Under the Big Top: Children's Cancer Fund Luncheon & Fashion Show 2012

The 24th Annual Luncheon and Fashion Show benefiting Children’s Cancer Fund was held at the Hilton Anatole on May 2, 2012.  "Cancer.  It is a word that can change your life in an instant," said Co-Chair Keyea Webster.  Many in the audience could relate to that statement.   Webster, along with fellow Co-Chair Lori Buschel, introduced the day's event and rallied the troops to "dig deep" for the cause.

The fashion show, produced by Rhonda Sargent Chambers, featured children undergoing treatment for cancer at Children’s Medical Center Dallas escorted down the runway by sponsors and celebrity guests such as Demarcus Ware, Mike Modano, the Dallas SWAT Team, Pat Smith, Scott Murray, Rudy Gatlin, Olympic medalist Mitch Gaylord and many more. The show was packed with energy and smiles, and these children really captured your heart.

Troy Aikman, Cynthia Smoot and Roger Staubach. Photo courtesy of Elite Appliance.

Honorary Co-Chairs, Roger Staubach and Troy Aikman, were gracious hosts, posing for photos and signing endless sports memorabilia. I was kicking myself that it hadn't occurred to me to bring something to get signed for my son. Oh well, there's always next year!  Dr. Steven Skapek spoke on behalf of the doctors, nurses and other providers who treat cancer at Children's Medical Center and said their dedication, along with the support of the Children's Cancer Fund, has helped cure more than two-thirds of children with cancer today. However, the work is far from complete, he said.  Clarice Tinsley and Steve Eagar from Fox 4 News did a fantastic job of emceeing the event.  The grand celebrity finale walk was Tony Romo and Jason Whitten who were met with cheers from the audience.

(top left) Mike Modano and Matt Nordgren  (top right) Clarice Tinsley, Steve Eager and children
(bottom left) Country music legend Rudy Gatlin with patient (bottom right) Shirin Askari with Megan Saustad

Founded 30 years ago by a group of local parents whose children were being treated for cancer at Children's Medical Center, Children's Cancer Fund has become one of the nation's leading fundraising groups in support of local research for the treatment and prevention of childhood cancers. Among the programs supported by the 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 at UT Southwestern Medical Center, which is gaining a national reputation for its work in eradicating childhood cancers. In 2002, the fund initiated funding for a full-time Child Life Assistant at Children's Medical Center's Center for Cancer and Blood Disorders to help better serve its outpatient clients.

2011 Beyond the Rainbow: Children's Cancer Fund

Roger Staubach, Kaitlyn Wade & Daryl Johnston

The Children's Cancer Fund held its 23d Annual Beyond the Rainbow luncheon and fashion show last Friday inside the Chantilly Ballroom at the Hilton Anatole.  The theme of this year's extravaganza was "Kings and Queens Full of Hopes and Dreams".

Honorary Co-Chairs Roger Staubach and Daryl Johnston joined Luncheon Co-Chairs Amy Maurer and Summer Olmstead, along with an impressive lineup of celebrities and local media, presented young cancer patients and numerous pediatric cancer survivors in a special runway show.

Medieval Times had a slew of characters in attendance to serve as court to the Kings and Queens of the day's event: the children who are cancer survivors. They were treated like royalty, getting their hair done, playing games and meeting local celebrities.

“As a parent, it is so hard to accept what these children have to endure on a day-to-day basis in their fight against pediatric cancer,” said Luncheon Co-Chair Summer Olmstead.  “Children’s Cancer Fund is dedicated to providing the critical funding for research and treatment programs that will not only save lives, but lead to a cure. ”

Daniel Winson Lewis, cancer survivor Shae Henderson
and Blythe Beck

A host of local celebrities, dignitaries, and media personalities attend the luncheon and served as runway escorts for the Children’s Medical Center patients modeling in this year’s fashion show, including former Dallas Cowboy Drew Pearson, Miss Texas Ashley Melnick, former Dallas Cowboy Tony Dorsett, Celebrity chef Blythe Beck, Project Runway finalist Shirin Askari, Celebrity chef and The Next Food Network Star finalist Lisa Garza, former Texas Ranger Jeff Russell, Shear Genius stylist Daniel Winson Lewis and more.

“Cancer remains the number one disease killer of children, and there is still work to be done to close the gap on this disease,” said Luncheon Co-Chair Amy Maurer.  "Our hope for these kids, and for future generations, is a childhood free of cancer, and your commitment (by attending this event) to advanced research is paramount in making that dream a reality.”

Amanda Sterett and Marisa Huckin

KDFW FOX 4 News Anchors Steve Eagar and Clarice Tinsley served as Master and Mistress of Ceremonies at the event. As each child walked the runway paired with their partner, Eagar read a Bio on each of the survivors. When asked "what they would do if they could have one wish for a day", it's not surprising that most of their responses had something to do with finding a cure for cancer or making everyone in the world feel better. Seeing these beautiful children, so full of hope and courage, made me so very thankful for my own healthy child.

J-Si, a Children's cancer survivor, Kellie Rasberry and Big Al Mack from KHKS/106.1 Radio

To see many more photos from this fantastic event, visit my Facebook Fan Page.