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2025 SEVEN BLOCKS OF GRANITE CHAMPION
ELLEN ELAM
Inspired by her sister’s battle with cancer, Ellen Elam has transformed personal loss into a lifelong mission to ensure every family has the support and care they need in their fight. A dedicated leader with the American Cancer Society, Ellen helped establish Friends of Hope Lodge in Houston—the first program of its kind in the nation. This compassionate group of volunteers coordinates meals, activities, and special touches to brighten the lives of cancer patients and caregivers staying at the American Cancer Society Richard M. Schulze Family Foundation Hope Lodge. Hope Lodge provides free lodging to patients traveling to Houston for treatment, offering not only a place to stay but also a community of care during one of life’s most difficult journeys.
Ellen currently serves on the Houston Area Board of the American Cancer Society and has contributed her leadership to some of Houston’s largest fundraising campaigns. She has co-chaired the Holiday Shopping Card, dedicated several years to the Cattle Baron’s Ball Committee, and in 2026 will chair Houston’s Men Wear Pink campaign, a community initiative uniting business and civic leaders in the fight against breast cancer.
She has also personally sponsored every major ACS event in Houston, blending her professional expertise, personal generosity, and community leadership to raise awareness and critical funding for cancer research and patient programs.
Her service and leadership have been recognized both locally and nationally. She is a recipient of the Margot S. Freudenberg Individual Award for outstanding contributions to the Hope Lodge program and was honored in 2024 with the Champions Against Cancer Volunteer Award for Excellence. Beyond her work with ACS, Ellen has been a long-time volunteer with MD Anderson Cancer Center, served as a board member with Susan G. Komen, led as board president of Literacy Advance of Houston, and chaired events including the Stiletto Strut benefiting the Lester & Sue Smith Breast Center.
An accomplished entrepreneur who built and sold two successful businesses, Ellen now dedicates her expertise to mentoring emerging leaders, supporting small businesses, and championing nonprofit organizations. Whether co-chairing major fundraising campaigns, mentoring others, or personally decorating Hope Lodge to bring joy to patients, Ellen leads with compassion, resilience, and purpose. She embodies the true spirit of advocacy and service, inspiring all those around her to take action in the fight against cancer.
