Slated to raise more than $750,000, this evening gala features cancer patients, survivors, celebrities and sponsors

in a fashion show as well as dinner, dancing, and the Emerald City Band

Grapevine student Carsyn Sapp, 13, is a featured calendar artist and runway model at The Children’s Cancer Fund Gala, “An Evening in Oz,” the nonprofit’s 28th annual fundraiser for pediatric oncology research and treatment programs.  The gala features an auction, program, dinner and dancing with musical entertainment by Emerald City Band, Friday, April 22, 2016, 6 p.m. (champagne reception), 7:15 (dinner and program), at the Hilton Anatole Hotel,  2201 N. Stemmons Freeway.  Previously a luncheon event, the gala continues with the traditional fashion show presented by Dillard’s and produced by RSC Show Productions, featuring children who are undergoing treatment for cancer at Children's Medical Center Dallas. The children, “models” for the fashion show, are escorted down the runway by Event Chairmen Troy Aikman and Roger Staubach, along with many other celebrities and sponsors.  Gala event co-chairs Giora Barker and Lisa Cooley will kick off the program with Aikman and Staubach, who will turn it over to KDFW FOX 4 News Anchor Clarice Tinsley and Scott Murray, Mistress and Master of Ceremonies.

Proceeds from the Gala, slated to raise more than $750,000, go to Children’s Cancer Fund to support pediatric cancer research and treatment programs at Children's Medical Center. Since 1982, Children’s Cancer Fund has donated more than $7 million to the childhood cancer cause. The Children’s Cancer Fund spring event is the organization’s largest annual fundraiser for pediatric cancer.

Children’s Cancer Fund has created a special 2016 Calendar for the Gala, featuring the artwork of 12 children modeling in the show.   The calendar, $15 each, includes photos as well as original artwork by these young cancer patients. To purchase copies after the luncheon, please call Children’s Cancer Fund at 972-664-1450 or visit www.ChildrensCancerFund.com

Diagnosed with a Wilms Tumor, Carsyn Sapp, 13, is in the eighth grade at Grapevine Middle School in Grapevine and has three brothers and two dogs. Her drawing for the calendar is a reminder to everyone that no matter what you have, you have to keep swimming! World history is Sapp’s favorite school subject, but she also enjoys science and would like to be a marine biologist one day.  Bethany Hamilton, the American surfer who survived a shark attack, is her hero because she demonstrates faith, compassion for others, and kindness.  Sapp  enjoys swimming, skating, and riding her bike, and her favorite singers are Selena Gomez, Taylor Swift, Luke Bryan, and Pink. If she could travel anywhere, she would love to visit New York City.

“I am so excited to meet celebrities at the fashion show,” added Sapp.

Children’s Cancer Fund brings together local celebrities, dignitaries, sponsors, and media personalities to serve as runway escorts for these young patients modeling in the fashion show.  Event Chairs Aikman and Staubach have been involved for many years: Aikman for 19 and Staubach since the event’s inception 28 years ago.  Additional celebrity escorts include current Dallas Cowboys players, Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders, Dallas SWAT, Drew Pearson, Kliff Kingsbury, Andy Dalton, Jane McGarry – WFAA, Jocelyn White, Amy Vanderoef, Miss Texas America, Sunny Malouf, and the Pink Heels Firefighters.

“Did you know 30 years ago, half of all children diagnosed with cancer would not survive? Today, the survival rate is up to 80 percent!” said Lisa Cooley, gala event co-chair. “Even though wonderful progress has been made in the fight against this horrible disease, cancer still remains the number one disease-related killer of children in the U.S., taking over 250 lives worldwide every day. Despite these heartbreaking numbers, all pediatric cancers combined receive less than 4 percent of federal funding for cancer research. This is why you need to join us at this year’s gala.  Together we can make a difference.”

Individual tickets are $300 or $2,750 for a 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 2016 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited Sport 4x4 donated by the Clay Cooley Automotive Group and tricked out by NTX Auto Masters and Epic 4x4 Offroad.  Total value over $60,000.

