Chicago City Wire

The Jeffrey Pride Foundation for Pediatric Cancer Research will celebrate its 25th anniversary at the 2024 Winter Gala. The event will raise funds to support research in pediatric cancer.

The 2024 Winter Gala is scheduled for Saturday, Nov. 9, at The Cotillion Banquets in Palatine, Illinois. The event is scheduled to begin at 6:00 PM and will have a cocktail attire dress code. Tickets are priced at $350 per person or $3,000 for a table of 10. 

“Join us as we celebrate our 25th year of fighting pediatric cancers!” the organization wrote.

Founded in memory of Jeffrey Pride, a young boy who lost his battle with leukemia, the foundation has been committed to funding pediatric cancer research for 25 years. With pediatric cancer receiving less than 4% of the National Cancer Institute’s funding, the foundation's work has been crucial in supporting life-saving drug research, clinical trials, and genomic testing. To date, the foundation has contributed nearly $5 million toward advancing treatments, leading to the development of targeted therapies that are less toxic and more effective for children.

Proceeds from the event will go towards supporting the Children’s Oncology Group (COG), the world’s largest pediatric cancer research organization. COG unites more than 200 hospitals, universities, and cancer centers to advance treatment for childhood cancer. Founded in 2000 and part of the National Cancer Institute, COG conducts clinical trials and develops protocols to improve survival rates and care for young patients. By fostering collaboration among top pediatric oncology experts, COG helps ensure that children globally receive the most effective, cutting-edge treatments available.

Cancer is the number one disease killing children in the United States, with roughly 14,000 new cases of pediatric cancers diagnosed annually. One in every 300 children will receive a cancer diagnosis by the age of 20.