About CureFest
CureFest 2021 will take place in a hybrid format this September. There will be an in-person event in Washington, DC as well as an interactive virtual format that will allow families from across the world to hold One Voice Walks and other activities in their own communities.
2020's virtual-only format allowed us to reach many families that would otherwise be unable to attend CureFest in person. Based on this success, we made the decision to offer a virtual experience in 2021 even though we will have an in-person presence this year in our Nation's Capital.
CureFest for Childhood Cancer will be held in-person in Washington, DC on September 23 - 26, 2021.
Here are some of the features of in-person CureFest:
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.
Thursday, September 23
Golden Toast cocktail reception honoring the Congressional Childhood Cancer Caucus
Co-chairs (RSVP required)
Time: 6 pm to 8:30 pm
Hosted by the Carson Leslie Foundation
Friday, September 24
12th Annual Childhood Cancer Summit (Virtual)
Time: TBA
Hosted by the Congressional Childhood Cancer Caucus
Climb the Hill Youth Advocacy Day (Virtual)
Time: 1 pm to 4:30 pm
Hosted by Kids V Cancer
Coalition Against Childhood Cancer (CAC2) Welcome Reception & Awareness Celebration
Time: 5 pm to 7 pm
Hosted by the Coalition Against Childhood Cancer
Saturday, September 25
TOUGH2GETHER Sunrise Panel - Preclinical Research at the JW Marriott (Registration required)
Check-in: 7:30 am
Panel: 8 am - 9:30 am
Hosted by #TOUGH2GETHER
(masks required)
TOUGH2GETHER Against DIPG/DMG Breakfast at the JW Marriott (Registration required - $15 fee)
Check-in: 9:30 am
Breakfast: 10 am to 11:15 am
Gather and connect: 11:15 am - 12:30 pm
Hosted by #TOUGH2GETHER
(masks required)
Rock Painting at the JW Marriott
1:30 pm to 3:00 pm
Space Limited to 150 people
Hosted by All In To Win Foundation
(masks required)
Rally to the Capitol on the National Mall
Mett at the Smithsonian Carousel between 1:30 pm and 1:45 pm
Time: 2 pm to 3:30 pm
Hosted by the Rally Foundation
CureFest Meet and Greet at Freedom Plaza
Time: 5 pm to 6:45 pm
CureFest Night of Golden Lights at Freedom Plaza
Time: 6:45 pm to 8:30 pm
CureFest Candlelight Vigil at Freedom Plaza
Time: 8:30 pm to 9:00 pm
Sunday, September 26
Hope, Healing and Heaven: A message from Pastor Bishop at the JW Marriott
Time: 9:30 am to 10:30 am
Hosted by Gift from a Child
CureFest Festival at the National Sylvan Theater near the Washington Monument:
Performances, Speeches and Tributes
Time: 11 am to 12:15 pm
Childhood Cancer Shoe Memorial Ceremony
Time: 12:15 pm – 12:30 pm
Hosted by the 1Voice Foundation.
Additional Components
One Voice Walks (Virtual)
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.
Custom CureFest App (Virtual and In-Person)
Participants will be interconnected virtually through an interactive, custom app that will count the group’s steps for the day. Based on the number of participants, we will have a group goal for steps taken on September 25 and 26. There will also be unique ways for families to share updates and words of encouragement with other families.
Video Tribute for fighters, survivors and angels
This year, families will have the opportunity to honor their children by submitting a photo. These images will be edited into a virtual tribute video that will be shared on social media on September 26 and beyond.
CureFest LiveStream
CureFest program with speakers and performers will be streamed on September 25 and 26, 2021 prior to the One Voice community walks.
CureFest Beads and Medals
Individuals will have the opportunity to purchase honor beads and medals for survivors, fighters, siblings, parents and advocates.
