We would like to thank our wonderful friends in the Stanford community who danced, competed, and raised money throughout the 2018-19 school year for Lucile Packard Children’s Hospital Stanford. Let’s meet these inspiring folks!
Stanford University Dance Marathon
They boogied until they couldn’t boogie anymore … and then they kept going! In February, the students of Stanford University Dance Marathon (SUDM) raised over $70,000 for the Children’s Fund. More than 800 students laced up their dancing shoes for the 12-hour event, and were visited by two Patient Heroes, Lili and Trinity, as well as Packard Children’s neurologist Paul Fisher, MD.
Since its inception 16 years ago, SUDM has raised funds for global health equity, and for the past three years have selected our hospital as their beneficiary. “Yes, there’s a lot of global health inequity, [but] we don’t want to forget about our own community right here,” says SUDM director Camila Vargas in a press release to The Stanford Daily. “This is not a battle miles and miles away. It’s a battle we have right here.”
Thank you to Camila and the rest of the SUDM executive team: Ian Hodge, Michelle Hull, and Leila Orszag for organizing such an impactful fundraising event. Learn more about the event’s inspiring Patient Heroes Lili and Trinity.
Connor’s Erg Challenge hosted by Stanford Crew
In partnership with the Robert Connor Dawes Foundation, Stanford crew and various teams across the U.S. took part in the fourth annual Connor’s Erg Challenge, raising funds for pediatric brain cancer research. The challenge honors the foundation’s namesake, Robert “Connor” Dawes, who passed away from brain cancer in April 2013. His passion was rowing, and his dream was to join the crew team of University of Wisconsin-Madison or Stanford. “He loved the camaraderie. It was hard work, but it felt good,” says Liz Dawes, founder and CEO, describing her son to Wisconsin’s Channel 3000. Historically, teams from the two universities competed, but this year was even more exciting as the competition was joined by crew team members of MIT, Syracuse, and Princeton!
“Support from events like Connor’s Erg Challenge helps to spur innovative research, because that kind of flexible funding provides brain tumor scientists with the ability to test new hypotheses and go in new scientific directions,” says Michelle Monje, MD, PhD, associate professor of neurology and, by courtesy, of neurosurgery, of pediatrics, of pathology, and of psychiatry and behavioral sciences, in a press release from the Robert Connor Dawes Foundation.
To the unbelievable efforts of the Robert Connor Dawes Foundation, and the crew teams who participated in the 2019 Connor’s Erg Challenge: we thank you for your support of pediatric brain cancer research!
Pink Patch Project hosted by Stanford University Deputy Sheriffs’ Association
The Stanford University Deputy Sheriffs’ Association jazzed up their usual garb with some eye-catching pink patches last October! The deputies showed their support for pediatric cancer research by stitching on the armor-shaped “Stanford Sheriff” patch, lined in pink with matching pink ribbons.
Inspiration for these patches was drawn from multiple sheriffs’ personal connections with loved ones who have been affected by cancer. “We wanted to join the fight to find a cure,” says Deputy Sheriff Jeffrey Paul Taylor. The Stanford Deputy Sheriffs’ Association partnered with Packard Children’s because of our family-centered care, a message that resonated with their members. “The majority of SUDPS [Stanford University Department of Public Safety] personnel are parents and they wanted to help other parents whose children are being treated for cancer.”
Half of the funds raised were donated to pediatric cancer research at Stanford University School of Medicine. The association also showed their support by contributing to our successful holiday Toy Drive last December. We thank you for wearing your support on your sleeves, Stanford Deputies!
Stanford Athletics Celebrate NCAA Championship and Volunteer at Prom
High fives all around! What better way to celebrate victories than with the patients and families of Packard Children’s? The Stanford Women’s Swimming and Diving team, Women’s Tennis team, and the Women’s Volleyball team all stopped by the hospital to celebrate their NCAA Championships. The Women’s Volleyball team also visited Sophie’s Place Broadcast and Music Studio to cheer on the patients at the hospital.
In addition, many of these teams volunteered at the Hospital Prom on May 17, where the theme was “Let Them Eat Cake!” More than 60 athletes helped set up the night in the Dunlevie Garden. “Stanford Men’s Gymnastics is for the kids!” say the Men’s Gymnastics team with radiant smiles. Thank you, Stanford Athletics, for showing us what teamwork is all about.
Stanford Student Vivek Gets His Dorm Involved
Sometimes, inspiration comes from right inside the community. “I visited the hospital through Stanford Dance Marathon and was greatly impressed with the high-quality of care for children,” Stanford student Vivek says fondly.
Vivek corralled his dorm mates, friends, and family to support patients at Packard Children’s—together they made 144 care kits! These kits were provided to the Family Resource Center, the Pediatric Emergency Department, and the reception desk at the hospital. The care kits are available for families who may have come to the hospital in an emergency and may not have necessities with them, such as toiletries and other self-care products.
Vivek is already working on a new project to support the hospital even more. Thank you to Vivek and his friends and family for giving their time and effort to help our patients and families!
Inspired by our Champions? Support our hospital and become a Champion for Children today—we hope to feature you next year!