The finale of the show each year is a special time for all the children, both those currently battling cancer and the survivors.  As they will join together on stage, they will be introduced by the evening’s special entertainment, the Emerald City Band. 

“In addition to raising awareness and funds for children’s cancer research, this event serves as a positive social-psychological experience for children undergoing cancer treatment,” added Giora Barker, gala co-chair. “These kids have been through so much, and this is a day away from hospitals and treatments.  They have a ball backstage and then they each have their moment in the spotlight as they are escorted down the runway and model their new fashions, which they have selected themselves and get to keep, donated by Dillard’s.  As the mother of a cancer survivor, I understand the importance of this type of experience. This evening will bring children living with cancer together for an unforgettable, embracing, and heartwarming experience.”

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.

For more information, please call Children’s Cancer Fund at 972-664-1450 or visit www.ChildrensCancerFund.com. 

CARROLLTON STUDENTS MYLES ALLISON, 9, AND MERCEDES HOWDESHELL, 13, PARTICIPATING AS RUNWAY MODELS AND CALENDAR ARTISTS AT THE CHILDREN’S CANCER FUND GALA

Slated to raise more than $750,000, this evening gala features cancer patients, survivors, celebrities and sponsors in a fashion show as well as dinner, dancing, and the Emerald City Band

Carrollton students Myles Allison, 9, and Mercedes Howdeshell, 13, are featured calendar artists and runway models at The Children’s Cancer Fund Gala, “An Evening in Oz,” the nonprofit’s 28th annual fundraiser for pediatric oncology research and treatment programs.  The gala features an auction, program, dinner and dancing with musical entertainment by Emerald City Band, Friday, April 22, 2016, 6 p.m. (champagne reception), 7:15 (dinner and program), at the Hilton Anatole Hotel,  2201 N. Stemmons Freeway.  Previously a luncheon event, the gala continues with the traditional fashion show presented by Dillard’s and produced by RSC Show Productions, featuring children who are undergoing treatment for cancer at Children's Medical Center Dallas. The children, “models” for the fashion show, are escorted down the runway by Event Chairmen Troy Aikman and Roger Staubach, along with many other celebrities and sponsors.  Gala event co-chairs Giora Barker and Lisa Cooley will kick off the program with Aikman and Staubach, who will turn it over to KDFW FOX 4 NewsAnchor Clarice Tinsley and Scott Murray, Mistress and Master of Ceremonies.

Proceeds from the Gala, slated to raise more than $750,000, go to Children’s Cancer Fund to support pediatric cancer research and treatment programs at Children's Medical Center. Since 1982, Children’s Cancer Fund has donated more than $7 million to the childhood cancer cause. The Children’s Cancer Fund spring event is the organization’s largest annual fundraiser for pediatric cancer.

Children’s Cancer Fund has created a special 2016 Calendar for the Gala, featuring the artwork of 12 children modeling in the show.   The calendar, $15 each, includes photos as well as original artwork by these young cancer patients. To purchase copies after the luncheon, please call Children’s Cancer Fund at 972-664-1450 or visit www.ChildrensCancerFund.com

Diagnosed with Hodgkins Lymphoma at the age of 8, Myles Allison, 9, is in the third grade at McCoy Elementary School. His favorite school subject is science, and he wants to be an astronomer when he grows up. Myles is happiest when he is with his family. He enjoys playing video games and watching nature-related television shows and has a leopard gecko named Spike. If he could visit anywhere in the world, he would go to the Bahamas.

“I am excited to dress up and meet famous people at the fashion show,” added Allison.  “It will be awesome to see Troy Aikman and friends from camp at the Gala!”

Diagnosed with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia at the age of 9, Mercedes Howdeshell, 13, is in the seventh grade at Polk Middle School. She is an only child but has a cat, a lizard, a horse, and a chicken. She would like to be a nurse when she grows up, and she enjoys riding her horse, drawing, and hanging out with her family. She is happy when she’s with the people she loves, and if she could travel anywhere, she would like to visit Washington State to be with her family.”

