New Projects put HEADstrong into the Lime Light

(Holmes, PA) – The 5th Annual Lime Light Gala (LLG) on Friday, March 13th was a defining night for the HEADstrong Foundation™. The emotionally charged and inspiring event helped to celebrate “Real People” touched by cancer while supporting HEADstrong’s commitment to improving quality of life for those affected by the disease. The LLG gathered over 350 guests at the Hilton Philadelphia at Penn’s Landing and raised over $150,000 to support the organization.

The event included a silent auction and a spectacular dinner program featuring a special live performance from recording artist Amanda Nolan who sung her new single, entitled “HEADstrong”, inspired by HF founder Nicholas Colleluori.

Television host and broadcast journalist Dawn Stensland-Mendte, best known for her career of anchoring the news in Philadelphia served as emcee for the occasion.

The 5th Annual Lime Light Gala honored Sunita D. Nasta, MD, FACP, who serves as the Attending Physician of the University of Pennsylvania as well as the inspirational story of Leukemia patient and groundbreaking CART19 trial recipient, Marshall Jensen. Jensen was presented with the prestigious Nicholas E. Colleluori Award. The Nicholas E. Colleluori Award is presented annually to a survivor demonstrating heroics and perseverance in the fight against cancer.
Additionally, Rich Moses received HEADstrong’s Relentless Spirit Award, which is given to an ambassador of the organization, recognized for growing the mission, volunteerism, fundraising and supporting the cause.

During a very powerful and heartfelt address HEADstrong President and Nick’s Mom, Cheryl Colleluori seized the opportunity to introduce (3) new projects in addition to a commitment of a 13% increase in generosity across HEADstrong’s existing services.

Beginning this spring, HEADstrong will build upon their HEADtable program to serve outpatients in addition to serving those receiving inpatient care. The extension will provide fresh groceries to patients being discharged from lengthy hospital stays. Through a simple online application patients will be able to order groceries and have them delivered to their homes. This program is focused on reducing the risk of contracting airborne as well as foodborne illnesses to patients with a compromised immune system while filling a home with the comforts of a full refrigerator upon arriving home.

Also this spring, HEADstrong will begin providing once in a lifetime experiences and outlets of entertainment to patients and families who have been affected by the disease. Sporting events, concerts, trips and other performances will be offered through this new project. This Memorial Day HF™ will provide a complimentary catered suite for up to 15 patients and their families to be part of the NCAA Men’s Lacrosse Championship at Lincoln Financial Field. Partnerships with NCAA, Evolve IP, Stream Companies and Wilks Broadcast Group have helped to bring this project to life.

This May, HEADstrong will be launching a children’s book entitled, “Laced Together”. A story focused on the advertises and challenges that face two young brothers who must separate because of illness but find a way to stay connected through a shared pair of lime green shoelaces, both remaining brave and forever HEADstrong. The book will be used to target students and allow HF to expand their audience with proceeds benefitting families affected by pediatric cancers.

“On behalf of the HEADstrong Foundation and those affected by cancer we wish to extend our sincere appreciation and gratitude to everyone for believing in our mission, supporting our vision and helping us achieve success through attending, contributing or volunteering to the 5th annual Lime Light Gala. It was an incredible evening and the funds raised will allow us the ability to strengthen our commitment to improving quality of life for cancer patients and their families. It is a very exciting time for the HEADstrong Foundation as we continue to build upon and create new ways to serving those devastated by the disease. We constantly have our ear to physicians and the patient population as to how we can improve the patient experience and make life easier. Our new projects will be instrumental in assuring people that they are not alone in their fight and it is our privilege and honor to serve them.” Cheryl Colleluori, HF President and Nick’s Mom

Please visit, www.HEADstrong.org to learn more about how HEADstrong is improving the quality of life for cancer patients and their families.