WINSTON-SALEM, N.C., Feb. 9, 2026 — For cancer patients facing treatment, a ride to the hospital or a conversation with a counselor can make a big difference for their care experience. SummerLark helps make those services possible. Now in its fifth year, SummerLark continues to raise funds for the Cancer Patient Support Program at Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist’s National Cancer Institute-designated Comprehensive Cancer Center. This year’s concert will take place on Saturday, May 9, at Bailey Park in the Innovation Quarter.
The 2026 SummerLark event will showcase a live concert by The Fray. Attendees can enjoy a vibrant atmosphere with a variety of food trucks, a free photo booth and health care vendors all contributing to a memorable experience. Tickets are now on sale through Ticketmaster and can be purchased on the event’s website.
The Fray, known for hits like “How to Save a Life” and “Over My Head (Cable Car),” will headline the event. Over the years, The Fray received multiple Top 10 albums on the Billboard 200, including their 2009 self-titled record, which topped the magazine’s charts.
“As the region’s only NCI-designated Comprehensive Cancer Center, our Cancer Patient Support Program at Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist provides the programs and support needed by our patients and families as they face their journey with cancer,” said Dr. David Zaas, president and CEO of Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist and executive vice president for clinical affairs at Wake Forest University. “SummerLark raises funds to ensure these programs are available during an incredibly challenging time for our patients and families.”
“We are grateful for the ongoing support of our community for the fifth annual SummerLark and thrilled to welcome The Fray to help support this important cause,” added Zaas. “Cancer places an immense burden on patients and their families, but the Cancer Patient Support Program ensures no one has to navigate that journey alone,” said Dr. Ruben Mesa, president of Atrium Health Levine Cancer, executive director of Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist’s Comprehensive Cancer Center and a vice dean for cancer programs and professor of medicine at Wake Forest University School of Medicine. “Support for SummerLark allows us to reach thousands of people in our community who are affected by cancer and provide the critical care and compassion they deserve.”
Funds raised through SummerLark contribute up to 50% of the Cancer Patient Support Program’s annual operating budget, ensuring it can continue providing vital resources and compassionate care for patients and families. Last year’s event raised nearly $400,000, directly supporting a wide range of services that help ease the emotional, physical and financial burdens of cancer. These offerings include individual and group counseling, financial patient aid and art therapy. The program also hosts wellness workshops, offers hospitality rooms for patients and families awaiting treatment, facilitates peer support opportunities and provides chair yoga classes to promote relaxation and well-being.
Within the past year, the Cancer Patient Support Program has supported more than 3,000 outpatients through services such as individual, family and couples therapy, grief counseling and more. In addition to its outpatient offerings, CPSP also provides essential support to patients and families admitted to the Comprehensive Cancer Center, reaching more than 1,100 individuals during their hospital stay.
Allegacy Federal Credit Union will serve as the presenting sponsor for the fifth consecutive year. Nathanael and Kerrie Tarawaskono, along with Hermes and Lauren Hernandez, are serving as event chairs. Mr. Tarawaskono is president and CEO of Allegacy Federal Credit Union.
“The generosity of our community is what makes these services possible,” said Dr. Katie Duckworth, director of the Cancer Patient Support Program. “Through the support of our corporate sponsors, donors and the community, we are able to stand beside patients and their families, providing the care and compassion they need during their most challenging times.”
Tickets start at $60 and are available now at the event’s website. Every ticket purchased helps ensure no cancer patient faces their journey alone.