Honored Survivors announced for American Cancer Society’s Purses, Pouts and Pearls

BOWLING GREEN, Ky. – Three cancer survivors are being honored at the 11th Purses, Pouts and Pearls event on Feb. 13.

Every year, the event benefits the American Cancer Society through an auction of designer bags and a community gathering of supporters and those impacted by cancer.

According to a release by the American Cancer Society, the 2026 Honored Survivors include Lori Boyd, Caitlyn Mason and Brenda Turner. The release shares the following about each honoree:

Lorie Boyd 

Boyd’s cancer journey began in 2000 with thyroid cancer, which resulted in surgeries and treatment while raising her young boys. In 2020, she faced triple-negative breast cancer, undergoing a double mastectomy within days of her diagnosis, followed by months of chemo. Though the road was difficult, Boyd’s faith, family and especially her kids and grandkids became her reason to keep fighting.

This year, Boyd celebrates 25 years since thyroid cancer and five years since breast cancer. She is deeply grateful for her care team, her support system and every moment with the people she loves.

Caitlyn Mason 

Mason shares “The word ‘Cancer’ has never been foreign to me, as I have witnessed many family members battle it throughout my life. However, I never expected to be diagnosed at just 32”. She has watched loved ones battle, even caring for her mom during her treatments. But in 2024, her world changed when she was diagnosed at just 32 with a rare and aggressive desmoid tumor attached to her trapezius.

In 2025, Mason began treatment at MD Anderson, where her team recommended a chemo-pill to shrink and control the tumor. The journey has been tough, but her scans have shown stability and progress. Through it all, Mason draws strength from her mom and her best friend, Amber, who remind her daily that she is not fighting alone.

Mason’s courage and determination are shown in her words: “I’m not done fighting, and I’m so grateful for everyone walking this with me.”

Brenda Turner

Turner’s journey with the American Cancer Society began over 25 years ago, when she co-captained her hospital’s first Relay For Life team and started a support group while her sister was battling lung cancer. Her passion for this mission has never wavered. She even served as State Lead Ambassador for ACS CAN, advocating in Washington, D.C. and Frankfort for funding and legislation to fight cancer.

About a decade ago, Turner’s work became even more personal when she was diagnosed with lung cancer herself, found by accident, with no symptoms, and as a non-smoker. While Brenda’s treatment included surgery, she is grateful she didn’t require chemo or radiation. Turner considers herself one of the lucky ones. Though she lost her sister, Turner carries her with her in this work, determined to ensure more people survive in the future.

News 40 will release additional details surrounding Purses, Pouts and Pearls as the event date draws closer.