DoMor Gala Turns Cancer Journey Into Hope

When Norwell residents Richard and Abby Gray sat in a Massachusetts General Hospital room in February 2023, they realized their lives had changed forever. Richard, a lifelong nonsmoker, had just been diagnosed with stage one lung cancer after what was supposed to be a routine neurological scan.

“It came back and it was stage one lung cancer. He'd never smoked a day in his life,” Abby said.

The diagnosis came at a busy time for the family, with one daughter preparing for a wedding and another turning 21. Richard underwent a biopsy and robotic surgery at MGH, where doctors successfully removed the tumor. Within days of recovery, the couple began discussing how to use their experience to make an impact.

“As Richard was still sitting in the hospital, I said to him, ‘I think we have to raise money for early detection.’ And he agreed” Abby recalled.

Birth of DoMor

Out of that conversation, DoMor for Cancer Research was born. The Grays launched the initiative in 2023, focusing on raising money for early detection research and building community awareness. Abby said it was about finding purpose in a frightening diagnosis which she knows too well; her own father died from inoperable lung cancer in 1996. 

The Grays hosted their first benefit in June 2023, just four months after surgery, raising $32,000. That money funded MGH’s summer intern program for medical students. Last year’s gala brought in $50,000. This year, they hope to reach $100,000.

A Community Effort

The gala is as much a neighborhood event as it is a fundraiser. Held in the Grays’ backyard under a tent, the evening includes live music, food from Cooking With Abby, Abby’s catering business, and an auction. Local vendors donate everything from valet service to beverages, and neighbors pitch in with property space and sponsorships.

“People really want to help,” Abby said. “Even if they can't be here, our supporters think this is important and support DoMor through a connection or a referral.”

Tickets are $175, with proceeds directed to MGH’s lung cancer and robotic surgery unit. Organizers also encourage small-scale giving through QR codes that allow guests to “buy a nurse a cup of coffee” or “buy a doctor a sandwich” for $5.

Direct Impact on Research

For the Grays, one of the most important aspects of DoMor is knowing where the money goes. Funds are funneled directly to MGH’s lung cancer and robotic surgery unit, supporting research, technology, and training programs. Lung cancer remains the leading cause of cancer death in the United States. 

“Our money, the first year we raised $32,000. That $32,000 went and funded the entire summer intern program, which was really important. Those doctors are in medical school. You never know who's going to find the cure or the next best thing,” Abby said.

She added that while the funds are earmarked for lung cancer, the research often spills over to benefit other cancers. “While all cancers are different, some of the things that they find in lung cancer research and trials help other cancers,” Abby said.

Boston’s medical institutions, she noted, are especially collaborative. “MGH, Dana Farber, Brigham, Tufts, they all share knowledge,” Abby said.

Message of Awareness

For the Grays, the mission goes beyond fundraising. Richard’s experience highlighted the importance of screenings and self-advocacy in health care.

“You have to have an advocate. You have to have someone who's in charge of you when you can't be in charge,” Abby said.

She also emphasized that early detection can be life-saving. “Everybody needs to get their heads out of the sand and go for their checkups. Richard felt great, but he just went for his checkups,” she said.

Now officially cancer-free, Richard shares his story with others facing similar diagnoses. Together, the couple has built DoMor into a movement grounded in hope, resilience, and community.

As Abby shared their story, she sorted through the different silicone bracelets they had made saying things like “Cheers Team Richard” and “You’re Going to be UK” (Richard is British) and “In Memory of an Amazing Human” and then said with a smile, “Richard wants a world where people don’t need these bands anymore.”

The third annual DoMor Gala takes place Sept. 20 in Norwell. You can learn more about it here and buy tickets here.