The Faris Foundation Quarterly
Summer 2023
Summer of Good JuJu
The Faris Foundation Good JuJu Program
“Always give love.” – Faris D. Virani
When Faris was diagnosed with a rare form of bone cancer at the tender age of 6, he received many gifts from his friends and family while in the hospital. Instead of keeping the gifts for himself, Faris (whose nickname is JuJu) wanted to share them with his floor mates on the children’s cancer unit. With his chemo pole in tow, Faris went from room to room giving gifts, thereby spreading “Good JuJu.”
We continue our Chief Angel Officer’s legacy of love and generosity through our Good JuJu program. Our Good JuJu Care Packages are carefully curated, uniquely personalized, and delivered with love to children with cancer across the country. Here’s how you can help us spread Good JuJu this summer!
DIY Wrapping Paper
The perfect summer activity for kids (and adults) of all ages! Grab your art supplies and decorate wrapping paper for our care packages!
Join or Host a Wrap Party
We bring the gifts and the supplies, and you and your guests wrap the packages. A magical and meaningful way to spend time together!
Contact Tiffany Talbert to learn more and get involved.
Sponsor a Care Package
Make a child’s day brighter by sponsoring a Good JuJu Care Package for $200.
Sponsor a care packageRequest a Care Package
Do you know a child with cancer? We’d love to send a Good JuJu Care Package on your behalf.
Request a Care PackageRun the Chevron Houston Marathon with The Faris Foundation
January 13-14, 2024
“How can I not run when there are children who are fighting for their lives every day?” – Dr. Susan Blaney
Director of Texas Children’s Cancer Center; Board Member at The Faris Foundation
The Faris Foundation is proud to be an official charity partner for the 2024 Chevron Houston Marathon. We are looking for runners with golden hearts to join our team and advance our mission to bring brighter days and better treatments to children with cancer. We also have opportunities for corporate sponsors to join us in this effort.
Whether you’re a seasoned runner looking to add more meaning to your miles, or just lacing up for the first time, there’s a place for you on our team! With each mile run, and every dollar raised, you’ll be helping kids get to the finish line – and The Faris Foundation will be supporting you every step of the way. Register now to secure your spot in the full marathon, half marathon, or 5k race.
For more information, contact Carrie Hassall.
Run With The Faris FoundationThe Faris Foundation Brighter Days Golf Classic
October 16, 2023
Swing to bring brighter brighter days to children with cancer! Join us for a day of golf, fellowship, and fun, all for a golden cause at our 3rd annual golf tournament in Sugar Land, Texas. The past two years have been completely sold out, so secure your sponsorship today! We can’t wait to see which team will win this year’s coveted Gold Jacket!
Golf With The Faris FoundationRecent Highlights
The Faris Foundation Art Studio at Texas Children’s Cancer Center opened in February 2023, and features an original mural titled “Flow,” by Minneapolis-based artist Ashley Mary. Patients, families, and staff celebrated the studio’s grand opening at an Art Party facilitated by Jen Sullivan, The Faris Foundation Art Therapist at Texas Children’s Cancer Center. Jen will continue utilizing the studio as a space for creativity, community, and healing.
The Faris Foundation Mobile Recording Studio at MD Anderson Children’s Cancer Hospital was unveiled on World Music Therapy Day (March 1). Under the direction of Melissa Melo, The Faris Foundation Music Therapist at MD Anderson Children’s Cancer Hospital, the studio allows patients to access a variety of music recording tools right from their room, including a microphone, keyboard and DJ pad.
Congratulations to all of the Houston ISD student artists whose work was featured in the Threads of Gold installation at 609 Main St. in downtown Houston! With hundreds of individuals passing through each day, the exhibition raised much-needed awareness around childhood cancer and showcased the power of young artists to create social change.
Threads of Gold is a collaboration between The Faris Foundation, Asia Society Texas Center, and the HISD Fine Arts Department. An annual arts educator professional development workshop and student art exhibition, Threads of Gold reaches 300 teachers and over 200,000 students across Houston.
Signing off with a Twinkling Thought
“Even
After
All this time
The Sun never says to the Earth,
“You owe me.”
Look
What happens
With a love like that,
It lights the whole sky.”
– Hafiz
Gold Star
Goes to Trevor Weerasinghe, a golden volunteer who always embodies the “Good JuJu” spirit and ensures each care package is delivered safely and on time. His heart is full of love and we are so luck to have him share it with us!
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.