Voices of Hope raises record sum for cancer research in 2025 Group presents $180K check to Termeer Center for Targeted Therapies

Voices of Hope raises record sum for cancer research in 2025 Group presents $180K check to Termeer Center for Targeted Therapies ANDOVER —

Lowell Sun, Peter Currier – March 24, 2026

For 17 years, the volunteer performers of Voices of Hope have been putting on stage plays and performing at sporting events, all to raise money for research into cancer treatments. The group has shattered its previous record for the most money raised and given to cancer research in a single year with $180,000 raised in 2025. That figure, which was announced at VOH’s rehearsal studio at the Ballard Vale Church in Andover Saturday, surpasses VOH’s previous annual record of $135,000. The proceeds each year are given to the Mass General Brigham Cancer Institute’s Termeer Center for Targeted Therapies. Since 2009, VOH has raised $1.4 million for cancer research. “This record donation reflects the heart, dedication, and unstoppable passion of our members, audiences, sponsors, partners, and families,” VOH said in a statement Monday. “Every ticket sold, every song performed, and every moment of support has moved us closer to a future where cancer is history.”

As of last year, the money raised by VOH has played a role in getting U.S. Food and Drug Administration approval for 27 new cancer drugs developed at the Termeer Center. VOH has more than 150 volunteer performers, many of whom are Greater Lowellians and have been impacted personally by cancer. Last year’s big performance was of “Jesus Christ Superstar,” which was a repeat of the group’s first book musical in 2013. “Our partnership with MGBCI has been a cornerstone of our mission,” said VOH in its statement. “We are humbled to support the scientists, clinicians, and caregivers who work every day to bring targeted therapies and breakthrough treatments to patients who need them most.”

This year’s performance is coming up soon, VOH founder Greg Chastain told The Sun Monday afternoon. At the North Shore Music Theatre in Beverly, as always, the group will perform the musical comedy “Curtains,” by the songwriting duo John Kander and Fred Ebb on April 18 and 19. The show is a murder mystery set in 1959 in the Colonial Theatre in Boston, itself about the opening night of a new musical where a leading performer dies on stage. Tickets can be purchased at nsmt.org. “It’s like ‘Clue’ meets ‘42nd Street,’” said Chastain.

Looking back, Chastain called VOH’s 2025 “an amazing year.” “We had a lot of things go right for us last year,” said Chastain. “We had a lot of great new events, and a lot of our members did so much work and spent hundreds of hours of volunteer time.” On July 16 they will host their annual golf tournament at the Four Oaks Country Club in Dracut, which Chastain said sold out last year, so registration is already open for this year. The following week on July 24, VOH will be performing both the U.S. and Canadian national anthems before a game between the Boston Red Sox and Toronto Blue Jays at Fenway Park. On July 16 they will host their 16th annual Barbara Byrd Golf Classic at the Four Oaks Country Club in Dracut, which Chastain said sold out last year, so registration is already open for this year. Chastain said spots in the VOH Summer Youth Program have already sold out for 2026. On Oct. 3, VOH will host its annual Fall Gala. For more information about Voices of Hope, visit vohboston.org.