A Special Cocktail Fundraiser to Support Pediatric Leukemia Research
On Thursday, November 14, 2024, Kids Beating Cancer held its annual “A Night with the Stars” cocktail fundraiser at the Waldorf Astoria Beverly Hills. This inspiring event brought together philanthropists, medical professionals, and celebrities to support groundbreaking pediatric leukemia research. The evening raised crucial funds for research initiatives at Children’s Hospital Los Angeles (CHLA), directly benefiting young leukemia patients.
A Purpose-Driven Evening
Attendees included notable figures such as Margaret Guedes (pictured above), Founder and CEO of Kids Beating Cancer, and Sam Azar, the organization’s COO and VP of Research. Esteemed medical professionals from CHLA, including Dr. Yong-mi Kim, Dr. James Amatruda, and Dr. Deepa Bhojwani, shared insights into current research. Celebrity supporters like Jason Ritter, Jacey Duprie, and Obi Nwankwo also joined the cause.
This exclusive fundraiser gave participants an opportunity to directly impact pediatric cancer care. All proceeds were dedicated to advancing innovative treatments for pediatric leukemia, focusing on more effective and less invasive solutions.
Advancing Pediatric Leukemia Treatments
Kids Beating Cancer has partnered with CHLA to fund cutting-edge research projects, including promising developments in immunotherapy. Treatments such as CAR T-cell therapy offer hope to young patients, but challenges persist with aggressive leukemia types that resist conventional treatments.
Inspired by successful treatments for multiple myeloma, the research team is developing a novel antibody targeting leukemia cells. This antibody engages multiple subsets of T-cells to eliminate cancer cells, showing potential for treating even the most resistant pediatric leukemia cases. Preliminary studies offer promising results, and Kids Beating Cancer aims to further investigate these advancements.
“We are committed to investing in research that offers safer, more effective treatments for children worldwide,” said Margaret Guedes.
Kids Beating Cancer’s Mission
Founded in 1992, Kids Beating Cancer was inspired by the loss of Margaret Guedes’ nine-year-old son to leukemia. The organization provides access to life-saving treatments and funds pediatric cancer research, focusing on improving outcomes and moving discoveries into patient care. Since its inception, Kids Beating Cancer has raised over $30 million to support children and their families.
To learn more, visit their website now.
About Children’s Hospital Los Angeles
As a leader in pediatric medicine, CHLA delivers world-class care and advances research that sets national standards. Home to one of the largest pediatric training programs in the U.S., CHLA remains dedicated to creating hope and healthier futures for children everywhere. Visit [www.chla.org](http://www.chla.org) to explore their mission.
The evening’s success highlights the power of community support and innovation in transforming the future of pediatric cancer care. Kids Beating Cancer’s dedication to life-saving research continues to inspire hope for children battling leukemia.
