A new era to end childhood cancer
Last month, Texas Children’s Hospital and The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center announced a historic joint venture: the creation of Kinder Children’s Cancer Center, with the shared mission to end childhood cancer.
As a partner of both Texas Children’s and MD Anderson, The Faris Foundation is uniquely poised to help usher in this new era of hope and healing. “Through our lived experience, we know the profound and truly sacred role of art in healing, as well as the fundamental need for rigorous and bold scientific research. As these two leading institutions come together to transform the future of pediatric oncology, The Faris Foundation is ready – emboldened by the vision, courage, and humility of our knight in shining armor, Faris D. – to play our part in reimagining and expanding the horizons of care for children and families through both art and science.” – Dr. Asha Virani, Executive Director and Mommy to Chief Angel Officer, Faris D.
The Faris Foundation is growing!
We are thrilled to introduce our new Deputy Executive Director of The Faris Foundation, Shauna Huffington. Shauna brings with her a deep well of experience, compassion, and visionary leadership – most recently from the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society – and a heart deeply aligned with our mission to bring brighter days and better treatments to children with cancer. Read more about her here or reach out at shauna@thefarisfoundation.org.
We are also honored to welcome new board members: Dr. Chandel Bonner-Hancock of Harris County Department of Education, Bob OConnor of First Horizon Bank, Iain Sharpe of Merrill Lynch, and committed community members Rashmi Gupta and Afshan Vellani. We are grateful to Dr. Susan Blaney, Farid Virani, and Councilmember Naushad Kermally for their ongoing service as tenured members of our board.
Spring 2025 Program Updates
Art Is My Life
In celebration of Mother’s Day, The Faris Foundation partnered with Kendra Scott to bring a one-of-a-kind Art Party + Color Bar event to Ronald McDonald House Charities – Greater Houston. At the Kendra Scott Color Bar, kids were invited to customize Kendra Scott jewelry for their moms and caregivers, and at our art station, they created handmade keepsake boxes and bouquets of “forever“ paper flowers to complete the gift! Every moment was shiny, magical, and truly made with love!
Art Is My Life
In celebration of Mother’s Day, The Faris Foundation partnered with Kendra Scott to bring a one-of-a-kind Art Party + Color Bar event to Ronald McDonald House Charities – Greater Houston. At the Kendra Scott Color Bar, kids were invited to customize Kendra Scott jewelry for their moms and caregivers, and at our art station, they created handmade keepsake boxes and bouquets of “forever“ paper flowers to complete the gift! Every moment was shiny, magical, and truly made with love!
Art Is My Life
Meet Phoebe Bair, The Faris Foundation Music Therapist at Texas Children’s Cancer Center! Her arrival marks a powerful milestone: the first music therapist dedicated specifically to cancer families at the nation’s largest pediatric cancer center.
Art Is My Life
Thanks to generous support from The Children’s Fund, we were able to launch new art and music therapy initiatives this spring: art therapist-designed Art Kits for patients and families at Texas Children’s, and a major music therapy equipment upgrade at MD Anderson. We are grateful to The Children’s Fund for their continued support – it’s been instrumental!
Let There Be GOLD
Our friends at Wendy’s are once again offering a very COOL opportunity to make a BIG difference in the lives of children with cancer: 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! Wristbands will be sold through the month of July at participating Wendy’s locations across Texas, in: Austin, Beaumont, Bryan, College Station, Corpus Christi, Houston, Laredo, McAllen, San Antonio, and Victoria.
All proceeds from the sale of wristbands will benefit The Faris Foundation and will support our mission to bring brighter days and better treatments to children with cancer. Share your pics/tag us when you get your wristband!
Good JuJu
We’ve sent over 200 Good JuJu Care Packages so far this year, and our program has now reached 46 states and Puerto Rico! In the words of one recipient’s parent: “Our son was overwhelmed with your generosity. He started to cry with happy tears. We just got back from a rough chemo treatment and found the Good JuJu box in our living room. Thank you for what you do.” 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.
Good JuJu
It is only with the help of our volunteers and partners that we are able to spread so much Good JuJu! Thank you to: Wealth Enhancement, Prime Communications, Chi Omega, Burns & McDonnell, The Okwuono Family, and Girl Scout Troop 19440. Interested in hosting your own Good JuJu Wrap Party? Learn more here!
Opportunities to Shine Bright with The Faris Foundation!
Brighter Days Golf Classic
October 20, 2025
Join us at the 5th annual Faris Foundation Brighter Days Golf Classic, presented by AT&T, our Knight in Shining Armor sponsor! 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
January 2026
Run: a child’s life depends on it. Run in the 2026 Chevron Marathon, half marathon, or 5k in support of The Faris Foundation, an official, platinum-level 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! Learn more here.
- Volunteer: Join The Faris Foundation’s race day party as a volunteer! For the past two years, our volunteers have been featured on the local news for the golden spirit they bring to the event! Contact Carrie at carrie@thefarisfoundation.org to sign up.
Signing Off with a Twinkling Thought
“Your life is already artful—waiting, just waiting, for you to make it art.”
– Toni Morrison
Gold Star
At just 11 years old, Tristan turned his experience with cancer into a mission to help others. Inspired by his own journey, he came up with the idea to sell t-shirts and donate the proceeds to The Faris Foundation – raising over $1,200 in support of our Good JuJu Care Package program! With his compassion and creativity, Tristan embodies the spirit of spreading Good JuJu!
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.