September is Childhood Cancer Awareness Month
Faris D. Virani, during his three year journey with a rare form of bone cancer called Ewing sarcoma, was bewildered by the lack of public recognition around September and the gold ribbon, the symbolic color for childhood cancer awareness.
Every September, we deepen our commitment to this cause through “Let There Be GOLD,” our public engagement campaign. Join us in our mission to bring brighter days and better treatments to children with cancer: our Let There Be GOLD Toolkit is full of ideas, inspiration, and handy resources to help you get started on your Let There Be GOLD journey!
Golden Updates
10 Years of GOLD Celebrations
In September 2014, inspired by Faris’ words, the first GOLD parade was held at Texas Children’s Cancer Center to honor and celebrate children with cancer. Today, 10 years later, the tradition continues with GOLD parades, carnivals, art parties, and events of all kinds at children’s cancer centers and hospitals across the country, including Texas Children’s Cancer Center (the nation’s largest pediatric cancer center), MD Anderson Children’s Cancer Hospital, Ronald McDonald House Houston, Mount Sinai Kravis Children’s Hospital in New York City, and Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta.
“The Faris Foundation has taught me there is gold all around us and inside each of us.”
– Let There Be GOLD participant
Glowing GOLD at Prime AT&T Stores
Prime Communications is recognizing Childhood Cancer Awareness Month through their Let There Be GOLD campaign during the month of September in over 2,000 AT&T stores from coast to coast (follow the link to find a Prime AT&T store near you). Thank you to the entire Prime team for shining their light to bring brighter days and better treatments to children with cancer!
Threads of Gold
An annual collaboration between The Faris Foundation, HISD Fine Arts Department, and Asia Society Texas Center, Threads of Gold is a unique arts educator professional development workshop and student art exhibition, now in its fourth year!
Threads of Gold is inspired by gold – the symbolic color for childhood cancer awareness, and a material laden with symbolic significance across cultures and history. Through Threads of Gold, students are empowered to raise awareness around childhood cancer, and gain first-hand experience in using art as form of social engagement and social change.
Select works by students will be on display at our Gallery Night at Asia Society Texas Center on November 13th, and will remain on view through November 17th.
Wendy’s Shines Bright with Another Year of Free Jr. Frostys!
This summer, our friends at Wendy’s offered a very COOL opportunity to make a BIG difference in the lives of children with cancer: customers could purchase a $2 Let There Be GOLD wristband at a participating Wendy’s location, and get a FREE Jr. Frosty with any purchase every day for a year! All proceeds from the sale of wristbands benefitted The Faris Foundation.
This year’s collaboration was made extra sweet when the Astros Foundation and Wendy’s highlighted The Faris Foundation as the Share2Care charity at the July 10th Astros game! It was amazing to see Let There Be GOLD and the gold ribbon on the big screen at Minute Maid Park!
September Swag
Get ready to shine bright this September with new offerings from The Faris Foundation swag store! Our 2024 “Let There Be GOLD” shirt is available, along with a limited edition lunch bag, as well as superhero yard signs: when you buy a yard sign, you’re also supporting us in sending a special GOLDEN superhero sign to a child with cancer.
Opportunities to Shine Bright with The Faris Foundation!
Stay Golden and Spread Good JuJu!
Our Good JuJu Care Packages continue to make an outsized impact! In the words of one recipient’s parent, “Wow, I am amazed by the great love that you can give us without knowing us, God bless your hands, your kindness and your hearts!” If you know a child with cancer, we’d love to send them a curated care package on your behalf! Simply fill out the request form here.
We are grateful to the organizations, businesses, and groups that have hosted Good JuJu Wrap Parties recently: Chi Omega, CarMax, and Sunnova. And we have loved seeing the incredible creativity of our volunteers who have been decorating wrapping paper customized to each recipient’s interests! Interested in hosting your own Good JuJu Wrap Party, or volunteering your time to support Good JuJu? Learn more here, or contact Tiffany at tiffany@thefarisfoundation.org to get involved!
Brighter Days Golf Classic, Presented by AT&T
Who will win this year’s coveted GOLD Jacket? Join us at the 4th annual Faris Foundation Brighter Days Golf Classic, presented by AT&T, our Knight In Shining Armor sponsor, to find out! Play golf for a golden cause: to support transformative pediatric cancer research and programs that bring brighter days to children with cancer. Sponsorship opportunities are selling out quickly, so secure your spot today!
Chevron Houston Marathon
Run: a child’s life depends on it. Run in the 2025 Chevron Marathon, half marathon, or 5k in support of The Faris Foundation, an official charity partner of the Chevron Houston Marathon. Whether you’re a seasoned marathoner or a first-timer, there’s a place for you on our team. Help kids with cancer cross the finish line, and register today!
Other ways to get involved:
- Corporate Sponsorship: Support the mission of The Faris Foundation while aligning your business with the largest single day sporting event in the city of Houston! Thank you to the businesses that have already come on board as sponsors: Prime Communications, Sunnova, and CDI Douglass Pye, Inc. Learn more about becoming a corporate sponsor here.
- Volunteer: Join The Faris Foundation’s race day party as a volunteer! Our 2024 cheer station was so sparkly, we were featured on the local news! Contact Carrie at carrie@thefarisfoundation.org to sign up.
Signing off with a Twinkling Thought
“To pay attention, this is our endless and proper work.”
– Mary Oliver
Gold Star: Volunteer Spotlight
Nicole Gabler came into the world of The Faris Foundation like a flash of inspiration, magic, and light. Since her first moment volunteering, she has added sparkle to everything she does and always does it with her signature smile. Nicole has been a muse for our staff, sparking new ideas and helping us add magic wherever we go!
Glow Baby Glow
We’d love to hear your thoughts and ideas! Come visit or drop a line at info@thefarisfoundation.org. Help us to share the magic by inviting others to join our glowing community.