Solving Kids’ Cancer, Spring Celebration Gala

Solving Kids’ Cancer

Putting Kids First

Honoring Dr. Joshua Bilenker Founder, President & CEO Loxo Oncology

Co Founders John London & Scott Kennedy

Gala Chair Lindy Gad & Committee Host Jan Planit

On Thursday, May 16^th Solving Kids’ Cancer (SKC), a New York City based nonprofit, held its annual Spring Celebration benefit gala at the Mandarin Oriental New York that raised over $750,000 for pediatric cancer research.

Dr. Joshua Bilenker Founder, President & CEO Loxo Oncology received the Wings of Hope Award for his efforts towards the development of groundbreaking therapies for children fighting aggressive childhood cancers.

Gala Chair and family Lindy Gad and Committee Chair Jan Planit were joined by guests, Frederick Anderson, Kasper Basse, Tina Beach Lipman, Kelly Bensimon, Monica Byrne, Liliana Cavendish, Cristina Cuomo, Andrea Greeven Douzet, Chris & Peggy Good, Angelina Jolin, Josh Lucas, Alex & Keytt Lundqvist, Richard & Christine Mack, Camilla Olsson, Jonny Rios, Karine Schnapp, Jill Stuart, Marianly Tejada,  Frederique van der Wal, Derek Warburton, Bonnie Young.

The evening featured performances by Madison Elizabeth Legares who has appeared on Broadway in School of Rock and as Little Gloria Estefan in On Your Feet.  Gus Ross & Luke Eisner of Los Angeles based pop/rock band Voilá performed their singles “Don’t” and “Stand Tall”. 

Daniella Gad and Audrey Shelter, survivors of childhood cancer preceded over the highlight of the evening with Noah Schnapp from Netflix’s “Stranger Things” presented Gold Star Awards to some very special recipients; children facing unimaginable challenges from cancer with courage and inspiring strength. The deserving heroes received a medal and a standing ovation from the audience.

The 2019 Spring Celebration marked the 12^th year of the organization, which has to date funded 34 scientific projects specifically targeted at developing new treatment options for kids.

About Solving Kids’ Cancer (SKC) : Founded in 2007 by two fathers who lost their children to cancer, Solving Kids’ Cancer is a nonprofit organization dedicated to significantly improving survivorship of the deadliest childhood cancers by finding, funding, and advocating for breakthrough treatment options. Solving Kids’ Cancer’s impact is now worldwide with clinical trials launched across the US and throughout Europe.  SKC – independent of any single researcher, institution or consortium – objectively invests in the most impactful research projects.

Photos courtesy of Getty Images