Matt Gephardt

The 2026 Ragab Spirit of Hope Award was presented to Matt Gephardt. This award, given in memory of CURE’s founder, Dr. Abdel Ragab, recognizes individuals who embody Dr. Ragab’s qualities of dedication, compassion, perseverance, and innovation in the fight against childhood cancer.

Matt’s connection to CURE began in the most personal way imaginable. In 1971, at just 17 months old, he was diagnosed with rhabdomyosarcoma, a rare and aggressive cancer that had already grown to the size of a volleyball in his abdomen. Doctors gave him less than a 10% chance of survival. A young Dr. Ragab heard about Matt’s case and offered his parents an experimental drug. They said yes, and the tumor shrank enough for surgeons to operate, saving Matt’s life. That experimental treatment is now the standard of care.

Decades later, Matt joined CURE at the 2017 Believe Ball to present Dr. Ragab with the very first Ragab Spirit of Hope Award, an emotional reunion that left him wanting to do more. He joined CURE’s Board of Directors, where he served for six years, including two as board president. More than a title, Matt became a constant presence at all things CURE. He led the effort to develop the organization’s strategic plan and opened doors through his extensive network to raise CURE’s profile across the community.

Honoring Matt feels like coming full circle: from the little boy Dr. Ragab saved to the tireless advocate helping CURE save others, he embodies the spirit of hope that drives CURE’s mission forward.

Decades later, Matt joined CURE at the 2017 Believe Ball to present Dr. Ragab with the very first Ragab Spirit of Hope Award, an emotional reunion that left him wanting to do more. He joined CURE’s Board of Directors, where he served for six years, including two as board president. More than a title, Matt became a constant presence at all things CURE. He led the effort to develop the organization’s strategic plan and opened doors through his extensive network to raise CURE’s profile across the community.

Honoring Matt feels like coming full circle: from the little boy Dr. Ragab saved to the tireless advocate helping CURE save others, he embodies the spirit of hope that drives CURE’s mission forward.