“I’m can’t wait to be a model in the fashion show because it’s something I’ve never done but have always wanted to do,” said Howdeshell.  

Children’s Cancer Fund brings together local celebrities, dignitaries, sponsors, and media personalities to serve as runway escorts for these young patients modeling in the fashion show.  Event Chairs Aikman and Staubach have been involved for many years: Aikman for 19 and Staubach since the event’s inception 28 years ago.  Additional celebrity escorts include current Dallas Cowboys players, Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders, Dallas SWAT, Drew Pearson, Kliff Kingsbury, Andy Dalton, Jane McGarry – WFAA, Jocelyn White, Amy Vanderoef, Miss Texas America, Sunny Malouf, and the Pink Heels Firefighters.

“Did you know 30 years ago, half of all children diagnosed with cancer would not survive? Today, the survival rate is up to 80 percent!” said Lisa Cooley, gala event co-chair. “Even though wonderful progress has been made in the fight against this horrible disease, cancer still remains the number one disease-related killer of children in the U.S., taking over 250 lives worldwide every day. Despite these heartbreaking numbers, all pediatric cancers combined receive less than 4 percent of federal funding for cancer research. This is why you need to join us at this year’s gala.  Together we can make a difference.”

Individual tickets are $300 or $2,750 for a 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 2016 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited Sport 4x4 donated by the Clay Cooley Automotive Group and tricked out by NTX Auto Masters and Epic 4x4 Offroad.  Total value over $60,000.

The finale of the show each year is a special time for all the children, both those currently battling cancer and the survivors.  As they will join together on stage, they will be introduced by the evening’s special entertainment, the Emerald City Band. 

“In addition to raising awareness and funds for children’s cancer research, this event serves as a positive social-psychological experience for children undergoing cancer treatment,” added Giora Barker, gala co-chair. “These kids have been through so much, and this is a day away from hospitals and treatments.  They have a ball backstage and then they each have their moment in the spotlight as they are escorted down the runway and model their new fashions, which they have selected themselves and get to keep, donated by Dillard’s.  As the mother of a cancer survivor, I understand the importance of this type of experience. This evening will bring children living with cancer together for an unforgettable, embracing, and heartwarming experience.”

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.

Sponsors include: Presenting Sponsors: Clay, Lisa and Ciara Cooley; Anne Davidson; Texas de Brazil; Emerald Sponsors: Jennifer Stroud Foundation; Marianne and Roger Staubach; Troy Aikman; Sapphire Sponsors: Headington Companies; Gold Sponsors: Albertsons – Tom Thumb; American Airlines; BMC Software; Kroger; Legacy Bank; McCullough Foundation in honor of Kaitlyn Wade; Pauline Allen Gill Center for Cancer and Blood Disorders at Children’s Medical Center; Silver Sponsors: The Barker Family; Belmont Icehouse; Fee, Smith, Sharp & Vitullo, LLP; Matthew Malouf; RSC Show Productions; Yontz Family Farms in honor of Jack Maurer; Fashion Sponsor:  Dillard’s; Media Sponsor:  PaperCity Magazine; Official blogger: My Sweet Charity; In-kind Sponsors: Christopher Martin Gallery; Clay Cooley Automotive Group; Del Frisco’s Steakhouse; Drakeley Magic; Hilton Anatole; Kendra Scott; Kit Courrege; NTX Auto Masters and Epic 4x4 Offroad; Salon Pompeo.

Children’s Cancer Fund (CCF), founded in 1982, supports clinical and laboratory research for pediatric cancer.  CCF raises funds through charitable events and donations from the public and private sectors of industry, foundations, trusts, and individuals interested in fighting pediatric cancer.  Since its inception, CCF has awarded over $7 million in grants.  This organization seeks to partially relieve the medical and research staff of the burden of obtaining and administering funds for this research and treatment and to assist in the formulation and implementation of long range plans for the development of Children's Medical Center and UT Southwestern Medical Center as nationally recognized programs for the investigation and treatment of childhood cancer.  The Children’s Cancer Fund office is located at 10300 N. Central Expressway, Suite 463, Dallas, Texas 75231.  (Phone) 972-664-1450.  (Fax) 972-664-1425.  For more information, please call Children’s Cancer Fund at 972-664-1450 or visit www.ChildrensCancerFund.com.

