MIRACLES ON THE BAY GALA 2023
Between losing my friend Liv and witnessing the brutal terrorist attacks by Hamas in Israel, I haven’t been in a celebratory mood lately. But last night’s annual St. Jude Children’s Research Hopsital’s Miracles on the Bay event was cause for celebration of St. Jude’s lifesaving work and of the generosity of Bay Area donors.
Here are some highlights:
•Listening to Ike Andan, Chief Operating Officer at ALSAC, speak about St. Jude’s genome research and innovative technological advancements, as well as the continued success of the St. Jude Global.
•Hearing St. Jude lifetime sickle cell patient, Courtney (22), speak about how St. Jude has saved her life and helped her thrive, against all odds, as a Cornell University graduate currently working in investment banking. Did you know that St. Jude is also a world leader in sickle cell research and treatment?
•Meeting Aly Wagner, former USWNT member (we all know I’m a big fan!), Founder of Bay FC (new NWSL expansion team), sportscaster, St. Jude supporter and inspiring female role model. My mom and I may have fangirled a bit.
•Sitting with my friends and supporters from In-Shape Family Fitness, who are raising thousands of dollars for St. Jude this month, and who are a great example of corporate social impact.
•Reconnecting with fellow young fundraiser, the amazing Mickelina Monico, and my St. Jude warrior friend, Ben (always an inspiration and source of a good laugh!).
•Seeing the event total of $1,045,000 for St. Jude.
•Sharing my passion for St. Jude with my amazing friend, Delara, who is an advocate for children in the foster system.
•Having dinner with my number-one fans, my parents!
•And throughout the beauty of the night, I couldn’t help but think of Liv, who is part of the statistic representing the many young lives cut short by cancer. Last night, for me, was about honoring Liv’s impact and legacy because, as Danny Thomas famously said, “No child shall die in the dawn of life.”
•Thank you to the St. Jude NORCAL team and West Coast territory for this inspiring night of celebration.
In the midst of this reflection, an important day has finally arrived…I’m off to Stanford University! As I take this next big step in my life, I’m taking time to appreciate how far along I’ve come in my juggling journey. For the past 10 years, I’ve dedicated myself to St. Jude’s mission and advocating for youth in philanthropy and service. My commitment to St. Jude and my $1 million-dollar goal is remains a driving purpose. Starting college is an opportunity to expand my juggling efforts (maybe with a few special Stanford Cardinal soccer guests!) and to continue developing my professional relationship with St. Jude as my academic journey progresses. While I’m aware that college presents its own set of commitments and challenges, I’m in this for the long haul! Pediatric cancer survival rates may not be 100% by tomorrow, but I’m confident I will see that statistic in my lifetime.
As always, if you want to donate to support St. Jude’s mission to cure sick kids, you can do that here.
Thank you for your support!
~Hollis