October 2025 ✨ The Faris Foundation Quarterly

September 2025 Recap

“Don’t kids matter? Aren’t we important? When I grow up, I will let there be GOLD.” – Faris D. Virani

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, and this September was our shiniest yet!

Five Mothers Unite in First-Ever Collaboration to Fund $1.5 Million Groundbreaking Ewing Sarcoma Grant

In a powerful act of unity and determination, five mothers—each having lost a child to Ewing sarcoma—have come together to fund a $1.5 million, three-year research initiative focused specifically on advancing treatments and changing the future for children battling this aggressive pediatric cancer.

In the words of Asha J. Virani, MD, Mommy to Chief Angel Officer Faris D.: “Together, we bereaved mothers stand united in hope, determined to fuel the breakthroughs that will save other children from this elusive malady. I have no doubt that our angels have brought us together in this moment in time.” Read the full press release here.

The Faris Foundation Shines Bright at Houston Astros Charity Game

Thank you to super stellar first caller Hanna and base stealer Landon for representing Team TFF on the field at the September 3 Astros vs. Yankees game! The Faris Foundation was awarded $10,000 from the Astros Foundation in support of our mission, as the Share2Care charity of choice for that evening’s game.

Golden Celebrations

We continued our tradition of bringing GOLD parades, carnivals, art parties, and events of all kinds to 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, Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta, and for the first time, Kaiser Permanente Oakland and Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia.

10 Years of GOLD at Prime AT&T Stores!

For the past ten years, Prime AT&T stores have “Let There Be GOLD” every September to raise awareness around childhood cancer. It’s been an incredible decade of hope, ten Septembers of GOLD magic.

We are immensely grateful to the Prime leadership and team at 2,000+ stores nationwide who have dedicated their time, energy, and sparkling creativity to this cause. Thank you for advocating on behalf of children with cancer, and for galvanizing hundreds of thousands of customers to join in, whether through donations or other forms of participation. From spirit days and contests, to fundraisers and family events, Prime shines bright for children with cancer!

Golden Collaborations

Thank you to our partners across industries for bringing GOLD to your companies and customers! Our longstanding September in-store campaign with Sun Com Mobile continued this year at Cricket Wireless stores nationwide, and once again we partnered with hundreds of Wendy’s restaurants across Texas to offer FREE Frostys for year with the purchase of a $2 Let There Be GOLD wristband! For the second year in a row, our local Jersey Mike’s and Jet’s Pizza franchises recognized Childhood Cancer Awareness Month with Let There Be GOLD specials all month long. And we are honored to be the charity of choice for The Dinerstein Companies, bringing GOLD to their residential properties all year long.

Golden Community: Spotlight on Young Advocates!

Since 2019 (when they were just 7 and 5 years old), Kaden and Dean Vellani have held an annual fundraiser for The Faris Foundation. This year, their Milk and Cookies Stand raised over $12,000 just from cookie sales alone!

A sophomore at Memorial High School and co-owner of power washing company Memorial Glow, Gavin Sharpe donated 20% of his September earnings to The Faris Foundation.

We are incredibly grateful for and inspired by the golden generosity of these young leaders!

Threads of Gold

A collaboration between The Faris Foundation, Houston ISD Fine Arts Department, and Asia Society Texas Center, Threads of GOLD is our annual arts educator professional development workshop and student art exhibition that empowers K-12 students to raise awareness around childhood cancer, and gain first-hand experience in using art as form of social engagement and social change. For our 5th year, we expanded to FIVE new districts, thanks to the leadership of Dr. Chandel Bonner-Hancock of the Harris County Department of Education: Aldine, Alief, Fort Bend, Harris County Department of Education, and Pasadena! Mark your calendars for Threads of Gold Gallery Night at Asia Society Texas Center, on November 19, 2025.

On Air: Let There Be GOLD!

Opportunities to Shine Bright with The Faris Foundation!

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.