chicago North Shore Hotel, 933 Skokie Blvd, Northbrook
Attire: Dressy Casual
Benefit Tribute Book: Businesses and individuals can honor loved ones, highlight organizations, or share a message of support.
Kim Matthews – Extraordinary Contribution Award
KIMBERLY MATTHEWS
Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor, Cancer Wellness Center
Kim Matthews is Cancer Wellness Center’s first-ever recipient of the Extraordinary Contribution Award, recognizing a remarkable 28 years of service and leadership spent shaping the Center’s programs. Over nearly three decades, her compassion and dedication have touched thousands of lives, leaving an indelible mark on the Center, its mission, and community.
Since joining the Center in 1998, Kim has played a pivotal role in building the Center’s extensive clinical program — expanding and facilitating the Center’s support groups, mentoring the next generation of psycho-oncology therapists, and spearheading its “health in nature” programs.
From walking meditations to the Healing Garden labyrinth, her vision has helped countless individuals find comfort, connection, and strength during difficult times. She also brought her own sense of humor to her role, supporting the stand-up comedy writing workshops that culminate each year in Comedy Night — by her account, the most fun she’s had at any Center program.
Kim is deeply grateful to her husband, Don, and her daughters, Hannah, Gabby, and Sarah, for their love and support throughout her journey. Her clients and colleagues continually remind her of the importance of embracing life fully, finding joy in each day, and cherishing every moment.
Kellen Erskine – Featured Comedian
Kellen Erskine has appeared on Conan, Comedy Central’s Next Up, Jimmy Kimmel Live!, NBC’s America’s Got Talent, season 3 of Nate Bargatze’s “Nateland Presents: The Showcase,” and the Amazon Original Series Inside Jokes. He has two comedy specials with DryBar Comedy, “Negative Comments” and “Composed,” and has garnered over 300 million views across social media (50M+ views alone from a super viral joke about bike locks…). Kellen was also named one of TBS’s Top Ten Comics to Watch and has performed on the “New Faces” showcase at the prestigious Just For Laughs comedy festival in Montreal. He currently tours the country and hosts The Book Pile, a comedy podcast about books.
Marc “Silvy” Silverman – Emcee
Marc Silverman is host of Waddle and Silvy and Bears Radio Network.
For more information, please contact a member of our development staff.
2026 Planning Committee
Mara Berkun, Nancy Carey, Ryan Carey, Tracy Kazan, Anna Lasko, Arlene Levin,
BJ Liu, Steve Schwartz, Bonnie Wegner
Better Together Benefit Highlights
