Schedule of Events

CureFest 2023 will take place in a hybrid format again this September. There will be an in-person event in Washington, DC, as well as an interactive virtual format that will allow families from around the world to hold One Voice Walks and other activities in their own communities.

CureFest for Childhood Cancer Weekend will be held in person in Washington, DC on September

22 - 24, 2023. Unofficial and affiliated events begin on September 20.

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.

Wednesday, September 20

Golden Toast

An evening cocktail reception honoring the Congressional Childhood Cancer Caucus Co-Chairs

Hosted by the Carson Leslie Foundation

Contact Annette Leslie for more information at hello@carsonlesliefoundation.org

Thursday, September 21

14th Annual Childhood Cancer Summit

Come to Congress to hear Representatives discuss pediatric cancer legislation. There will be an opportunity for Q&A.

Speakers will include Co-Chairs:

Congressman Michael McCaul (R-TX)

Congressman Ami Berra (D-CA)

Congresswoman Cathy Castor (D-FL)

Congressman Mike Kelly (R-PA)

and more

9:45 a.m. - 11:00 a.m. at Rayburn House Office Building, Room 2168 (Gold Room)

Please arrive early so that you have time to go through security.

Hosted by the Congressional Childhood Cancer Caucus

BrainStorm Summit Presentations: 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.

For more information, visit www.brainstormsummit.org.

Friday, September 22

BrainStorm Summit Presentations: 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.

For more information, visit www.brainstormsummit.org.

Climb the Hill Youth Advocacy Day

Hosted by Kids V Cancer

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.

Contact Jenn@kidsvcancer.org for more details.

This event is only open to young adults and kids. We ask parents to find other activities to do while their kids are participating.

CureFest Family Welcome Night

5 p.m. to 7 p.m. at Freedom Plaza

Hosted by CureFest

CAC2 and Alliance Welcome Reception and Awareness Celebration - Members Only

6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at JW Marriott

Hosted by the Alliance for Childhood Cancer & the Coalition Against Childhood Cancer

The CureFest Collective - exclusively for fighters, survivors and siblings ages 13 - 29 years old

Part 1 - 6:00 p.m. - 8:30 p.m. Take a sightseeing tour by trolley! During the tour, we will pass by the Capitol, Washington Monument, Jefferson Memorial, and White House with stops at the Iwo Jima Marine Corps Memorial, FDR Memorial, Lincoln Memorial, Vietnam Veterans Memorial and the Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial (subject to change). Along the way, you’ll be transported in time as you ride along the same streets the presidents have traveled and hear historical tales and anecdotes.

Part 2 - 8:30 p.m. - 10:00 p.m. Food, music and games at the JW Marriott.

Hosted by CureFest.

Registration required at www.curefestusa.org/collective.

Saturday, September 23

Tough2gether Against DIPG Breakfast

For more information, visit www.brainstormsummit.org.

Oldies but Goodies Meet Up

8:30 a.m. – 10 a.m.

Location: Corner Bakery, 14 St. NW, Washington, DC

Join other 30+ year olds who are survivors of childhood & AYA cancer to connect and enjoy breakfast together.

This is an informal volunteer-organized gathering. No registration is required. Breakfast is self-pay.

Contact Carolyn at FaithHopeCancer@gmail.com or Mariah at Mariah1800@hotmail.com for more details.

Express, Create & Heal Workshops

9 a.m. – 11 a.m.

The goal of this session is to help survivors, fighters and siblings (ages 3 - 19) make big feelings a little less scary, provide tools and activities that make sharing big emotions easier, and to create a space for healing and resilience -- all while creating community and having fun!

Hosted by CureFest and A Moment of Magic

The CureFest Collective - exclusively for fighters, survivors and siblings ages 20 - 29 years old: The 20s Edition Young Adult - Lunch

11:30 a.m. - 1 p.m.

Details coming soon.

Hosted by CureFest

www.curefestusa.org/collective

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

CureFest Meet and Greet

Informal gathering of childhood cancer families and advocates

5 p.m. to 6:45 p.m. at Freedom Plaza

Hosted by CureFest

CureFest Night of Golden Lights

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

CureFest Candlelight Vigil

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

Sunday, September 24

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.

No RSVP necessary.

Hosted by Arms Wide Open Childhood Cancer Foundation

CureFest Festival

11 a.m. at National Sylvan Theater near the
Washington Monument: Performances, Speeches and Tributes

Hosted by CureFest

Childhood Cancer Shoe Memorial Ceremony

12:30 p.m. on the Washington Monument Grounds

Hosted by CureFest and the 1Voice Foundation

CureFest Walk

12:45 p.m. on the Washington Monument Grounds

3/4 mile walk at your own pace

Hosted by CureFest

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.

CureFest LiveStream

CureFest program with speakers and performers will be streamed on September 23 and 24 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.