Emily Whitehead Foundation

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Emily Whitehead Foundation

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We are the leading voice for advanced therapies. The experimental T-cell therapy worked and Emily is more than 9 years cancer free.

Founded after Emily Whitehead became the first child saved by CAR-T, we advocate for access, support families facing cancer and rare disease, and work to create countless new survivor stories. About Emily Whitehead: Emily was the first pediatric patient enrolled in a highly experimental phase I clinical trial called CAR T-cell therapy and became the first child in the world to have her immune system trained to fight cancer.

09/22/2026

September is both Childhood Cancer Awareness Month and Sickle Cell Awareness Month - a time to honor the patients, families and loved ones whose lives have been affected by these diseases, while recognizing the progress that continues to bring new hope.

In just a few days, our community will come together at the 2026 Believe Ball to do exactly that.

Throughout the evening on September 25, we’ll celebrate Warriors whose lives have been changed by advanced therapies, remember those whose legacies continue to inspire us, and recognize the families and caregivers who have stood beside them every step of the way.

We can’t wait to gather together and shine a light on a future where every patient who can benefit from advanced therapies has the opportunity to access them.

Learn more about Believe Ball: https://www.emilywhiteheadfoundation.org/believe-ball/

09/21/2026

The Believe Ball silent auction is live and open — and anyone, anywhere can bid!

All the Foundation Warrior artwork is open for bidding, and this is your chance to win paintings, drawings, and other unique pieces created by Foundation Warriors all in support of our mission.

Additional items will be added to the auction leading up to the event, so check back often for even more items to bid on.

The Believe Ball silent auction is a virtual auction, and participants do not need to be present at the event to place a bid or donate an item.

Place my bids: https://www.32auctions.com/EWFBelieveBall2026

09/16/2026

The Foundation is proud to celebrate a legislative milestone honoring CAR T-cell therapy Warrior and 2026 Believe Ball emcee Ailani Myers!

The Ailani Myers Accelerating Innovation in Medicine (AIM) to Cure Kids with Cancer Act has been introduced in Congress, carrying Ailani’s name and her powerful living legacy of advocacy for children facing cancer.

Introduced by Congressman Michael McCaul alongside Congressional Childhood Cancer Caucus Co-chairs Rep. Ami Bera, M.D., and Rep. Mike Kelly, the bipartisan legislation aims to harness artificial intelligence to advance pediatric cancer research and treatment. Among its priorities are strengthening pediatric cancer data sharing, improving predictive modeling, and modernizing clinical trials to help accelerate new discoveries and treatment options.

Ailani knows firsthand the impact of innovative treatments. As a CAR T-cell therapy Warrior, she has turned her experience into a voice for other children and families, advocating for continued progress in childhood cancer research and care.

We are honored to have Ailani as part of the Foundation community and especially proud to see her advocacy recognized in such a meaningful way.

Learn more about the Ailani Myers AIM to Cure Kids with Cancer Act: https://mccaul.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/mccaul-introduces-legislation-accelerate-breakthroughs-pediatric-0?fbclid=IwdGRjcAUWDqJwZG9mBWZkaWQWUOcrd5mKTNoiKYBpYe8mCgH0F3vNWWV4dG4DYWVtAjExAHNydGMGYXBwX2lkCjY2Mjg1NjgzNzkAAR5BHJ5QH9SAkFsnawIzl20TEiQ7lTh4wYIYv4AxHKSLmYdcJhIUCbYTujOsGw_aem_yO2_ZRIp5G2gCTjtidsgIA

09/11/2026

We are proud to recognize Alice Burnett, Cellino, Dispatch, Garrett’s Painting and Landscaping, and J. Kelly Ganjei as Warrior Family Sponsors!

Warrior Family Sponsors help make it possible for Warrior Families to attend our Believe Ball in Philadelphia on Sept. 25 at no cost, ensuring that patients and caregivers can join this inspiring evening to celebrate survivorship, connect with others who share similar experiences, and be recognized by the community that stands beside them.

The Believe Ball brings together patients, caregivers, advocates, researchers, healthcare leaders, and the advanced therapies community for an unforgettable evening of hope, impact, and progress. Together, we are helping create more survivor stories and ensuring families have access to the resources, support, and advocacy they need throughout their treatment journey.

09/09/2026

One of the many powerful moments of the Foundation's Believe Ball is hearing from our Warrior emcees, including Emily Whitehead!

Emily’s treatment in 2012 marked a defining moment, not only as the first pediatric use of CAR T-cell therapy, but as the beginning of a new era in cancer care. What started as a groundbreaking, last-resort option has since helped pave the way for more than 50,000 patients worldwide to receive advanced therapies like CAR T-cell therapy.

Today, Emily is 21 years old and is now 14 years cancer-free! She is a senior at the University of Pennsylvania majoring in English with a focus on creative writing, and enjoys taking photography classes.

We recognize that the progress of advanced therapies is the result of collaboration, innovation, and the courage of patients and families who take the first step. Emily’s story continues to serve as a catalyst, driving research, expanding access, and inspiring hope for those still searching for a cure.

Learn more about the Believe Ball: https://www.emilywhiteheadfoundation.org/believe-ball/

09/04/2026

We are proud to recognize Alliance for Regenerative Medicine, American Red Cross Cell and Gene Therapy Solutions, Aradigm, BioLife Solutions, Catalyst, Cellares, Jeff Holder, Kincell, Legend Biotech, Made Scientific, Northway Biotech, and Repligen as Silver Sponsors! Thank you for your support of our mission so we can Activate the Cure.

