Annual Gala on October 24, 2026, in Huntington Beach Aims to Raise $25 Million to Accelerate Lifesaving Research and Improve Care for Children with Cancer
IRVINE, Calif., June 30, 2026 – The Pediatric Cancer Research Foundation (“PCRF”), a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to transforming pediatric cancer care through accelerated research breakthroughs, today announced that its annual gala to advance childhood cancer research and care will take place on October 24, 2026, at the Pasea Hotel and Spa in Huntington Beach, Calif.
The event will bring together community leaders, researchers, healthcare professionals and supporters to help advance PCRF’s $25 million fundraising campaign, which supports pediatric cancer research, equitable care and mental health/survivorship programs for children with cancer and their families.
Despite pediatric cancer remaining the leading cause of disease-related death among children, less than 4 percent of federal funding is directed toward childhood cancer initiatives. As a result, private philanthropy investments have never been more essential to ensure that pediatric cancer patients have access to the treatments and care that they need.
“Our annual gala is PCRF’s single largest fundraising event of the year. What happens in that room has a direct impact on the labs, researchers, clinical trials and treatment breakthroughs that children with cancer are waiting on,” said Katie Taylor, Gala Chair, PCRF Board of Directors, Vice President, and pediatric oncology parent. “Every gift made will help to move promising research closer to the children and families who need it most. Together, we can accelerate discoveries that save lives.”
This year’s event will honor the National Charity League Juniors, Newport Beach, in recognition of its mother-daughter-led philanthropic efforts that have raised nearly half a million dollars for PCRF research and care since 1997. The keynote address will be delivered by Dr. Tae-León Butler, a UCLA Mattel Children’s Hospital resident who was diagnosed with acute myeloid leukemia at age 9. Today, Dr. Butler works alongside PCRF-supported researcher Dr. Theodore Moore – the same physician who cared for her as a child.
Additionally, the evening’s Family of Inspiration, the Bolinger Family, will share the story of their daughter Rowyn, who was diagnosed at age 3 with one of the rarest forms of neuroblastoma. The Bolingers credit research-driven care with saving Rowyn’s life and are committed to raising awareness and funding to ensure that other children receive the same opportunities. Finally, the gala will feature a live performance by AllStar Jam featuring Sixwire, with a special guest appearance by Uncle Kracker.
To purchase tickets, please click here. All proceeds from the gala will directly support PCRF’s research grant program and patient care initiatives.
About Pediatric Cancer Research Foundation
Determined to transform pediatric cancer care by accelerating research breakthroughs, the Pediatric Cancer Research Foundation has one goal: to make it possible for all children facing childhood cancers to beat their disease and realize their full potential. Overseen by scientific thought leaders, its rigorous and competitive process for awarding research grants has contributed to pivotal advancements in the areas of non-Hodgkin lymphoma, immunotherapy/CAR T cells, osteosarcoma, juvenile myelomonocytic leukemia, and acute myeloid leukemia. Pediatric Cancer Research Foundation is a GuideStar Platinum-rated charity. Powering Cures, Realizing Futures, its inspiring motto, encapsulates the Foundation’s motivation and commitment. For more information, please visit www.PCRF-kids.org or follow us @PCRF_KIDS.
Media Contact
Michaela Fawcett / Reid Brown KCSA Strategic Communications mfawcett@kcsa.com / rbrown@kcsa.com