Event brings celebrities, sponsors and over 900 caring community members together to raise funds for

pediatric cancer research at Children’s Medical Center

The annual Children’s Cancer Fund Luncheon is not your typical Dallas fundraising luncheon.  Not only does it raise critical funding for pediatric cancer research and programs at Children’s Medical Center, it also serves as a positive social-psychological experience for children undergoing cancer treatment.  With the help of area celebrities, sponsors, and a caring community, these children are given a fun day, away from hospitals and treatment.  Whether volunteering as a an escort for a child featured on the runway for the fashion show, purchasing a table in the ballroom, or sponsoring the event, each contributor plays a vital role in the day’s success and the organization’s movement toward a pediatric cancer-free tomorrow.

Twenty-one young cancer patients from Children’s Medical Center selected an outfit donated by Dillard’s to model at the luncheon.  When they arrived at the Hilton Anatole Hotel the morning of the luncheon, they were paired with volunteer buddies, and spent the day backstage talking to celebrities, having fun with clowns and magicians, getting their hair done, taking pictures, coloring, eating lunch, and more.  They were joined by up to 100 more children who are all pediatric cancer survivors and who joined them for the grand finale of the fashion show, which featured music by Amber Carrington and Justin Rivers of NBC’s “The Voice.”

Celebrity VIPs arrived at 10 a.m. for a special reception where the 21 children’s artwork is displayed.  Each is asked to submit an original piece, submitted in the 2015 Children’s Cancer Fund Inspiration Book.  This year’s guests included longtime Event Chairmen Roger Staubach, who has chaired the event for all 27 years, and Troy Aikman, who has co-chaired for the past 18 years.  Clarice Tinsley and Steve Eager served as mistress and master of ceremonies, and as the children took the runway with their escorts, they shared a little about each child with the audience.  For example: “Laura Beth Rote, 8, has an older brother Kyle and a Boston Terrier named Maggie.  Her favorite subject is math, and she wants to be a teacher when she grows up.  On the weekends, she loves to go to her grandparents’ house for breakfast and shopping.  Her heroes are her doctors who have made her well.  Micah Reed, a 6^th grader at Sulphur Springs Middle School, wants to be an oncologist and an artist when he grows up. His heroes are the U.S. military, past and present because they fight for our freedom.  He loves drawing, listening to music and writing, and is happy when his counts are good and he is not weak.   Brady Pampillonia, 9, has three little sisters and a dog names Peyton.  He wants to be a hockey player when he grows up.  His favorite movie star is Steve Carell, and he is excited to meet celebrities and raise money for childhood cancer at the fashion show.

“Sharing a little about each child, makes each one’s walk down the runway a special time, while giving the audience a perspective on how cancer truly impacts everyone,” added Britney Bannon, Development Director, Children’s Cancer Fund.  “Unfortunately, no one is exempt from this terrible disease.”

Rhonda Sargent Chambers of RSC Productions produced the show. Celebrity escorts included Dallas Cowboys Brandon Carr, Morris Claiborne, and Terence Newman, along with Rowdy and Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders.  Miss Texas America Monique Evans and Miss Texas Teen USA Chloe Kemble, joined a host of other celebrities and sponsors including Drew Pearson, Ray Johnston, Charles Haley, Steve Largent, Jason Castro, the Pink Heals Firefighters, Dallas SWAT Team, Queen Elsa and Cinderella, among others.

Event Chairmen Roger Staubach and Troy Aikman kicked off the luncheon in the Chantilly Ballroom, introducing committee co-chairs Kathleen Strand and Cara Serber, who each have daughters who have had cancer.

