In a ballroom filled to capacity, the Pediatric Cancer Foundation of the Lehigh Valley raised $414,000 at their 2025 Hearts of Gold Gala March 22. Four hundred guests and supporters enjoyed cocktails, dinner, dancing and a live auction of children’s artwork conducted by auctioneer Jason Douglas Houser.

The nonprofit’s sold-out fundraiser was again hosted at the Centennial Catering and Conference Center in Center Valley.

“Our hearts go out to those families,” said PCFLV Executive Director Michelle Zenie Rounds as she listed 32 children facing a new cancer diagnosis and five children experiencing relapses. “This one was a big one for us this year,” she said. “We have had four kiddos, all of them happen to be teenaged girls, diagnosed with a secondary cancer.” The evening’s guest speaker is one of them.

Zenie Rounds also honored the memories of the four young patients who lost their battles against cancer. They were Jacob Ellis, Naimlynne Kirk, Kylie Schneider and David Woolfolk.

Emceeing the gala were Lehigh Valley Sports Turf owner Jeanie DiFulvio and real estate broker Ryan Dietrick.

“Tonight I will leave you with the words that Hannah Montana taught me as a little kid,,” remarked two-time cancer warrior Vanessa Stauffer serving as guest speaker, “’There’s always gonna be another mountain. I’m always gonna wanna make it move.’”

Stauffer shared her recent battle with stage 3 colon cancer. The recipient of a PCFLV scholarship, she attended Kutztown University in fall 2024 as an Elementary Education major. Only four weeks into her first year at college, the 18-year-old suffered from an intestinal blockage and received the life-altering diagnosis.

“I was in shock. I then looked at my mom, who was also in shock,” says Stauffer. “I looked at her and said, ‘How hard can it be to beat this? I’ve done it before.’ And then the two of us had a good cry.” Vanessa is the daughter of PCFLV Fundraising Manager Tracy Stauffer.

As a toddler, the brave young lady was diagnosed with cancer in her spine and brain. “After 10 years of treatment, I stopped receiving chemo,” Stauffer recalled. “I remember that day … it was Dec. 12, 2017.”

Having undergone colon surgery this time leaving her with a stoma, Stauffer spoke about dealing with a 12-round chemotherapy regimen. She expressed hope that after the last treatment, the doctors will be able to reconnect her large intestine.

“My plan is to return to Kutztown in the Fall,” Stauffer said with determination.

The Fogelsville resident’s “The Climb,” Stauffer’s creative contribution to the art auction fetched $35,000 as auctioneer Jason Douglas Houser started the bidding. The winning bid was awarded to President Dennis Hower of Teamsters Local #773 based in Whitehall. It was the most paid for an auction item that evening.

(As of July, Stauffer is doing well. Her determination and perseverance has paid off. Having finished her treatment, and having the stoma reversed and a port removed, her family has reported, “She will be returning to Kutztown University in August.”)

This year’s Heart of a Warrior Award was bestowed upon Bill and Karen Paules from Angel Tree Farms in Alburtis for their unwavering support of families affected by pediatric cancer.

Lilly Moss Hercik provided musical entertainment. The Lehigh Valley-based singer-songwriter is a survivor of Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia. Born and raised in Bethlehem, she attends Lafayette College.

As presenting sponsor, Lehigh Valley Reilly Children’s Hospital President Anne Baum welcomed all as they sat down to dinner.

Additional sponsors for the evening‘s event, included Rob and Kristen Bennett, Teamsters Local #773, FGX Creative, Ai Orthodontics, Structural Metal Fabricators, Schearer’s European Automotive Sales & Service, Jaindal Family of Companies and MCIT.

The Pediatric Cancer Foundation of the Lehigh Valley provides free programming and services to local children with cancer and their families.

PCFLV is located at 4501 Crackersport Road, Allentown. Information: 484-221-9294; pcflv.org