Richardson residents Brady Pampillonia, 9, and Sabeen Wazir, 14, will participate as runway models and artists in the 27thAnnual Children’s Cancer Fund Luncheon on Friday, April 17 at 11:30 a.m. at the Hilton Anatole. Longtime Honorary Event Chairmen Troy Aikman and Roger Staubach will 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 runway fashion show, sponsored by Dillard’s and produced by RSC Show Productions. KDFW FOX 4 NewsAnchors Steve 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.
Children’s Cancer Fund brings together local celebrities, dignitaries, sponsors, and media personalities who attend the luncheon to serve as runway escorts for the Children’s Health Children’s Medical Center patients modeling in the fashion show. 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. Current escorts include Troy Aikman, Roger Staubach, Dallas Cowboys players, Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders, Miss Texas Teen USA, Miss Texas America. Amber Carrington and Justin Rivers, both from NBC’s “The Voice,” will sing for the finale of the show.
“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.”
Diagnosed with Pilocytic Astrocytoma, a brain tumor, Brady Pampillonia, 9, is in the third grade at Mohawk Elementary School in Richardson. He has three little sisters and a dog named Peyton, and he would like to be a hockey player when he grows up. On the weekends, he enjoys having friends over to swim and play sports. His heroes are his family members because they are always supporting him, and his favorite movie star is Steve Carell. If Pampillonia could visit anywhere in the world, he would either go to Pennsylvania to visit the Hershey factory or go to a beach in Mexico.
“I am looking forward to meeting celebrities and helping to raise money for childhood cancer at the fashion show,” said Pampillonia.
Sabeen Wazir, 14, diagnosed with Hodgkin Lymphoma, is a freshman at Plano East Senior High School and has two older brothers and two older sisters. Her favorite school subject is math, and she wants to be a pediatric oncologist when she grows up. She enjoys drawing, hanging out with friends, spending time with her mom and learning new languages. Her favorite movie stars are Anne Hathaway and Jennifer Lawrence. If she could visit anywhere in the world, she would go to Turkey because it has so much history.
“I am very excited for the fashion show because it’s a new experience I’ll never get to do again,” added Wazir.
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.
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.
Children’s Cancer Fund has created a special 2015 Children’s Cancer Fund Inspiration Book for this year’s luncheon that will be unveiled at the show in support of pediatric cancer research. The photo book will include photos of the children, event chairs and physicians as well as original artwork by the cancer patients participating in the fashion show. CCF Inspiration Books are $15 each. To purchase copies after the luncheon, please call Children’s Cancer Fund at 972-664-1450 or visit www.ChildrensCancerFund.com
“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.”