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DALLAS – Toni Darrough, 13, of Waxahachie, is a featured model in the Children’s Cancer Fund Gala “An Evening in the Garden,” where hope blooms in an enchanted garden filled with miraculous stories of survival, on Friday, April 26 at the Hilton Anatole Dallas.
The event begins with a silent auction and VIP reception at 6 p.m. followed by the dinner and program at 7 p.m. Chair Kimberly Schlegel Whitman joins longtime Honorary Co-Chairs Roger Staubach and Troy Aikman to kick off the evening.
The event is expected to raise more than $1 million to support pediatric cancer research and treatment programs at Children’s Health and UT Southwestern.
Staubach, who has been involved all 31 years, and Aikman, now in his 22nd year, join other celebrities and sponsors as runway escorts for 25 featured pediatric cancer patients, ages 4-16, who model fashions by Dillard’s for the annual fashion show, produced by RSC Show Productions.
Upon arrival, guests will be transported into a lush garden setting, complete with a floral swing and a gift card tree – all designed and created by GRO Events and Design. The evening will conclude with dancing and entertainment, provided by DJ Souljah and a violin accompanist.
In May of 2018, Darrough was diagnosed with osteosarcoma, a type of cancer that produces immature
bone. It is the most common type of cancer arising in bones and is usually found at the end of long bones, often around the knee. She is currently in treatment.
“I had pains in my leg that made my family and me worry,” said Darrough.
“The doctor told us to come to Children’s Hospital for testing, and I soon learned I had bone cancer and would need chemo. This was all very frightening for me and was a real struggle.
“My first few treatments were hard, but I knew I had to deal with it.
‘Then surgery came, and things got harder, but now things are getting better. I just keep fighting every day until I get stronger and beat this.”
When Darrough grows up, she would like to be a singer, clothes designer, and a dancer. She enjoys basketball and cheerleading and loves to be around other people.
Her mom is her hero because she remains strong no matter what.
One day she thinks it would be fun to go to Universal Studios and make memories with her family.
“I’m excited to be in the fashion show because I like to dress up and meet new people,” said Darrough.
The gala, which is the organization’s largest annual fundraiser for pediatric cancer, is sponsored by CBS 11 and features Karen Borta as mistress of ceremonies. Since 1982, Children’s Cancer Fund has donated more than $10 million to the childhood cancer cause.
“The Children’s Cancer Fund Gala brings together kids who have been through such hard times, from chemo to radiation,” said Jennifer Arthur, executive director, Children’s Cancer Fund.
“No matter where they are in treatment – day one or year 12 – we are celebrating their lives and letting them know they are not alone in this fight.
The commitments of our supporters on this special night give us hope of a day when childhood cancer will no longer exist.”
Gala Chair Kimberly Schlegel Whitman has served as a lifestyle contributor to the TODAY Show on NBC and editor-at-large of Southern Living Magazine since 2011. She is the author of eight books on entertaining, including her latest, “Parties Around a Punch Bowl.” Whitman is also a mother of two children and an active member of the Dallas community.
Gala tickets are $300.
Contact Children’s Cancer Fund at 972-664-1450 or visit www.ChildrensCancer-Fund.com/gala for reservations and more information.
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