Emily Whitehead Foundation

It has been eight years since we first launched the Emily Whitehead Foundation! As the foundation continues to grow, our mission to help families #ActivateTheCure remains central to everything we do. Today, we are thrilled to release a new video that captures the commitment of our team, our board of directors, our dedicated volunteers, and our family to fulfill that quest. 🎥 Tell Us GmbH (Marwin Gansauge) Tom Whitehead Kari Whitehead George Eastwood Amanda Hunt Jodie Potter Jon Condo Tom Smith Tom Garrett #EmilyWhiteheadFoundation #cartcelltherapy #patientadvocacy #childhoodcancer #immunotherapy #patientstories #cellandgenetherapy #nonprofit #cancerresearch #writeabetterstory

We are continuing our “Warrior Wednesday” series with Charles “Charlie” Ward, who is healthier than ever since receiving a stem cell infusion earlier this year. When Charlie was 11 months old, his parents took him to the doctors after noticing a golf ball sized lump under his armpit. Charlie was diagnosed with Acute lymphoblastic Leukemia (ALL) with MLL re-arrangement and began standard treatment. After five rounds of chemotherapy, Charlie relapsed with leukemia in his testicle and bone marrow. He received a bone marrow transplant (BMT) before relapsing again. In February 2022, Charlie received Kymriah, his first CAR-T therapy, at Levine Children’s Hospital. The treatment initially worked, and Charlie enjoyed 11 months at home. After relapsing for the third time, Charlie’s parents entered him in the huCART CD22 and huCART CD19 trial at Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP) in July 2023. He received platelet transfusions for the next nine months followed by a stem cell boost in April 2024. Since then, Charlie has been healthier than ever! Today, Charlie is a happy, growing 5-year-old. He recently started kindergarten and joined a Tee-ball team. Charlie enjoys singing to worship music, playing with Transformers and being silly with his “bubba” and “sissy.” Read more about Charlie’s journey and his road to CAR-T therapy: https://lnkd.in/dR6q67AS

Thank you to everyone who joined us for the BioIVT 5K at the 9th annual CAR-TCR Summit Series! We are so grateful to all the runners and walkers who came together to help raise over $22,000 toward our mission. A special thank you goes to our presenting sponsor, BioIVT. Your continued support makes it possible for more patients to have access to life-saving advanced therapies and support along their journeys. Foundation Board Chair and Interim Executive Director George Eastwood and board member Jodie Potter served as plenary speakers at the summit. They shared the Foundation’s evolving mission to support more patients and discussed how we can all achieve more by working together. “Sometime down the road, there’s going to be a parent in a hospital room who gets to hear the doctor tell them, ‘You are on the other side of this now.’ It’s going to be because of the work that you’re doing today, the work of those who came before you and the work of those who come after you. Press on because you’re making a difference.” -- Jodie Potter, Emily Whitehead Foundation founding Board Member and Race Coordinator.

Thank you to all the Warriors and their families who helped make the Believe Ball an unforgettable evening! The program opened with Warrior Ailani Myers performing a moving rendition of Rachel Platten’s “Fight Song.” It was a privilege to hear your beautiful voice, and we thank you for sharing your talent! Throughout the evening, our Warrior Emcees graced the stage to share their journeys and introduce our special guests and speakers. Thank you to Warrior emcees Cameron Lahti, Victoria Lee, Colton Matter, Austin Schuetz, Sam Tinaglia and Emily Whitehead. Thank you to Warrior Laurie Adami for introducing the winner of the Bill Ludwig Pioneer Award, Warrior Victoria Gray. We are also grateful to all the Warriors who donated their custom artwork for our Believe Ball Silent Auction.

Over 11 years ago, the Whiteheads came to Children's Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP) hoping for a miracle. On the morning of the Foundation’s Believe Ball, the Whitehead family returned to CHOP to make a special delivery to children currently undergoing treatment – Believe Ball boxes! Hand-delivered by the Whiteheads, Foundation board members and Believe Ball sponsors, these thoughtful packages aimed to bring comfort and hope to children and their families currently on their treatment journey. Each box was assembled and decorated with care by Warriors and their families the night before at our Warrior Welcome Event. The boxes were filled with inspirational words, comfort items including cozy socks and glow bracelets. As we think of every brave Warrior at CHOP and around the world, we hold on to the promise of advanced therapies and the belief that one day, we will celebrate a cancer-free future together.

Thank you to everyone who made the 2024 Believe Ball a night to remember! As we reflect on the night, our hearts are filled with gratitude for your continued support and belief in our mission. The evening was a true celebration of Warriors marked by inspiration, hope and generosity. Thank you to Warriors and their families; Believe Ball sponsors; Emily Whitehead Foundation board of directors, staff and volunteers; and honorary co-chairs Dr. Stephan Grupp, Dr. Carl June and Dr. Bruce Levine.

It’s been an exciting evening of inspiration and celebration at our Believe Ball! Warrior Ailani Myers opened the program with a moving performance of Rachel Platten’s “Fight Song.” Other highlights included remarks from the Whitehead family, a powerful speech from keynote speaker Dr. Peter Marks, and artist Seek One inviting Emily to add to his art piece live on stage. The Emily Whitehead Foundation was also proud to present our 2024 Embassador awards. Congratulations to Bill Ludwig Pioneer Embassador Award winner Victoria Gray and Nicole Gularte Fight for Cures Embassador Award winner Dr. Amber K. Hamilton. Foundation Co-Founder Tom Whitehead was presented with the inaugural Beacon of Hope award for his work in developing innovative ways to help patients and families weather the storms of treatment. "It's not just about science, it's about people," George Eastwood, Foundation Board Chair and Executive Director, said. Now it’s time to dance the night away!

The Believe Ball has begun! Warriors and their families, leaders in the advanced therapies community, and esteemed guests and supporters have gathered at the Crystal Tea Room in Philadelphia, the city where Emily became the first pediatric patient treated with CAR-T therapy, for this inspiring night of celebration. During the cocktail reception, Warriors are enjoying Activation Stations including an Art Inspiration Station with artist Seek One, celebrity chef Clara Park’s Snack Making Station, a game-room station, a Jewelry Station with Kendra Scott Jewelry and a Selfie Station by Philly Snap Booth. Thank you to our Activation Station sponsors for helping make the Believe Ball a fun, patient-centric occasion!

Thank you, Aldevron, for joining us last night to welcome Warriors and their families to Philadelphia. The Foundation is incredibly grateful for your support and looks forward to continuing the celebration tonight at the Believe Ball!

The Believe Ball Silent Auction closes TONIGHT! Don’t miss your chance to win exclusive items and experiences all in support of our mission. There is truly something for everyone including five-star trips, signed sports memorabilia, one-of-a-kind artwork created by Warriors, an acoustic guitar signed by over 70 country artists and MORE. The Believe Ball Silent Auction is a virtual auction. Participants do not need to be present at the event to place a bid. All proceeds go directly to our goal of turning Emily Whitehead’s survivor story into tens of thousands of survivor stories. Bidding closes Friday, September 27 at 9:45 pm EST. Place your bids today! https://lnkd.in/eFatataM