4th Annual Transform Your Life & Health Luncheon

Join us for the 4th Annual Transform Your Life & Health Luncheon, hosted by co-chairs Rochelle Bullock and Laura Wareing Wheless, on Wednesday, September 24, 2025 at River Oaks Country Club. We’re thrilled to welcome Dr. Jim Ray, Executive Director for Neuroscience Research at MD Anderson Cancer Center’s Institute of Applied Cancer Sciences (IACS) and leader of the Belfer Neurodegeneration Consortium (BNDC), as our distinguished guest speaker.

Alzheimer’s disease and cancer strike fear in millions. In the U.S. alone, 6.7 million people live with Alzheimer’s—a number projected to double by 2050—while 2.1 million face a cancer diagnosis each year. Surprisingly, these two diseases may be two sides of the same coin. How can this connection unlock new pathways to study and treat both? Dr. Ray’s pioneering research is answering that question, bridging cancer and Alzheimer’s to drive transformative solutions.

Aligned with Jane’s Joyride’s mission to raise awareness in the pursuit of long-term healthy living, this luncheon will illuminate how nurturing brain and body wellness can enhance lives and improve outcomes. Don’t miss this inspiring event! Visit the link below to reserve your spot. We can’t wait to see you there!

Meet Our Speaker:

Jim Ray, Ph.D., is the Executive Director of Neuroscience Research at MD Anderson Cancer Center’s Institute of Applied Cancer Sciences (IACS) and the leader of the Belfer Neurodegeneration Consortium (BNDC). Launched in 2012, the BNDC unites MD Anderson, MIT, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, Baylor College of Medicine, and others to unravel the biology of neurodegenerative diseases and accelerate transformative therapies.

Under Dr. Ray’s strategic direction, the BNDC secured $20 million from the Cancer Prevention and Research Institute of Texas in 2018 to advance novel treatments for neurodegenerative disorders. He also spearheaded MD Anderson’s launch of a biotech venture dedicated to developing therapies for Alzheimer’s disease and chemotherapy-induced neuropathy, bridging cutting-edge research with clinical impact.

With a Ph.D. in neuroscience from Washington University School of Medicine, Dr. Ray brings over 20 years of experience in pharmaceutical and biotech innovation. His leadership roles at Merck, Envoy Therapeutics, and Takeda Pharmaceuticals have shaped multiple drug discovery programs. A prolific researcher, Dr. Ray has authored numerous publications and holds several patents, solidifying his reputation as a trailblazer in the field of neuroscience.

Registration Information:

This event is generously underwritten by friends of Jane’s Joyride. If you feel inclined to support our mission, you are welcome to make a donation in advance through our website. There will also be an opportunity to contribute during the program as we work to raise critical funds to further our efforts. Kindly note that space is limited, and an RSVP is required to attend.