Joan Katz

A three-time breast cancer survivor, Joan Katz helped establish the Tarrant County Affiliate of the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation. The first Race for the Cure™ in 1992 featured 1,800 participants and raised $100,000. Howard enlisted all of his male friends to assist on the day of the race. They wore tuxedos and handed out flowers to survivors and participants as they crossed the finish line. The 2006 race had 18,500 participants and raised $1.4 million. Joan and Howard continue to be key supporters and volunteers for the affiliate. They are also passionate advocates for the Komen mission of eradicating breast cancer as a life-threatening disease. Joan and Howard Katz are involved with numerous other organizations as well, including The WARM Place, Camp Fire USA, First Texas Council, The Learning Center of North Texas, The Jewish Federation Tarrant County, Junior League of Fort Worth, Tarrant County Youth Collaboration and Cancer Care Services, to name just a few. Currently Joan Katz is the president of Jewel Charity, which raises funds for Cook Children’s Medical Center. Since 1953, this organization has given more than $35 million to benefit uncompensated care and other vital projects. She and her husband were angel chairs in 2004, helping raise more than $2 million. Joan also is an active volunteer with the woman’s board at the hospital.