Monday, May 9, 2011

Rally for Kids with Cancer - Miami - 2011

Ring Finger Studio made a one-of-a-kind ring (featuring a 22.62 carat pink tourmaline!) for the Rally for Kids with Cancer event in its second year here in Miami.

We were honored to have Eva Longoria wearing it, and were thrilled that it raised $12,000 for such a great cause.


Two days of events culminated with the "Winners Circle" Jeans and Jewels gala and auction at Eden Roc on April 30th.

The money raised helps local children's cancer programs but I was touched to see what they do to directly help families like the Thayer family.   The Thayer family have gone through an unimaginable tragedy.  Losing their 4 year old daughter to cancer, then having their 14 year old son diagnosed with cancer as well.  About to lose their house, the Rally stepped in and presented them with a check.  It hit everyone very hard to learn of Jalen's passing at the beginning of April.  His optimism in light of such a cruel disease should make us all take a step back and count our blessings.

It was also a very poignant reminder of why everyone was there.  The ultimate goal is to find a cure, but in the meantime they're doing whatever they can to ease the suffering along the way.

Some highlights of the evening were hearing from a family helped by the charity whose daughter had been receiving treatment for her cancer last year and by this year was in remission and celebrating at the gala.



Another highlight was an impromptu speech given by Alan T. Brown, founder of the Alan T. Brown Foundation to cure Paralysis, calling on the crowd to join together and pledge $1000 to Rally for Kids.  In less than 2 minutes $21,000 was raised!










Go to the Rally for Kids website.  Donate now, or find out how you can get involved.