The Cary Council was inspired by a beloved woman who was passionate about helping others. After Beth Kahn’s valiant fight with brain cancer, her son, Michael, transformed his family’s personal loss into purpose by uniting a group of visionary young leaders who have created real momentum for medical progress. Ten years later, The Cary Council has made an impressive impact on the world, but it is only just beginning.
Beth Kahn was a treasured member of the Dallas community. She was a mom and a gifted teacher who had an extraordinary ability to motivate others to live their best lives. She was a tremendous role model and lived by her “roots and wings” philosophy: teaching core values and principles (roots) and instilling the confidence to chase dreams (wings).
In May 2013, Beth was diagnosed with glioblastoma, an aggressive and life-threatening brain cancer. She received exceptional care from her team at UT Southwestern Medical Center and was nurtured by the love and support of family and friends.
“When you or someone you love receives a life-altering diagnosis, it’s an extraordinary gift to be able to drive a few miles—rather than fly across the country—for worldclass care,” said Michael Kahn.
For three years, the Kahn family was at Beth’s side while she bravely battled the aggressive disease with dignity and grace. “My mom led by example, living a life of meaning and purpose, celebrating small victories, and deeply appreciating the preciousness of each moment. She understood that the most important qualities are those you cannot measure and quantify with statistics – qualities like faith, love, and especially hope,” said Michael.
Beth passed away on January 17, 2016, but her experience at UT Southwestern had already set in motion the creation of The Cary Council the year prior. Michael was deeply inspired by his mother’s gratitude for the tremendous care she received, and he saw how critical it was to support medical progress that could one day eradicate diseases like his mother’s. To honor his late mother and ensure continued investments in early-stage medical research, he helped found The Cary Council, named after the late Dr. Edward H. Cary, one of the primary founders of Southwestern Medical Foundation and Southwestern Medical College, known today as UT Southwestern.
“The Cary Council was founded with a compelling vision: When we engage the next generation of community leaders in advancing innovative research, we create real momentum for medical progress.”
Kathleen Gibson
Former President and CEO, Southwestern Medical Foundation
Michael’s goal was to recruit a new generation of young community leaders who wanted to make a meaningful contribution to health care in North Texas. When The Cary Council launched in 2015, its members spent time exploring how best to make a difference. What emerged was a shared commitment to early-stage medical research. In 2017, the group awarded its first Early-Stage Research Grants—$50,000 seed grants designed to accelerate promising ideas from early-career investigators at UT Southwestern.
A decade later, The Cary Council has achieved remarkable success. Through proceeds from its signature fundraiser, An Evening with DocStars, the Council has awarded $1.2 million in grants to support twenty-four promising scientists. These investments have helped launch careers, retain top talent at UT Southwestern, and spark innovations that have since attracted nearly $30 million in additional funding. The research they’ve supported spans breast cancer, genomic technologies, infectious disease, pediatrics, and other critical areas of medicine.
“It has been a privilege to witness the extraordinary growth and success of The Cary Council over the past decade. What began as a promising idea has exceeded all expectations, demonstrating the lasting value of thoughtful leadership and a clear, shared purpose.”
James R. Huffines
Past Chair, Southwestern Medical Foundation
“One of the most powerful things The Cary Council has done is create space for personal storytelling,” said Michael. “Everyone has a story, and more importantly, behind every grant is a story. A vote of confidence. A breakthrough that may never have happened otherwise.”
While these seed grants empower early-stage researchers to pursue their bold ideas that might not otherwise receive funding but have the potential to transform medicine for generations, the Council’s impact goes far beyond financial contributions.
“The momentum of The Cary Council continues to grow. With an endowed $100,000 gift to UTSW’s Campaign for the Brain and more young professionals joining the cause, the potential for impact has never been higher. The small ripples they have created over the last decade will continue to grow, shaping advancements in medicine for years to come.”
Amanda Billings
Vice President of Development and Alumni Relations, UT Southwestern Medical Center
“I believe the legacy of The Cary Council won’t be measured solely by grant totals, follow-on funding, or even membership growth – though we’re proud of all those things. It will be measured over decades, in the lifelong engagement our members have with UT Southwestern and in the role we continue to play in advancing medicine in Dallas, across North Texas, and beyond,” said Michael.
Reflecting on the past decade of creating lasting impact with The Cary Council, the Kahn family is most grateful for the beautiful legacy of hope that Beth’s story has created for the future.
“Since its founding, The Cary Council has awarded twenty-four research grants to UT Southwestern investigators. These grants have resulted in more than $25 million in follow on funding, an exponential return on investment. But the true measure of success is in the lives improved through these advancements, from pioneering cancer treatments to breakthroughs in neurological care.”
Michael McMahan
President and CEO, Southwestern Medical Foundation
“The Cary Council began with a single story that was deeply personal,” said Michael’s wife, Alexandra Kahn. “What inspires me today is how that story continues to grow through each new member and each new idea. When young leaders come together to support bold research, they are helping shape a better future. That is what gives me hope.”
“A lifelong teacher and exceptional role model, Beth was an extremely compassionate and caring person who inspired all who knew her,” said her husband, Gary. “Central to The Cary Council’s mission, Beth strongly believed that investing in education and research is key to innovation and advances in medicine and patient care. As The Cary Council celebrates its 10th anniversary, I know she would be so proud of the leadership team and their contributions to UT Southwestern and the medical community.”
While this group of philanthropic leaders was created from a place of loss, its growth and the significant impact it has had not only on medical investigators but on past, present, and future patients is a true testament to the light that can be found in the darkness.
“We believed that great pain must not be wasted,” Michael added. “And we learned that big impact often starts small, especially when you’re surrounded by the right people. One of the most rewarding and unexpected parts of this journey has been the deep friendships we’ve created. Building The Cary Council has meant working alongside incredibly talented, thoughtful individuals who share a commitment to community and a passion for driving meaningful change. We will never stop fighting.”
