When Nicole and Mike Giroux’s daughter, Lila, was 15 months old, she was diagnosed with inoperable brain cancer, and her world began to fill with a myriad of toxic treatments.
A week into the treatment the Silver Spring, MD, mother realized the lack of safe medical options for children with brain cancer, and she vowed to use her event-planning skills to spring into action. In 2011, these loving parents started the nonprofit Lilabean Foundation for Pediatric Brain Cancer Research (LBF), named after their daughter’s affectionate nickname.
The purpose is to fund cutting-edge research, raise awareness for pediatric brain cancer, and improve survival rates for children battling the disease.
The first fundraiser, held in their backyard, raised $20,000. Today, the nonprofit has raised more than $5.5 million and has its sights set on reaching $6 million by the end of 2024. The additional proceeds from its 13th annual Fall Ball fundraiser will be held on Saturday, Nov. 2, 2024. This premier fundraising event is dedicated to advancing research and raising awareness for pediatric brain cancer.
This year, the Fall Ball is relocating downtown to a larger venue, The Schuyler at the Hamilton Hotel. The Lilabean Foundation (LBF) welcomes back Tommy McFly as the emcee, and this year’s keynote speaker is Dr. Kurt Newman, the President Emeritus of Children’s National Hospital, renowned surgeon, author, and leading expert in pediatric health as well as Dr. Brian Rood, Medical Director of Children’s National Hospital’s Brain Tumor Institute. The keynote will be followed by the 12th annual presentation of the Jack Purssord Courage Award.
The Fall Ball is a highlight of the year for LBF, bringing together community leaders, supporters, and advocates for a night of elegance and purpose. This year’s event will include an evening of cocktails, a gourmet dinner, silent and live auctions, live music, and dancing.
For those who are unaware, pediatric brain tumors, the deadliest form of cancer in children, remain a critical concern, with over 5,000 children diagnosed each year in the United States alone. These tumors, which are abnormal masses in a child’s brain, have become the leading cause of cancer-related deaths in children ages 10 and younger. With more than 30 different types of pediatric brain tumors, ongoing research is essential but often challenging due to its complexity and cost.
LBF was established with the mission of funding vital research to combat pediatric brain cancer and to raise public awareness of this devastating disease. By supporting innovative and conventional research efforts, LBF aims to improve treatment outcomes and quality of life for affected children and their families.
“Fall Ball is the heart of LBF’s events,” said Nicole Giroux, the founder and executive director of LBF. “Each year, I am honored to see the LBF community unite at this special occasion, surpassing our fundraising goals and supporting crucial advancements in childhood brain cancer research.”
The proceeds from the Fall Ball will directly support cutting-edge research projects aimed at discovering new treatments and improving survival rates for children battling brain cancer.
“We are proud to say that if Lila were diagnosed today, her first line of treatment would look completely different than it did 15 years ago.”
Over the years, Lila responded well to the many treatment protocols and is now a happy 16-year-old sophomore who enjoys singing in her school choir, playing Pickleball, the music of Taylor Swift, and her family, including her older brother who is now in college.
Her proud mom says that Lila “is a very bright light, who has a tremendous grace about her, and abundant resilience.”
In addition to raising money, Nicole Giroux said that walking with families whose children are going through their own debilitating cancer battles has become a vital part of her family’s journey.
Joe and Alyssa Zachmann have been involved with LBF for several years because of their daughter Kasey’s pediatric brain cancer diagnosis, who they refer to as a hero.
“We are constantly inspired by Kasey, and know her story will inspire others. We wish that Kasey didn’t have to be so brave,” says Alyssa, “and we are thankful for the Lilabean Foundation for fighting for a future where Kasey, and kids like her, can just be kids.”
Mom Meg Cortezi, who also refers to her son Ben, as a hero, knows the importance of LBF. “When I think about what the Lilabean Foundation does when it comes to raising money for research, to me, there’s nothing more important than that. My hope is kids like Ben and Lila will not have to go through what our children experienced.”
Lila’s loving parents cannot underestimate LBF’s impact on the community and what it means to her and her family to have been involved in the lives of so many inspiring families.
“It’s an honor to do this work and to know these courageous people. It’s not under the circumstances that we want to know one another, but I find it a privilege to go on this journey with these families in such an intimate way,” says Nicole.
“The focus and mission of the organization continues to be to fund research to find better treatment options for children with brain cancer, and hopefully a cure,” Nicole adds. “I feel blessed, and I am humbled by what we have achieved, and look forward to making more of an impact in the future. It is wonderful to be able to turn something difficult into something hopeful and positive.”
For additional information about the 13th Annual LBF Fall Ball, please visit https://www.lilabeanfoundation.com/fallball2024
About The Lilabean Foundation:
The Lilabean Foundation for Pediatric Brain Cancer Research (LBF) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to funding research and raising awareness for pediatric brain cancer. Founded with the goal of accelerating breakthroughs in treatment and improving the quality of life for affected children, LBF supports innovative research and fosters collaboration within the medical community. For more information, visit https://www.lilabeanfoundation.com/ or follow LBF on Instagram @thelilabeanfoundation.