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Solving Kids’ Cancer 6th Annual Spring Celebration. Photo courtesy of Solving Kids’ Cancer.
There aren’t many things that can draw the Downtown ladies outside of their lower Manhattan perimeters. However, when the lives of children are on the line, all boundaries dissolve.
Solving Kids’ Cancer, or SKC, hosted their 6th Annual Spring Celebration on Monday, June 8 at the beautiful 583 Park Ave building uptown. The event was both humbling and incredibly inspiring.
“We started the event six years ago, and it’s really a cause close to my heart because I’m a mother of two and anything with children is anything we’ve gotten involved in,” said Gabby Karan de Felice, who hosted the event along with her mother, Donna Karan, Jan Planit, Lantham Thomas and Bonnie Young. “There’s not enough attention on pediatric issues, and especially pediatric cancer. And I feel like it’s these small organizations that we really need to make a difference, and to really get the power behind them and the funds behind it to make a difference.”
Grace Capobianco, Gianpaolo De Felice and host Gabby Karan De Felice©Patrick McMullan. Photo – Sean Zanni/PatrickMcMullan.com
Manhattan’s elite came out in droves to support this worthy cause, filling the elegant ballroom of the event hall.
The evening opened with remarks from SKC’s co-founders, Scott Kennedy and John London. Rooted in heartbreak, the fathers formed the organization after the tragic loss of their children to cancer. “We bonded over trying to find a way to cure our children,” London stated. “The system was broken, and the kids were paying the price.” From the inconceivable pain that these two families endured grew Solving Kids’ Cancer, which promised hope to both children and their families.
While the event was filled with generous SKC supporters, two men were awarded the distinct title of Wings of Hope Honoree, for their unwavering support and unmatched generosity. Roger A. Jeffs, the President and Co-Ceo of United Theraputics, humbly and graciously accepted his award, nearly tearing up at the podium. “To be here tonight,” he said, “it’s truly a ‘pinch yourself’ moment.”
Yoganathan Ratheesan was also recognized with this honor. Serving as the Chariman and CEO of the Lebara Group and founder of the Lebara foundation, which has donated over 11 million euros to help protect and educate more than 200,000 disadvantaged children in 11 countries, Ratheesan truly embodies the essence of the Wings of Hope Honor. Having been successful in the business world, Ratheesan believed he was unconquerable; until his daughter was diagnosed with pediatric cancer. Ratheesan sought out SKC to help treat his little girl, currently in remission, and is now a proud supporter of the organization. “I’m more than happy to financially support [SKC] in any way I can,” he said.
As children were the focus of the evening, it was only fitting that the evening’s entertainment was performed by some of the organizations most talented little contributors. Celia Babini, who began fundraising for the organization when she was just 8 years old and has since raise over $50,000 for SKC, sang a beautiful song that she wrote specifically for SKC titled, “Questioning Constellations,” her voice melodic and soulful beyond her years.
Also entertaining at the event was 12 year old DJ Fulano. The little DJ played an impressive set, ranging from Michael Jackson to contemporary hits.
Advancements in research and treatments is the primary goal of SKC. The organization recognized the research efforts of 19 year old Elana Simon, who was diagnosed with fibrolamellar hepatocellular carcinoma when she was just 12. She began her research efforts at age 16, and has since made instrumental strides in the field by identifying a DNA mutation that lead to her particular type of cancer. “It’s hard to get people interested in childhood cancer, especially rare cancers,” she said. “But it’s organizations like [SKC] that are so important. It’s organizations like this that I am so grateful for.”
Today Elana is in full remission and continues to contribute to pediatric cancer research. She is a moving visionary and a brilliant young woman.
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In one of the most adorable moments of the evening, 11 little warriors gathered on stage to be recognized for their bravery and fortitude in their triumph over this terrible disease. Actor, Josh Lucas presented each child with the Golden Star Award, and each child was given a medal. Their faces, some blushing and shy, some beaming in the spotlight, each served as a reminder of why each and every person in that room was there.
The night ended with an auction hosted by Lydia Fenet of Christie’s. Guests were asked to donate at various levels, ranging from $15,000, which payed for one child’s trial in SKC, to $1,000. The fundraising goal for the evening was $300,000, and $100,000 was raised in a matter of minutes. Just when it seemed as though the room has reached its maximum at $250,000, one generous bidder stepped up to the plate and helped SKC meet their goal with a $50,000 bid. It was heartwarming way to end a beautiful evening.
“I think that every child has the right to grow up healthy,” reflected de Felice. “We can all make a difference in helping that.”
To learn more about Solving Kids’ Cancer or to donate, please visit their website.
-by Caitlyn Bahrenburg