DALLAS (April 21, 2026) – Children’s Cancer Fund’s 36th Annual “Unbridled Courage” Gala, presented by Dillard’s, brought together more than 1,000 guests at the Hilton Anatole Dallas on Friday, April 17 for an evening defined by courage, community, and impact. The sold-out event raised a record-breaking $4 million to benefit pediatric cancer research and treatment programs at Children’s HealthSM and UT Southwestern. The night was led by Honorary Chairs Troy Aikman and Dak Prescott, alongside Gala Chairs Kasey Lemkin and Bina Palnitkar, and brought together patient families, survivors, and supporters to celebrate the strength of the children at the heart of the mission.
The evening began with a VIP reception sponsored by the Texas Stock Exchange and a lively silent auction, setting a celebratory tone. Following dinner, guests turned their attention to the runway for the night’s most anticipated moment, an inspiring fashion show featuring 18 pediatric cancer patients, ages 5 to 15, showcasing their strength and sense of style in outfits provided by Dillard’s. Joining them on the runway were special guests including Tony Romo, Kenny Cooper Jr., and Bridget Bahl, among others. The evening also marked 27 years of dedicated support from Aikman and Prescott’s fourth year serving as Honorary Chair, a reflection of their enduring commitment to Children’s Cancer Fund.
“This year’s theme of ‘Unbridled Courage’ is more than a theme — it’s a reflection of the extraordinary strength these children and families show every day,” said Children’s Cancer Fund Chief Executive Officer Jennifer Arthur. “To see our community come together and raise a record-breaking $4 million is both humbling and inspiring, and it brings us one step closer to funding life-saving research and providing critical support for those facing pediatric cancer.”
Troy Aikman and Dak Prescott carried forward the “Quarterbacks for a Cure” tradition, first established by Roger Staubach in support of Children’s Cancer Fund. Staubach served as Honorary Gala Chair from the event’s inception before passing the torch to Prescott in 2022.
“Being a parent now, you empathize with the parents,” Dallas Cowboys Quarterback Dak Prescott said. “Before, my perspective was just through the eyes of the kid — can I make them happy, can I lighten their day, give them a moment outside the adversity they’re going through? Now it’s the parents, too. When I meet them, I try to give them just as much love, because losing my mom to cancer, I understand that sometimes the parents need the same support as the patients. Whether it’s a hug, a smile, a donation, or just being there — it all matters.”
The children who walked the runway on gala night included: 15-year-old Briana Nathalie Adame of Dallas; 15-year-old Sophie Deslatte of White Oak; 11-year-old Annamarie Emerson of Reno; 12-year-old Liam Yoel Eugenio Lara of Mesquite; 7-year-old Ivory Green of Rowlett; 7-year-old Leone Hernandez Pinilla of Plano; 5-year-old Lincoln Jones of Dallas; 14-year-old Jakyrin Jones of Forney; 7-year-old Everly Kurek of Dallas; 7-year-old Christian Leo Lopez of Greenville; 11-year-old Stella Luna of Corsicana; 7-year-old Addison Molden of Frisco; 9-year-old Adeline Neinast of Longview; 10-year-old Raegan Parker of Coppell; 9-year-old Tamara Reyes of Grand Prairie; 9-year-old Victoria Roca of Allen; 6-year-old Wyatt Vaughan of Royse City; and 6-year-old JJ Vuchansu Jr. of Anna.
“I think being the Cowboys quarterback, being an NFL player, puts you in a position to help others,” Hall of Fame Quarterback Troy Aikman said. “There are so many players around the league who give back to their communities, and they take that responsibility seriously. There’s a legacy with Cowboys quarterbacks, especially with this event and the Children’s Cancer Fund. Roger was the right guy. I hope I was when he asked me. And I know Dak is. He represents himself, the organization, and everything good about it — and I’m thrilled he’s carrying that legacy forward.”
“Serving as Gala Chair for ‘Unbridled Courage’ was an incredible honor,” said Bina Palnitkar, 2026 Gala Chair. “The night was a powerful reflection of what can happen when a community comes together in support of such a meaningful cause. Seeing it all culminate in a record-breaking $4 million raised is incredible, and a true testament to the generosity and compassion behind Children’s Cancer Fund.” “‘Unbridled Courage’ was a celebration of the strength and resilience of the children and families we serve,” said Kasey Lemkin, 2026 Gala Chair. “It has been a privilege to be part of an evening that not only raised a record-breaking $4 million, but also brought hope and awareness to the fight against pediatric cancer.”
