With the sold-out 50th Cattle Baron’s Ball just days away, 2023 Co-Chairs Andrea Cheek and Isabell Novakov Higginbotham have announced an addition to the mega-fundraiser to battle cancer. During the Live Auction segment of the night, the Paddle Raise is held to provide funding for specific cancer research projects of the American Cancer Society. In the past it has included breast cancer research and services provided by Hope Lodge.
This year’s Paddle Raise will have funds directed to an ACS research grant to study Ewing’s Sarcoma. This rare form of cancer affects approximately 225 American youth annually.
Children’s Health reports that Ewing’s Sarcoma is the “second most common bone cancer found in children and adolescents. Most of these tumors grow in bones of the legs, arms, back, chest or pelvis. But they can occur anywhere in the body.”
To bring home the need for advancement, Andrea and Isabell have arranged for Ewing’s Sarcoma cancer survivor teenager Ava Danuser to be the Paddle Raise Ambassador
Ironically, Ava’s mother, inactive Cattle Baron’s Ball committee member Christine Danuser, and close family friends have been strong supporters of both CBB and ACS long before Ava’s diagnosis.
According to Isabell, “The entire Danuser family is actively involved in Ava’s diagnosis, treatment and recovery process. Andrea and I, along with the entire Cattle Baron’s committee, are thrilled to raise money for this very important cause that highlights our mission to help eradicate cancer.”
To confirm approval of the grant, Cell Biology and Preclinical Cancer Research Program Senior Scientific Director Dr. Lynne Elmore flew to Dallas recently to meet with Andrea, Isabell and Ava.
If you want to get a head start on raising the funds to put an end to this devastating form of children’s cancer, you can donate here today.
* Photo provided by 2023 Cattle Baron's Ball