UCSF patient honored at Dreamfest benefit concert headlined by Gwen Stefani and Usher
SAN FRANCISCO (KGO) -- Before Gwen Stefani took the stage Wednesday night at Salesforce's signature benefit concert at Oracle Park, a young woman whose journey has inspired patients and caregivers was recognized in front of tens of thousands of people attending Dreamfest.
Twenty-four-year-old Cait Joseph of the Sacramento area received the 2026 Colin Powell Medal of Courage, an honor awarded annually by UCSF Benioff Children's Hospitals to a patient who demonstrates exceptional courage, leadership and compassion. Musician and entrepreneur will.i.am introduced Joseph to the crowd on stage.
Joseph spent more than a decade receiving care at UCSF while dealing with multiple complex medical conditions, including inexplicable gastrointestinal problems that left her in pain just eating or drinking. According to UCSF, those experiences inspired her to help other young people facing their own medical challenges.
MORE: UCSF Benioff Children's Hospital in SF and Oakland hold special prom for teens: 'Very heartwarming'
Today, recovered and pursuing a career in nursing, Joseph serves on the hospital's Youth Advisory Council, organizing events for patients to build community and find joy.
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"To be able to be involved in that, to give that lifeline to the kids who are in patient, is an incredible experience," Joseph told ABC7 News.
In 2024, ABC7 highlighted her role helping organize special hospital proms that allow young patients to enjoy a milestone many might otherwise miss because of serious medical conditions. In that story, Joseph described spending months in the hospital herself before becoming an advocate for other patients.
Wednesday's award ceremony took place at Dreamfest, the annual benefit concert held in conjunction with the Dreamforce conference. This year's performers were Gwen Stefani and Usher.
Salesforce says Dreamfest has raised more than $130 million for UCSF Benioff Children's Hospitals over the past two decades.
