According to Children’s Cancer Fund Executive Director Jennifer Arthur,
The 32nd Annual Children’s Cancer Fund Gala did not take place on Friday, April 17, but the fight against cancer has not been canceled. Doctors are still making their rounds, nurses are caring for kids, and we at Children’s Cancer Fund are committed to caring for kids with cancer. We will continue to invest in cutting-edge research and patient care.
Our signature gala, with attendance of 1,000+, raises more than $1 million for pediatric cancer research and the Child Life program at Children’s Health. Gala proceeds enable CCF to fund a full-time child life specialist position while providing supplies for arts, crafts and activities used in play therapy. During this pandemic, the Child Life program is more important than ever as visitors are limited, and many children have not seen their friends or family members. When a child life specialist visits patients, their faces light up with joy. The children escape into an imaginative world of crafting, coloring, building, and singing with someone who is trained to know just how to connect with them. These specialists provide therapy and compassion, a critical piece of care. They also educate parents and siblings from diagnoses to treatment, empowering them to know more about their journey.
2020 Gala Co-Chairs Jamie O’Banion and Holly Davis are still in the fight. They are creating personalized gift bags for each child and our celebrity escorts, including Troy Aikman and Dirk Nowitzki, are creating personalized videos for each patient. Sponsors are shifting to 100% tax deductible gifts. These times are hard, but we will conquer cancer together. How can you help? You can put glitter in the hands of a sweet little girl by clicking this donation link or raise your paddle by giving virtually.
Remember: Cancer isn’t canceled. https://www.childrenscancerfund.com/make-a-donation
* Photo provided by Children's Cancer Fund