The Pediatric Cancer Foundation of the Lehigh Valley raised $350,000 at their 2026 Hearts of Gold Gala March 21. In a ballroom filled to capacity, nearly 350 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.

“The building that we purchased in 2024 has been transforming before our eyes into a true home for our local pediatric cancer community,” announced PCFLV Executive Director Michelle Zenie Rounds. The new addition will serve as a “family room” where they all can gather to “smile together, laugh together, even cry together.”

She encouraged attendees to donate to the capital campaign “to bring that space to life.”

Zenie Rounds listed 35 children facing a new cancer diagnosis and four children experiencing relapses. Another child recently received a secondary cancer diagnosis. (Since that evening, there has been an additional death, and another new cancer diagnosis reported by PCFLV.)

“Unfortunately, we’ve had to embrace three families who lost children this year,” sadly remarked Zenie Rounds. The patients who lost their battles against cancer were Riley at age 13, Penny at 19 and Seana at 25.

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

Guest speaker Andrew Ellis, paid loving tribute to his 15-year-old son, Jacob Ellis who lost his battle with Rhabdomyosarcoma on June 19, 2024. The Upper Macungie Township resident described how the rapidly-advancing cancer was diagnosed in February 2024 when Jacob began suffering from excruciating back pain. This rare type of cancer starts as a growth of cells in soft tissue and primarily affects children and teens.

Jacob was described as a “thrill seeker” who enjoyed skiing and especially riding roller coasters. He also “loved to build things” with his 3D printer and laser engraver. Ellis related how his late son was a Cubs fan and an avid dog lover who adored his family’s adopted and fostered rescue dogs.

“Our first encounter with PCFLV was during Jacob’s first outpatient chemo appointment at the clinic,” said Ellis. “They gave us a ‘journey bag,’ a canvas tote bag embroidered with the PCFLV logo and the words “Warrior Family” on it.” Ellis was grateful for the comfort items, gift cards and helpful information stuffed in the bag. He gratefully spoke about the grief counseling available through PCFLV to his family and others who lost their young loved ones to cancer. “Even though Jacob is no longer with us, our pediatric cancer journey continues and PCFLV continues to walk alongside us providing strength and hope.”

“Roller Coaster of Cancer,” a mosaic created by Ellis’ 16-year-old daughter, Lilah in memory of her brother Jacob, fetched $21,000 as auctioneer Jason Douglas Houser started the bidding during the evening’s live art auction. The winning bid was awarded to Ross Born, who retired as CEO of Just Born in 2021. It was the most paid for an auction item that evening. Born and his wife Wendy are the maternal grandparents of Lilah and Jacob.

This year’s Heart of a Warrior Award was bestowed upon Anne Baum for her continued support of families affected by pediatric cancer. The inaugural president of Lehigh Valley Reilly Children’s Hospital stepped down from her position in October 2025.

Hellertown-based trio, GT3 Jazz Standards provided musical entertainment.

Representing the presenting sponsor, Lehigh Valley Reilly Children’s Hospital, part of Jefferson Health, Dr. Nathan Hagstrom, welcomed attendees as they sat down to dinner.

Among the additional sponsors for the evening’s event are Rob and Kristen Bennett, Teamsters Local #773, FGX Creative, Ai Orthodontics, Structural Metal Fabricators, New Heights Roofing LLC, Jaindl Family of Companies, AmericaVen, Deitrick Real Estate and Mercer Advisors.

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

The PCFLV 2026 Luau On The Links Golf Outing scholarship fund fundraiser is scheduled for May 15.

PCFLV is located at 4501 Crackersport Road, Allentown. For information call 484-221-9294 or visit pcflv.org.