Schedule of Events
Please note: This is a preliminary schedule. There will be more events and details coming soon.
CureFest for Childhood Cancer Weekend will be held in Washington, DC on September
20 - 22, 2024. Unofficial and affiliated events begin on September 19.
Here are some of the features of CureFest.
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Note: This schedule includes official and unofficial CureFest events as well as additional events hosted by the childhood cancer community. All activities and events are subject to change or cancellation.
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Thursday, September 19
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BrainStorm Summit: Day 1
This summit will bring experts in the field of pediatric neuro-oncology and many opportunities for anyone wanting to learn more about childhood brain cancer.
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For more information, visit www.brainstormsummit.org.
15th Annual Childhood Cancer Summit
Come to Congress to hear Representatives discuss pediatric cancer legislation. There will be an opportunity for Q&A.
Hosted by the Congressional Childhood Cancer Caucus
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Golden Toast
An evening cocktail reception honoring the Congressional Childhood Cancer Caucus Co-Chairs
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6 pm to 8 pm at LiUNA's Private 9th Floor Roof Top Deck Overlooking the White House
Hosted by the Carson Leslie Foundation
Contact Annette Leslie for more information at hello@carsonlesliefoundation.org
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Friday, September 20
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BrainStorm Summit: Day 2
This summit will bring experts in the field of pediatric neuro-oncology and many opportunities for anyone wanting to learn more about childhood brain cancer.
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For more information, visit www.brainstormsummit.org.
​CLIMB THE HILL Youth Advocacy Day
Hosted by Kids V Cancer
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Leave your parents behind. Come visit Congressional offices with your peers. Talk to staff and Members of Congress. Be the voice of childhood cancer. We will train you. You will change the world.
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This is an all-day event. Kids will visit Congressional offices in groups led by a Youth Leader.
Please sign up by September 10. Before the CLIMB THE HILL, Jenn from Kids V Cancer will have a one-on-one interview and training with you by Zoom.
Questions? Contact Jenn@kidsvcancer.org
Kids are powerful when they talk to Congress about pediatric cancer. For this reason, this event is only open to young adults and kids. We ask parents to find other activities to do while their kids are participating.
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CureFest Family Welcome Night
5 pm to 7 pm at Freedom Plaza
Hosted by CureFest
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The CureFest Collective
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Social event at Pinstripes in Georgetown for fighters, survivors and siblings ages 13 - 29 years old
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6 pm to 10 pm: Bus picks up and drops off at JW Marriott/Freedom Plaza
Hosted by CureFest
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For More Details and to Register
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Saturday, September 21
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Express, Create and Heal Workshops
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Hosted by A Moment of Magic Foundation, Glimmer of Hope and CureFest
Saturday, September 21 from 9 am - 11 am inside the JW Marriott Hotel
Join Us for a Special Express, Create, Heal Workshop at CureFest!
A Moment of Magic, Glimmer of Hope, and CureFest are teaming up to offer an engaging 90-minute session designed to connect children affected by cancer with essential mental health resources, education, and community.
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For More Details and to Register
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Fighter/Survivor Sibling Connection
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Hosted by Arms Wide Open Childhood Cancer Foundation, part of "Thrive" initiative
Saturday, September 21 from 9:00 - 11:00 am inside the JW Marriott Hotel
These wellness workshops are designed specifically for kids and teens who are siblings to cancer fighters or survivors, giving them an opportunity to meet with others their age who share a similar experience. Activities provided will focus primarily on having fun and making connections, promoting a positive self-image, learning tools and skills for coping with challenging emotions, and most importantly, giving siblings a space that is just for (and about) them.
There will be three different workshops based on age:
Littles (5 - 8 years old)
Middles (9 - 12 years old)
Teens (13 -16 years old)
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For More Details and to Register
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Bereaved Sibling Workshop
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Hosted by 1Voice Foundation and CureFest
Saturday, September 21 inside the JW Marriott Hotel
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Session 1: 9:00 - 10:30 am
Session 2: 11:00 am - 12:30 pm
Session 3: 1:30 - 3:00 pm
Ages 5 - 16
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For siblings of a child lost to cancer, we invite them to join other bereaved siblings for a special workshop focused on sharing and understanding. Led by a Pediatric Oncology RN experienced in helping children manage grief, this session offers age-appropriate activities and a safe space for support and understanding.
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For More Details and to Register
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For Siblings, By Siblings
Hosted by Arms Wide Open Childhood Cancer Foundation, part of "Thrive" initiative
Saturday, September 21 inside the JW Marriott Hotel
Ages: 17 - 29
A wellness session specifically for siblings of childhood cancer fighters, survivors and angels. The session will give siblings an opportunity to connect with one another, share resources, and receive peer support through discussions and activities.
Session 1: 9:00 - 10:30 am
Session 2: 11:00 am - 12:30 pm
Session 3: 1:30 - 3:00 pm
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For More Details and to Register
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In Your 20s: Fighter/Survivor Connection
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Hosted by Arms Wide Open Childhood Cancer Foundation, part of "Thrive" initiative
Saturday, September 21 from 11:30 am - 12:30 pm inside the JW Marriott Hotel
Ages 20-29
A wellness session specifically for Young Adult Childhood Cancer Fighters and Survivors, which will give folks an opportunity to connect with one another, share resources, and receive peer support through discussions and activities.
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For More Details and to Register​​
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Rally to the Capitol
Family-friendly rally to the US Capitol to come together as one voice for children with cancer
2 p.m. on the National Mall
Hosted by CureFest and the Rally Foundation
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​CureFest Meet and Greet
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Informal gathering of childhood cancer families and advocates
4:45 p.m. to 6:45 p.m. at Freedom Plaza
Hosted by CureFest
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CureFest Night of Golden Lights
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Speeches and performances by members of the childhood cancer community and medical community
6:45 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. at Freedom Plaza
Hosted by CureFest
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​CureFest Candlelight Vigil
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A powerful vigil honoring individuals and families impacted by childhood cancer
9:00 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. at Freedom Plaza
Hosted by CureFest
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Sunday, September 22
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Hope, Healing and Heaven Worship Service
9:00 - 10:00 a.m. at the JW Marriott in Salon G.
Music by Sydney Sherwood and a Message of Hope from Pastor Alan Disbrow.
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No RSVP necessary.
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Hosted by Arms Wide Open Childhood Cancer Foundation
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CureFest Festival
11 a.m. at National Sylvan Theater near the
Washington Monument: Performances, Speeches and Tributes
Hosted by CureFest
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Childhood Cancer Shoe Memorial Ceremony
12:30 p.m. on the Washington Monument Grounds
Hosted by CureFest and the 1Voice Foundation
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CureFest Walk
12:45 p.m. on the Washington Monument Grounds
3/4 mile walk at your own pace
Hosted by CureFest
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Additional Components
One Voice Walks (Virtual)
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Rather than just one large walk in Washington, DC, this year will feature hundreds of informal neighborhood One Voice walks around the country. Some walks may involve one person and others might involve many families. Customized banners with the name of your group, organization or community will be available for purchase at cost.
CureFest LiveStream
CureFest program with speakers and performers will be streamed on September 21 and 22 prior to the One Voice community walks.
CureFest Beads and Medals
Honor beads will be provided to in-person participants. Medals will be presented to all survivors, fighters, and siblings in attendance.
Virtual participants will have the opportunity to purchase honor beads and medals for survivors, fighters, siblings, parents and advocates.