Kathleen Strand told the audience, “There’s nothing that can every prepare you for the words, ‘I’m sorry, your child has cancer.’  And there’s almost nothing you can do to fix it or to help make sure your child gets better.  I stand her before you today, humbled by all of you, as your presence here helps us in our fight against pediatric cancer.”  

Cara Serber followed Strand also with a message of gratitude for those who have supported pediatric cancer research.

“I would love to tell you that I chose to support pediatric cancer research because I have always known what a necessary cause it is,” added Serber.  “But the truth is, before March of 2012, I knew embarrassingly little about it.”

That was when her daughter Libby got sick and wasn’t getting better.  Diagnosed with stage IV kidney cancer on March 27, 2012, Libby had a three-pound tumor removed along with her kidney, and days later, because the cancer had spread, needed open heart surgery and a lengthy treatment plan of radiation and chemotherapy.  On October 21, 2012, Libby was found to have no evidence of the disease.  

“Our story has a happy ending, but there are many stories that do not.”

Prior to the western-themed runway fashion show, a live auction was held, which included original artwork painted by children and Texas-based artist Christopher H. Martin.   Numerous other packages were also auctioned during this time.

“While all fundraising totals are not yet complete, we are close to our $450,000 goal, and we know that we surpassed what we raised last year on the day of the event, bringing in over $130,000 in live auction, silent auction, call for cash and merchandise sales.  Our live auction brought in the largest amount on record - $50,000,” said Brittney Bannon, Director of Development, Children’s Cancer Fund.  

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. 

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.

Proceeds from this event go to Children’s Cancer Fund to help advance pediatric cancer research and treatment programs at Children’s Medical Center, benefiting children worldwide. 

 “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.” 

Sponsors include: Fashion Presenter:  Dillard’s; Media Sponsor:  98.7KLUV; Ruby Sponsors: Clay Cooley Automotive Group, PSAV, Texas de Brazil; Emerald Sponsors:  Headington Companies on behalf of The Joule,Jennifer Stroud Foundation; Diamond Sponsors:  Albertsons, American Airlines,BMC Software, OUTFRONT Media Dallas, Children’s Health/Children’s Medical Center Foundation, GRO Designs, Hilton Anatole, Marianne & Roger Staubach, McCullough Foundation in honor of Kaitlyn Wade, Prashe Décor, Troy Aikman, US Bioservices; Sapphire Sponsors: Belmont Icehouse, Camera2Productions, Kendra Scott, KROGER, Lipshy Family Philanthropic Fund, RSC Show Productions, Yontz Family Farms in honor of Jack Maurer and Family; Opal Sponsors: AT&T Pioneers Dallas Council, Brad and Lindy Berkley, Brady Investments, Charles Schwab & Co., Inc., David Quisenberry Photography, Erickson Dental, Exposure Soul Photography, Jason and Heather Snider, Jason McNellie, Jeffrey McWhorter Photography, Morton and Peachy Rudberg, North Texas Pediatric Urology Associates, Pawnee Bill Wild West Show, and VIVA Pediatrics Home Health Services.

Children’s Cancer Fund (CCF), founded in 1982, supports clinical and laboratory research for pediatric cancer.  CCF raises funds through charitable events and donations from the public and private sectors of industry, foundations, trusts, and individuals interested in fighting pediatric cancer.  Since its inception, CCF has awarded over $7 million in grants.  This organization seeks to partially relieve the medical and research staff of the burden of obtaining and administering funds for this research and treatment and to assist in the formulation and implementation of long range plans for the development of Children's Medical Center and UT Southwestern Medical Center as nationally recognized programs for the investigation and treatment of childhood cancer.  The Children’s Cancer Fund office is located at 10300 N. Central Expressway, Suite 463, Dallas, Texas 75231.  (Phone) 972-664-1450.  (Fax) 972-664-1425.  For more information, please call Children’s Cancer Fund at 972-664-1450 or visit www.ChildrensCancerFund.com.

Beloved Event Features Cancer Patients, Survivors, Celebrities and Sponsors in a Fashion Show

As They Take the Runway for Pediatric Cancer Research

When Micah Reed, 12, learned he was invited to participate in the 27^th Annual Children’s Cancer Fund Luncheon and fashion show on April 17, he said, “I am excited about this because the money raised will support cancer research.”

