Beloved Event Features Cancer Patients, Survivors, Celebrities and Sponsors in a Fashion Show
As They Take the Runway for Pediatric Cancer Research
When Julissa Garcia, 7, of Carrollton, found out she was going to be able to participate in the 27th Annual Children’s Cancer Fund Luncheon, she became very excited and said, “It is one of my dreams to actually be in a real fashion show!”
Diagnosed with Acute Myeloid Leukemia at the age of 6, Garcia is in the third grade at Central Elementary School in Carrollton. She is one of 21 young cancer patients at Children’s Medical Center selected to be a runway model and artist in this year’s Children’s Cancer Fund Luncheon, on Friday, April 17 at 11:30 a.m. at the Hilton Anatole. Additionally, her artwork will be featured in the 2015 Children’s Cancer Fund Inspiration Book for sale at the luncheon.
Longtime Event Chairmen Troy Aikman (chaired for 18 years) and Roger Staubach (chaired for 27 years) join Luncheon Committee Co-Chairs Cara Serber and Kathleen Strand, along with celebrities and local media, to take the runway with these young cancer patients and numerous pediatric cancer survivors in a special runway fashion show, sponsored by Dillard’s and produced by RSC Show Productions. KDFW FOX 4 NewsAnchors and supportersSteve Eagar and Clarice Tinsley will serve as Master and Mistress of Ceremonies at the event. The luncheon is slated to raise over $450,000 for pediatric cancer research and treatment programs at Children’s Medical Center, benefiting children worldwide.
Garcia has a baby sister, an older brother, two dogs, two birds, and a fish. Her favorite school subject is science. The fact that she wants to be a pediatric oncologist when she grows up says a lot about the love she has for her doctors at Children’s Medical Center.
She enjoys doing crafts, dancing, playing soccer, singing and playing with her dogs.
“I am happiest when I do well in school and when I am with my family,” added Garcia. “My family members are my heroes because they always stick by my side!”
If she could visit anywhere in the world, she would go to New York City to see celebrities. Garcia will have the chance to meet some local celebrities at the luncheon, which also includes sponsors and media personalities serving as runway escorts for the children. Escorts to date include Troy Aikman, Roger Staubach, current Dallas Cowboys players, Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders, Miss Texas Teen USA, and Miss Texas America.
The luncheon and fashion show raise awareness and funds for children’s cancer research and programs at Children’s Medical Center while serving as a positive social-psychological experience for children undergoing cancer treatment. This year’s theme is western. Garcia told organizers that her favorite part about being a cowgirl would be getting to wear pink cowboy boots.
“With over $7 million in funds raised, since 1982, for pediatric cancer research, Children’s Cancer Fund continues to fund critical research while improving treatments for hundreds of children throughout the greater North Texas community,” said Luncheon Committee Co-Chair Cara Serber. “A significant amount of these funds are raised through this annual luncheon. This day brings children living with cancer together for an unforgettable, embracing, and heartwarming experience.”
Tickets for the 27th Annual Luncheon are $150 each or $1,500 per table of 10. Contact Children’s Cancer Fund at 972-664-1450 or visit www.ChildrensCancerFund.com for reservations and more information. This year raffle tickets for $100 (or 6 for $500) will be sold in advance of and at the event for a chance to receive a 2015 NISSAN Altima, 2015 NISSAN Rogue or $20,000 cash prize donated by Clay Cooley Automotive Group.
The finale of the show each year is a special time for all the children, both those currently battling cancer and the survivors, to join together on stage. Amber Carrington and Justin Rivers, both from NBC’s “The Voice,” will sing for the finale of the show.
Children’s Cancer Fund was founded 33 years ago by a coalition of parents whose children were receiving cancer therapy at Children’s Medical Center. The organizers have since been joined by community leaders, dedicated volunteers, and health professionals in their fundraising efforts. CCF is one of the nation’s leading fundraising groups in supporting local research toward treatment and prevention of childhood cancers. Among the programs supported by Children’s Cancer Fund are the Pediatric Hematology-Oncology Fellowship Program at Children's Medical Center and the Children's Cancer Fund Comprehensive Center for Research in Pediatric Oncology and Hematology at UT Southwestern Medical Center, which is gaining a national reputation for its work in eradicating childhood cancer. In 2002, Children’s Cancer Fund initiated funding for a full-time Child Life Assistant at Children’s Medical Center’s Pauline Allen Gill Center for Cancer and Blood Disorders to assist the outpatient team. The primary goal of the Child Life Assistant is to make each of the 80-90 daily outpatients’ visits a more positive experience. This position is funded annually by CCF, helping to ease the emotional strain of ongoing treatments, some lasting several years.
“The enthusiasm, support, and generosity in the ballroom the day of the fashion show is nothing short of inspiring,” said Luncheon Co-Chair Kathleen Strand. “It’s very humbling to see everyone come together with their time, treasures, and talents for the children. This level of commitment enables Children’s Cancer Fund to pursue strategic investments in research, ensuring CCF is truly a movement for a pediatric cancer-free tomorrow.”