Over 500 guests celebrated the life of Gabriella Miller and raised over $55,000 for pediatric brain cancer research at the Inaugural ‘Cracking the Cure’ Gala held last Saturday, January 25th at the National Conference Center in Leesburg, Virginia. “It was very touching to have over 500 people come out to support our daughter’s memory and mission,” states Gabriella’s father, Mark Miller.
The fundraiser was Gabriella’s vision. Two days before she died, Gabriella told her Dad she wanted a Black, White & Pink party for her 11th birthday and if she didn't make it, she wanted people to make a donation to Smashing Walnuts. She continued that if she did make it, she wanted the presents. Within 8 short weeks, the ‘Cracking the Cure’ Gala became a reality. The evening included two galas, one especially for youth ages 9-18, “Cakes for a Cure” contest, music, dancing, gilded walnuts, prizes, lots of black, white and pink and of course a lot of smashing walnuts!
Larry Michael, the Voice of the Washington Redskins, served as Master of Ceremonies for the evening. Michael guiding the program which featured special memories and a call to action from Cindy Chambers, Author of Beamer Tell Me Town Books, Mathis Giordan, Mark and Ellyn Miller and a video message from Representative Eric Cantor. The most compelling remarks came from Gabriella’s Oncologist, Pediatric Neuro-Oncologist, Dr. Eugene Hwang and Dr. Javad Nazarian, Principal Investigator, Children’s Research Institute, both from Children’s National Medical Center. “Finally, with the help of Dr. Nazarian and his colleagues who are using exciting new technologies, breakthrough technologies,” stated Hwang, “We are starting to get hints on how to unlock this tragic puzzle.” Proceeds from the ‘Cracking the Cure’ Gala will go to pediatric brain cancer research.
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Ellyn Miller was moved by the commitment and compassion of those who attended, “It was a wonderful tribute to Gabriella, our family and the Smashing Walnuts Foundation to have so many people celebrate Gabriella’s life and our family goal to raise money and awareness for childhood brain cancer.”
For more information on the Smashing Walnuts Foundation, please go to www.smashingwalnuts.org. Follow us on twitter @smashingwalnuts and instragram @smashing_walnuts.