Diagnosed with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia at the age of 9, Micah Reed is in the sixth grade at Sulphur Springs Middle School.  He has a younger brother, Jacob. His heroes are all United States military, past and present, because they fight for our freedom.

Reed enjoys drawing, listening to music, and writing. His favorite singers are Luke Bryan and Little Wayne. If he could visit anywhere in the world, he would go to Brazil to see Marianna.  

The 27th Annual Children’s Cancer Fund Luncheon and fashion show on April 17, 11:30 a.m., at the Hilton Anatole, not only raises awareness and funds for children’s cancer research and programs at Children’s Medical Center, it also serves as a positive social-psychological experience for children undergoing cancer treatment.   For children such as Reed, who have been through so much in their young lives, it’s a fun day with local celebrities, media personalities, and sponsors who walk the runway with them for pediatric cancer research. 

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 21 young cancer patients and pediatric cancer survivors in a fashion show, sponsored by Dillard’s and produced by RSC Show Productions.  KDFW FOX 4 News Anchors and supporters Steve Eagar and Clarice Tinsley 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. 

Reed’s favorite school subject is English, and he wants to be an oncologist and an artist when he grows up.  He was excited to be asked to submit original artwork to the 2015 Children’s Cancer Fund Inspiration Book for sale at the luncheon for $15, with proceeds going toward pediatric cancer research.  

Reed is happiest when his counts are good, and he is not weak.

The annual luncheon event provides a break for these kids – a day away from hospitals and treatments.  The children are there for most of the day with backstage entertainment, lunch, and a fun time meeting local celebrities who serve as their escorts.

The theme of this year’s luncheon is western.  When organizers asked him what his favorite part about being a cowboy is, he said, “Dressing up to look like Jason Aldean.”

“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 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.”  

Beloved Event Features Cancer Patients, Survivors, Celebrities and Sponsors in a Fashion Show

As They Take the Runway for Pediatric Cancer Research

“I am excited to participate in the 27th Annual Children’s Cancer Fund Luncheon in Dallas on April 17 and express my own sense of style,” said Andrew Russell, 11, of Quinlan. 

Diagnosed with Ependymoma (cancer of the tissues of the brain and spinal cord) at the age of 3, Andrew Russell is in the sixth grade and lives in Quinlan. He has three dogs: Lola, Charlie and Roscoe. His favorite school subject is math, and he wants to be a video game designer and tester when he grows up. On the weekends, Russell likes to play video games, play outside, and go camping. Spider-Man is his hero because he helps people in need. If he could visit anywhere in the world, he would go to Los Angeles to see a concert of one of his favorite singing groups, R5.

The 27th Annual Children’s Cancer Fund Luncheon and fashion show on April 17, 11:30 a.m., at the Hilton Anatole, not only raises awareness and funds for children’s cancer research and programs at Children’s Medical Center, it also serves as a positive social-psychological experience for children undergoing cancer treatment.   For children such as Russell, who have been through so much in their young lives, it’s a fun day with local celebrities, media personalities, and sponsors who walk the runway with them for pediatric cancer research. 

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 21 young cancer patients and pediatric cancer survivors in a fashion show, sponsored by Dillard’s and produced by RSC Show Productions.  KDFW FOX 4 News Anchors and supporters Steve Eagar and Clarice Tinsley 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. 

Russell was also excited to have the opportunity to contribute original artwork to the 2015 Children’s Cancer Fund Inspiration Book for sale at the luncheon for $15, with proceeds going toward pediatric cancer research.  

This year’s luncheon has a western theme.  Organizers asked him what his favorite part about being a cowboy would be, and he replied, “representing the heroes of the Wild West.”

The annual luncheon event provides a break for these kids – a day away from hospitals and treatments.  The children are there for most of the day with backstage entertainment, lunch, and a fun time meeting local celebrities who serve as their escorts.

“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 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.”