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2019 Annual Dinner Raises $1.2 Mil for Childhood Cancer & Blood Disorders

BY Kadesha Washington

Over 470 friends and supporters gathered at The Lighthouse (Chelsea Piers) for the Hope & Heroes Annual Dinner and raised more than $1.2 million for the pediatric oncology and hematology program at Columbia University Irving Medical Center. It is our biggest fundraiser of the year and one of the most sought-after charity events, attracting support from financial and business organizations in the tri-state area.

Our Hero: Liam

BY Kadesha Washington

At just three months old, Liam was seriously ill. Suffering from a fever and gastrointestinal problems, his mother Mercedes took him to the hospital. Within a few days, Liam was on life support.

Our Hero: Jayden

BY Kadesha Washington

Born with sickle cell disease, Jayden would often suffer from infections, fevers, and crisis episodes. As he grew older, the disease would limit his ability to play his favorite sport – baseball.

Our Hero: Natalia

BY Kadesha Washington

Natalia Famous is a 20-something, young adult living with sickle cell disease – a blood disorder that severely weakens the immune system. She was born with the disease and at the age of 10, she suffered a stroke.

Our Hero: Zoey

BY Kadesha Washington

Imagine being an outgoing 9-year old girl who loves fashion and enjoys playing with your siblings. Then, you learn that you have cancer. That’s precisely what happened to Zoey.

Our Hero: Ian

BY Kadesha Washington

Ian was a healthy 4-year old visiting the dentist for his first teeth cleaning. After receiving a Novocain injection, a small bump appeared on Ian’s right temple. Over time, the bump grew into a tumor in his cheek and changed the shape of his face.

Our Hero: Jack

BY Kadesha Washington

Jack was diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukemia just after he graduated from high school. No stranger to tough battles, Jack was born with a rare liver disease and had three liver transplants by the time he was two years old.

Our Hero: Essence

BY Kadesha Washington

Diagnosed with AML in 2014, Essence was a high school senior looking forward to graduation. Instead, she was faced with cancer and a 40% chance of survival.

Our Hero: Aaron

BY Kadesha Washington

Growing up, Aaron had a passion for playing sports. But that changed once he was diagnosed with Stage 4 Hodgkin’s Lymphoma in September 2001. He was 10-years-old at the time, and his world was turned completely upside-down.

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