Newsletter #3: The Faris Foundation in bloom

The Faris Foundation Quarterly May 2019
“For this is May, and the whole world sings, gleams, as if it were basted in butter.”
– Barbara Crooker

News and Updates
Since our official launch on February 1, 2019, we have been moving full-steam ahead with our commitment to bring brighter days and better treatments to children with cancer. Our work is focused in three core areas: Childhood Cancer Research; Art Is My Life (creative arts programs); and Let There Be GOLD (public engagement, awareness, and resource mobilization). With creativity, collaboration, and conversation at the heart of all that we do, we also invite you to Glow With Us: get inspired, invest with us, blaze a new path towards our common goals. We are deeply honored by the examples below. For more about The Faris Foundation, visit our website: www.thefarisfoundation.org
ADVANCING RESEARCH | The Faris Foundation presents its inaugural Immunotherapy Scholar Award to Dr. Sujith Joseph and Dr. Meenakshi Hegde
A grant of $300,000 from The Faris Foundation will support Dr. Joseph’s research project “Developing Sarcoma-specific T-cell Platform for Grafting Chimeric Antigen Receptors.” Immunotherapy has revolutionized the way we think about and treat cancer; however, most research is focused on adults. Dr. Joseph’s groundbreaking project is designed to optimize the development and testing of new immunotherapeutic paradigms that could help treat and prevent the spread of cancer in children. These therapies are more personalized and carry a lower risk of treatment-related toxicity. Dr. Joseph will conduct his research in Dr. Hedge’s lab at Texas Children’s Cancer Center. We look forward to sharing updates with you from these scholars at the front lines – stay tuned! 

WORK IN PROGRESS | Art fairy 
We have been bubbling over with enthusiasm and excitement as we further develop and give shape to “Art Is My Life,” our signature creative arts program for children affected by cancer. As a pilot project at Texas Children’s Cancer Center, the program seeks to uniquely support an “Art Fairy” (art therapist) to foster creative community, hope, and joy with children and families at the Center. We invite you to share your input and insight with us in this planning process! Reach out to us at info@thefarisfoundation.org

SLAM DUNK SUCCESS | Rice University students raise over $18,000 for childhood cancer research through the school’s first-ever 3v3vCancer basketball tournament
In March, sports management students at Rice University organized an inaugural 3v3VCancer basketball tournament, the school’s first-ever fundraiser for childhood cancer research. 32 teams participated (with players from the Rice student body, faculty, and beyond), and the event raised over $18,000! These funds will directly support much-needed childhood cancer research at Texas Children’s Cancer and Hematology Centers. Once again, young people are leading way!

BEYOND SWEET | Creative kids set up a Milk and Cookie Stand, in support of The Faris Foundation
A truly magical Milk & Cookie Stand from two brothers, Kaden and Dean Vellani (ages 6 and 4), who decided that only 4% of our national cancer research budget going towards childhood cancer is NOT enough. And so they put into action their irresistible idea: a Milk & Cookies community event, which raised over $2000 that will go directly to improving the lives of children with cancer! Thank you to these amazing young leaders for making such a difference in the world, and for building momentum for more to come! Contact us if you would like to host your own Milk and Cookie Stand – it’s a delicious way to support us and the children and families we serve.

CELEBRATE EVERY HOLIDAY | Modern party supply store Emerson Sloan shines a light on childhood cancer 
We are so honored that Emerson Sloan chose to benefit The Faris Foundation, generously donating 10% of sales during the opening weekend of the store’s new Memorial location. Thank you to owner Kim Etheridge and her team for helping us brighten the lives of children with cancer!


Volunteer Opportunity
ART PARTY | Quarterly community engagement initiative sponsored by The Faris Foundation
When:
Friday, June 14 10:00am – 12:00pm
Where: Texas Children’s Cancer Center
RSVP: anjum@thefarisfoundation.org; space is limited and filling up fast!

Signing off with a Twinkling Thought 
“Like the mother of the world, touch each being as your beloved child.”
– Buddha

Gold Star
Goes to Tim Riesman, for sharing cool ideas and crafty projects to bring to kids at the cancer center.

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.