As we near the end of September and close out National Childhood Cancer Awareness Month, we wanted to share about our first experience at CureFest last week. CureFest is a powerful and deeply impactful gathering held annually during National Childhood Cancer Awareness Month, organized by Arms Wide Open Childhood Cancer Foundation. Their mission is to make childhood cancer research a national priority by uniting the childhood cancer community, the general public, the medical community, and our elected leaders. The event serves as a rallying cry, emphasizing the critical need for more education, awareness, advocacy, and research funding in childhood cancer.
What makes CureFest particularly impactful is the unity it fosters. While the attending foundations may have diverse missions and goals, they all converge at CureFest as One Voice against childhood cancer. Some foundations are small and serve their local communities, while some are international in scope & fund research around the world. We are immensely grateful for the valuable connections we established with other foundations making big strides in the fight against childhood cancer. We can't wait to share more about these incredible resources with our own families as they navigate the intricate landscape of childhood cancer.
While CureFest is a platform for advocacy and awareness, it also serves as a place of remembrance, reflection, and solidarity for bereaved parents, siblings and caregivers. This aspect of the event is a heart-wrenching yet essential component of the realities of childhood cancer. A candlelight vigil was held, during which each child's name was lovingly read aloud, followed by the audience repeating their name. Additionally, CureFest featured a poignant shoe memorial, featuring hundreds of pairs of shoes symbolizing the tragic toll of childhood cancer each year. These solemn tributes stand as powerful reminders, ensuring that the lives of these young heroes are forever etched in our hearts, inspiring unwavering advocacy and transformative change.
The experience of attending CureFest 2023 was profoundly impactful for Lighthouse Family Retreat. Meeting these families, listening to their stories, and sharing experiences was deeply moving. It reinforced our commitment to supporting families affected by childhood cancer and advocating for research and change. In unity with other foundations, Lighthouse Family Retreat stands committed to the fight against childhood cancer, offering hope, support, and unwavering dedication to the cause.
For more information about CureFest and explore opportunities to get involved, visit https://www.curefestusa.org/