Gold Rush Cure Foundation Shines at CureFest 2025

This September, during Childhood Cancer Awareness Month, the Gold Rush Cure Foundation was proud to participate in CureFest, an annual advocacy event in Washington, D.C. CureFest brings together the childhood cancer community—including families, researchers, and public officials—to advocate for increased funding for research, education, awareness, and more effective treatments for childhood cancers.

The event featured inspiring speakers, engaging performances, and the moving shoe memorial, honoring children whose lives were lost to cancer. Each element of CureFest is designed to shine a light on the chronic underfunding of childhood cancer research while fostering hope, solidarity, and support within the community.

We were thrilled to host a table at the Meet & Greet, an informal gathering of childhood cancer families and advocates. The event was full of energy, featuring sponsor tents, foundation tables, bereavement support, kids’ activities, face painting, and more. Our team had the wonderful opportunity to connect with other foundation members, meet families, and strengthen relationships within our community.

Highlights of the afternoon included two families sharing their memories of receiving their Pot of Gold delivery and how much it meant to them. They shared photos and memories of the delivery and let us know that their cancer hero was still using the items received from the delivery. Seeing them and one of the children we delivered to thriving that night made our hearts full.

A special thank you goes to UNREAL Candy for sending the treats and providing healthier versions of treats for attendees. The kids loved it, and it was heartwarming to see the smiles all around.

Events like CureFest remind us why the work we do is so important. It’s always a joy to see families come together, share stories, support one another, and raise awareness for childhood cancer. We left inspired and more committed than ever to advancing research, hope, and care for children and families affected by cancer.