Back in the late 1990s, when Megan Somerville was in Highland Park Middle School, her mom Linda Somerville was diagnosed with leukemia. Due to the limited resources in development and treatments of the blood cancer, Linda lost her life in 1999 leaving behind 13-year-old Megan, her family and a collection of dear friends like Linda’s BFF Robyn (Thomas) Conlon.
Over the years, Megan and Robyn’s son, Keith Conlon, merged the two families by marrying in 2015 and having three children.
But despite the happiness of their marriage, Megan and Keith have never forgotten the impact of Linda’s death. Rather, the couple along with Robyn have used this loss as an inspiration to continue the battle against leukemia and lymphoma.
As a result, Megan and Keith have taken on co-chairmanship of the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society Red River Region’s (LLS) 2026 St. Valentine’s Day Luncheon and Fashion Show on Wednesday, February 4, at the Meyerson Symphony Center.
According to Megan, “Chairing the 42nd LLS St. Valentine’s Day Luncheon is deeply personal to both of us and such an honor. My mom passed away from leukemia in 1999, and with more loved ones affected by blood cancers, the cause hits close to home. Chairing this luncheon is a way to honor my mom’s memory, stand with others still in the fight and support the incredible life-saving work LLS continues to do. Keith and I are grateful to serve a mission that means so much — not just to our family but to so many others.”
Funds raised from the fashion show and luncheon will support North Texas research and development to battle the disease.
As LLS Red River Region Executive Director Leah Swanson said, “We are so honored to have Megan and Keith serve as chairs of our 2026 St. Valentine’s Day Luncheon And Fashion Show. They have been unwavering in their support of our mission, and we know they will bring their enthusiasm, community relationships, leadership and expertise to their role. We look forward to working alongside them as we continue to raise awareness and funds for blood cancer research in Texas.”
Since it was established by Rusty Duvall and Janet Evans 41 years ago, the fundraiser has provided $16M for research in Texas, including at UT Southwestern Medical Center. The results have been that “some patient survival rates have doubled and countless advances have been made with new safer treatments for patients.”
Tickets and sponsorships are already available!
Stay tuned for more developments (i.e., honorees, fashions, etc.) in the weeks to come.