Dr. Andrew Kung at the 2014 Annual Dinner, sharing the stage with our MC’s, Avery Hoffman and Brianna Commerford, both cancer survivors.

The Hope & Heroes Annual Dinner was started by Mike & Marianne Brown as a small event 14 years ago to celebrate the end of treatment for their daughter, Katie. Through the support of a growing number of dedicated people, the event has become our largest annual fundraiser, providing significant resources for many needs. But the sentiment from 14 years ago is still there: It’s a night to gather friends and supporters and thank them for making a difference in the lives of children with cancer and blood disorders.

This year we have the privilege of honoring two individuals who exemplify that feeling: Robert E. Zoellner and Dr. Julia Glade Bender. The late Robert E. Zoellner’s life is a testament to what you can achieve with hard work, dedication and gratitude. Bob unfortunately passed away in late 2014, but we are grateful to be a part of his legacy. Dr. Julia Glade Bender, a pediatric oncologist here at Columbia and a member of the Hope & Heroes Board of Directors, is a national and global leader in the pediatric oncology field. But her dedication doesn’t stop there – she is a devoted fundraiser and advocate on behalf of our charity.

There are still tickets and sponsorships available for the event, which will be held at The Lighthouse at Chelsea Piers on Wednesday, November 11th. Click here for the details or contact Kathryn Leiby at 212.305.5010 or via email.

Picture it – can’t you just see yourself there?