Thanks to these supporters, the Emily Whitehead Foundation continues to expand its support for patients and caregivers affected by cancer and rare diseases, while advocating for all patients who can benefit from advanced therapies.

The Believe Ball brings together patients, caregivers, advocates, researchers, healthcare leaders, and the advanced therapies community for an unforgettable evening of hope, impact, and progress. Together, we are helping create more survivor stories and ensuring families have access to the resources, support, and advocacy they need throughout their treatment journey.

Learn more about the Believe Ball and available sponsorship opportunities: https://www.emilywhiteheadfoundation.org/believe-ball/

08/31/2026

The 2026 Believe Ball is just a few weeks away! ✨

On Friday, September 25, the Foundation community will come together in Philadelphia for an unforgettable evening celebrating the patients, families, researchers, advocates and innovators advancing hope through transformative therapies.

This year’s Believe Ball will feature:

- Keynote Speaker John Crowley, President and CEO of BIO, whose personal journey as a father and biotech leader embodies the power of determination, innovation and putting patients first

- Honorary Co-Chairs Dr. Stephan Grupp, Dr. Carl June and Dr. Bruce Levine, three distinguished leaders whose groundbreaking work has helped shape the field of CAR T-cell therapy

- Powerful stories of hope shared by patients and families whose lives have been impacted by cancer and rare disease

- The presentation of the Bill Ludwig Pioneer Award and Thomas G. Whitehead Beacon of Hope Award

- The announcement of the 2026 recipient of the Nicole Gularte “Fight for Cures” Grant, supporting promising research in cellular therapies for pediatric cancers.

The evening will also bring together patients, caregivers, scientists, healthcare providers, biotech leaders and supporters for connection, collaboration and a celebration of how far we’ve come, and the work still ahead.

Know others who’d like to attend the 2026 Believe Ball? Individual tickets for the 2026 Believe Ball will be available through September 1, 2026 for $750 per ticket.

This limited ticket opportunity is available for those who would like to join the Believe Ball community in Philadelphia and support the Emily Whitehead Foundation’s mission to support patients and caregivers affected by cancer and rare diseases, and advocate for all patients who can be treated with advanced therapies.

Purchase Tickets: https://secure.lglforms.com/form_engine/s/cR7gk9p2eJOsaa6G_QnUOw

08/28/2026

Please join us in celebrating CJ Coudriet, who will be a Warrior emcee at our Believe Ball on Sept. 25 in Philadelphia!

Just two weeks before his thirteenth birthday, CJ’s life changed when he was diagnosed with embryonal rhabdomyosarcoma, a rare soft tissue cancer. Over the next year, he endured 43 weeks of chemotherapy, six weeks of radiation, more than 100 days in the hospital, life flights, ambulance rides, more than 60 units of blood, and serious treatment complications.

After reaching remission in 2024, CJ learned in March 2026 that his original tumor was slowly growing again. Following additional chemotherapy, he underwent a 12-hour surgery to remove the recurrent tumor and receive intraoperative radiation.

Today, CJ continues treatment while his family remains focused on every option ahead, including emerging T-cell therapies and immunotherapies being studied for solid tumors. Now 16, CJ has turned his own experience into an opportunity to help others. Inspired by the hope that hunting and fishing gave him during treatment, he founded Uplifting Outdoors in 2024 to provide outdoor experiences for young people with disabilities or life-threatening illnesses and wounded veterans.

CJ’s story is a powerful reminder to keep living, keep pushing forward, and always have something worth fighting for.

Learn more about Believe Ball: https://www.emilywhiteheadfoundation.org/believe-ball/

Read CJ’s story: https://www.emilywhiteheadfoundation.org/patient-story/cj-coudriet/

08/27/2026

The Emily Whitehead Foundation is proud to share the Bodnar-Gill-Sheerin Memorial Scholarship, a $5,000 scholarship opportunity available through the Centre Foundation for a Penn State student who has been negatively affected by cancer.

Established in memory of Tom Bodnar, Ed Gill, and Dan Sheerin, the scholarship helps support students whose lives and educational journeys have been shaped by cancer.

Applications are now open through September 10, 2026.

We encourage eligible students in our community—and those who may know a Penn State student who qualifies—to learn more and share this opportunity.

Learn more and apply: https://www.grantinterface.com/sl/sDmg6K

08/26/2026

You can help make sure every Warrior family has the opportunity to be part of a night that celebrates hope, courage, and the future of advanced therapies.

By becoming a Warrior Family Sponsor for the 2026 Believe Ball, your $2,500 sponsorship helps make it possible for Warrior patients and their loved ones to attend this unforgettable evening of connection, celebration, and inspiration.

You don't need to attend the event to make a meaningful impact. Your sponsorship directly removes financial barriers for Warrior families while recognizing your commitment across Believe Ball event platforms.

Every seat you help provide represents a family whose story deserves to be celebrated.

Make a lasting impact whether you're in the room or supporting from afar. Join us in ensuring the true heroes of this community can be part of an evening dedicated to hope, resilience, and the promise of advanced therapies.

Become a Warrior Family Sponsor: https://secure.lglforms.com/form_engine/s/Pq-qb4lolOCQ9_Y4_m3qrQ

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Philipsburg, PA

Website

http://www.emilywhiteheadfoundation.org/

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