Force for Hope
Dr. Stacie J. Stephenson leads the battle against cancer at Gateway’s Celebrity Fight Night
By Kaylor Jones
Each year around the world, more than 18 million people are diagnosed with cancer. Dr. Stacie J. Stephenson has dedicated her life to making a difference for all of them, and all of those to come.
The doctor and philanthropist is perhaps best known locally as vice chairman of Gateway for Cancer Research, a nonprofit funding breakthrough cancer research and early-stage clinical trials. Gateway, which will host the highly anticipated Celebrity Fight Night this month, was founded by Stephenson’s husband, Richard J Stephenson with the goal of winning the long and grueling war against cancer.
“We lost my mother-in-law to cancer many years ago, and my husband and I feel it was a tragedy that she was not able to benefit from all we now know about cancer. Since then, he has been dedicated to the cause of supporting and funding cancer research,” says Stephenson, who brings her experience in integrative medicine to the table.
A doctor of chiropractic, certified nutrition specialist and chair of functional medicine for the Cancer Treatment Centers of America, Stephenson has long been a proponent of functional medicine, a patient-first approach that treats the root causes of symptoms as a way to support the body’s innate healing powers.
It’s a continual source of pride for her that every decision made at Gateway is centered on the immediate needs of patients. “Gateway for Cancer Research’s commitment to funding early-phase clinical trials means we’re often supporting ideas that are bold, innovative and deeply human, but might be considered too early or too risky elsewhere. Being part of that moment – when a promising idea becomes a real option for patients – is incredibly meaningful.”
Concert for a Cure
Gateway’s signature fundraising gala, Celebrity Fight Night, will take place March 21 at Fairmont Scottsdale Princess. The black-tie affair is themed A New Dawn, symbolic of a new chapter focused on innovation and lasting impact.
“Gateway Celebrity Fight Night has a way of bringing together people who genuinely want to make a difference, and there’s an energy that’s both glamorous and deeply meaningful,” Stephenson says. “What I’m most looking forward to this year is that feeling in the room when generosity, hope and possibility all collide. I’m excited about the conversations it sparks – about innovation, compassion and how we can do better for patients and families facing cancer.”
A staple of the event for over 20 years, 16-time Grammy Award-winner David Foster will return as musical director. He’ll be joined by celebrity host Erich Bergen and a star-studded lineup of musical guests, all dedicated to delivering a knockout blow to cancer.
“When you’re in a room with so many influential people, what stands out isn’t status, it’s shared intention. Everyone is there because they believe progress is possible and that collective action can truly change outcomes for patients. There’s something powerful about watching leaders from different worlds come together, not for recognition, but for impact.”
Despite all the unforgettable moments every year, including world-class musical performances, Stephenson says her favorite memories from past Celebrity Fight Nights are often quieter and more personal.
“Sitting with survivors, meeting researchers who are pushing boundaries, and seeing firsthand how philanthropy fuels real progress in early-stage cancer research. Those moments remind me why these nights matter so much. They’re not just celebrations, they’re catalysts for change.”
This year, Celebrity Fight Night is expected to raise millions in support of Gateway’s mission. Since its founding in 1991, the organization has awarded $126.5 million in total grant dollars, with over 30,000 patients and families impacted by trials affecting all cancer types.
For Stephenson, the excitement doesn’t come from hitting a certain dollar goal. It’s about knowing that every fundraising milestone brings us closer to better cancer treatments, faster answers and more hope for the families who need it now.
“Support for clinical trials is essential because this is where hope turns into evidence,” she says. “Clinical trials are the bridge between scientific discovery and real world impact, yet they’re often the most underfunded and misunderstood part of the research process. When we invest in trials early, we’re not just advancing science – we’re accelerating answers, expanding options and giving patients access to treatments that could help them live longer, fuller lives. That’s success to me. That’s my greatest reward.”
Living Life Vibrantly
Stephenson is also the author of two self-care books, Vibrant: A Groundbreaking Program to Get Energized, Own Your Health, and Glow, and Glow: 90 Days to Create Your Vibrant Life from Within. Both emphasize the importance of healthy choices, especially in an age when rates of chronic diseases, many of them preventable, continue to rise. Add factors like social isolation, sedentary lifestyles, high stress, poor sleep quality and screen addictions, and you’ve got a recipe for disaster.
“Each of us has the power to drastically lower our risks, just by shifting how we live and replacing bad habits with health-promoting habits. I want to help empower people to take back their health and achieve a lifestyle that creates vibrant energy and glow. I would love to see people turn around the epidemic of chronic diseases, just by changing how they live. We have the power!”
Stephenson will be the first to say it’s not necessarily easy – she tries to prioritize her sleep, for example, but it’s always a struggle. Making good food choices, exercising regularly (yoga is her workout of choice), meditating and spending time with family are also essential to maintaining her energy on busy days.
Recently, those busy days have included a foray into podcasting with The Wellness Detective, in which Stephenson investigates the root causes of people’s mysterious symptoms, providing actionable solutions that promote healing over guesswork. Next in the pipeline is a book on longevity, a project that’s turned out to be uniquely personal.
“Writing it has made me stop and ask myself the same questions I’m always asking my patients – what actually helps us feel good, stay engaged and keep showing up for our lives as we age? Some days it’s challenging, some days it’s energizing, and a lot of days it’s both. But I love that it lets me share what I’ve learned in a more reflective, human way, and hopefully help people rethink what living well and aging well can really look like.”
Stephenson’s passion for giving back to the community is yet another way her life is made more vibrant. Organizations that resonate with her include the American Heart Association and Childhelp.
“I also love supporting the Phoenix Theatre, particularly its work with children and its outreach programs that bring creativity, storytelling and joy into hospitals and care settings. The theater – named in honor of Richard and me – represents our shared belief in the power of the arts to heal and connect. Seeing how these programs uplift young patients, offering moments of imagination and light during incredibly difficult times, is profoundly moving to me.”
It’s all part of making the world – and specifically the Valley – a better place. Though she’s always a Midwesterner at heart, Stephenson just can’t resist the Scottsdale sunshine.
“Stepping outside, taking a deep breath and soaking in the views – it makes you feel alive and reminds you to slow down and enjoy life. There’s this real sense of community and generosity here that makes it feel like anything’s possible. Between the mountains, the wide-open skies and the friends who make every day better, Scottsdale just has this effortless way of making life feel more vibrant.”
To learn more and purchase tickets, visit www.celebrityfightnight.org and www.gatewaycr.org.