Elephants don’t get cancer. Co-Founder and CEO of PEEL Therapeutics, Josh Schiffman informed the gala attendees of this as he accepted his Wings of Hope award.
This past Wednesday, the non-profit Solving Kid’s Cancer hosted its annual Spring Celebration to raise funds for critical research and support the mission of ending childhood cancer. This year Wings of Hope winners also included fashion designers and legacy supporters Donna Karan and Carolina Herrera. The organization was founded 15 years ago by New York parents Scott Kennedy and John London. Kennedy emphasized the importance of a parent-led approach which allows the organization to go into “parent mode” and work “to the end of the earth to do whatever it takes to make an impact.” And they certainly have been making an impact, as they’ve advanced 36 clinical trials of new treatments and worked with 100 new families to navigate treatment just this year. Other highlights of the night included a soulful performance by Corey Glover of Living Colour and commentary from Tonight Show comedian and sketch preformer Seth Herzog who managed to keep the evening light-hearted through his comedic wit.
Before the final auction of the evening, which raised $100,000, the Golden Star Awards were presented. On stage stood a group of kids raging from three to ten, fiddling with their sparkly dresses and bow ties. They had all beaten cancer. They shared their dreams with us: a bunny named Pancake, becoming a fireman, universal pet unicorns, and an app that can do homework. With gold medals around their neck and rosy cheeks smiling for photos, it becomes clear what tonight is about: hope. These children have lived so little yet they have already overcome one of the most devastating adversities through an insurmountable amount of effort, love, and hope. I spent my evening talking to biotech engineers, former models, environmental studies teachers, up-and-coming actresses, and art therapists yet they were all there for the same reason. They have hope in Solving Kid’s Cancer.
