Bryan County Hosts 2023 'Catie's Gathering' Fundraiser For CURE Childhood Cancer

SAVANNAH, Ga. - Nov. 20, 2023 - PRLog -- CURE Childhood Cancer, the only organization providing financial and emotional support to local children and families while raising funds to further critical research specifically for pediatric oncology, held its Catie's Gathering dinner and auction at the Bryan County Elementary School, 250 Payne Dr., Pembroke, Ga.

Catie's Gathering is an inspiring series of fundraising events held in different locations around the state throughout the year. This year's Bryan County Catie's Gathering started with a lively hour of music as guests check out beautifully decorated themed tables. As always, there was a live and silent auction and raffle.

New to Catie's Gathering programming was the debut of CURE video stories. Attendees watched the story of a brave child and family battling cancer and learned how CURE offers aid and comfort while they are being treated, as well as funding research efforts to bring an end to childhood cancer.

"We appreciate the support from everyone in the Bryan County community. They came out with their whole heart. I'm so impressed with their compassion for our cause, and the hard work going into organizing this event," said Jenny Wilkins, Development Director, Events for CURE.

Since its inception, Catie's Gathering has expanded from one to five event locations in South Georgia. In addition to Bryan County, Catie's Gatherings are also held in Savannah, Effingham County, Moultrie and Statesboro.

"Each Catie's Gathering is a special event, and the response and generosity has been overwhelming," said Mandy Garola, vice president of CURE in South Georgia. "I'm constantly inspired by the passion of our volunteers and the communities where we hold Catie's Gatherings. The response is wonderful year after year."

CURE Childhood Cancer is working for a cure by funding research exclusively for childhood cancer and supporting families affected by the disease. Childhood cancers differ from adult cancers in the way they grow and spread, how they are treated, and how they respond to treatment. Every year, more than 17,000 children in the United States are diagnosed with cancer, and incidence rates are increasing every year. Despite cancer being the leading cause of death by disease in children, only six cancer drugs have been developed and approved specifically for children in the last 25 years.

Funds raised at Catie's Gatherings are invested in CURE's research initiatives – specifically the Precision Medicine Program, which focuses on individualized treatments based on each child's genetic makeup. The funds also offer general support to patients and their families.

"Precision Medicine is making a transformative change," Wilkins added. "Discovering the driving forces behind a child's cancer through genetic testing opens up opportunities for targeted treatment decisions."

Badger Rentals is sponsoring the 2023 Catie's Gathering Bryan County. Additional sponsors include CUB Enterprise, Industrial Technical Coatings, and Playing for Parker.