A Heartfelt Thanks need to help these children and their families remains great. Only a small fraction of cancer research and funding is directed towards pediatric cancer. Hence, private contributions are essential and necessary. We can only hope that one day, prayers are answered and that pediatric cancer is eliminated. Today, unfortunately, is not that day, as this fight continues.
What started out as a simple dream, has blossomed into a beautiful reality. Five years ago we envisioned a way of providing direct support to the future generations of this world affected by pediatric cancer. Words cannot begin to elaborate on the amount of respect, gratitude, and sincere appreciation we have for each and every one of you. As we come together tonight, united as one, we hope for nothing more than to all hold hands, to walk together, and to find a cure for childhood cancer. We thank all of you for joining us on this special evening to celebrate the courage, strength and beauty of our young warriors battling this insidious disease. As we have come to realize over the past five years, nothing is more inspiring than being around the unwavering spirits of these children. We sincerely hope that you will also be touched by their indescribable magic, just as we have been. Runway to Hope has flourished in ways we never imagined. We are truly humbled and incredibly blessed to have embarked on this journey. We have high hopes that you will continue to join us in Runway to Hope’s mission of providing direct support and aid to Central Florida children and their families impacted by the devastating effects of pediatric cancer. This year marks only the beginning of Runway to Hope’s sixth year. What has grown from 30 children walking the runway in our inaugural year in 2011, to over 160 children this year modeling on the runway at tonight’s gala, the
Tonight serves as a moment in time when the daily challenges of pediatric cancer are pushed aside and you are able to witness these children as the shining stars they truly are. We would be remiss if we didn’t thank the children and their families for what they have given us... love, inspiration and hope. To date, Runway to Hope will have raised more than $4.2 million to date. In its short existence, Runway to Hope has made a meaningful impact on the pediatric cancer community, thanks to all of your generous donations, support and contributions throughout the years. At last year’s Spring Fashion Soiree, a record $1,112,000 was raised for the evening. A one million dollar pledge was made to each of Central Florida’s children’s hospitals; Florida Hospital for Children, Arnold Palmer Hospital for Children and Nemours Children’s Hospital. Runway to Hope has insisted that each of the hospitals utilize the funds to create new and unique programs, treatments and care that were otherwise absent or underserved in the Central Florida region. As such, not only do children locally benefit tremendously, but the work being done is shared and goes to help and educate the pediatric cancer community worldwide as well. In addition to the pediatric oncology programs referenced above, Runway to Hope also endows a Family Assistance Program, which directly ministers aid to not only the children diagnosed with cancer, but to their courageous and valiant families as well. Often one parent has to quit work to care for the child, other children’s needs are unfortunately deferred and a family’s finances are dramatically drained by mounting expenses and the loss of income. Bills and medical costs mount quickly leading to stress that can overwhelm the parents and