Team Parker for Life gala aims to fund childhood cancer research and family aid

Team Parker for Life will host its 7th Annual Hearts of Gold Gala on Sept. 19 at Viejas Casino & Resort in Alpine, California, to raise money for childhood cancer research and direct aid to families in treatment. The nonprofit says it has raised $2.9 million overall and provided $90,900 in family grants in 2025 and 2026.

Why it matters: - Team Parker for Life is using gala fundraising to support both research and immediate family needs during childhood cancer treatment. - The nonprofit says those efforts are aimed at safer, less-toxic treatments and financial relief for parents facing rising costs while caring for a sick child. - Anonymous major donations, including the title sponsor, reflect a donor push to keep attention on children and families rather than recognition.

What happened: - Team Parker for Life will hold its 7th Annual Hearts of Gold Gala on Saturday, Sept. 19, from 5 to 11 p.m. at Viejas Casino & Resort, 5000 Willows Road, Alpine, California 91901. - Registration for the 2026 gala is closed. - The event will bring together families, businesses, community leaders and supporters. - The gala will feature a seated dinner, raffle, live auction and paddle raise.

The details: - Team Parker for Life began after Crystal Shaw and her son, Parker, faced Parker’s stage 4 neuroblastoma diagnosis in 2013. - Parker was 6 years old when persistent pain led to the diagnosis. - The cancer had spread extensively, including to 87% of Parker’s bone marrow. - Crystal Shaw and her husband, Dave, moved the family from San Diego to New York for specialized treatment and clinical options. - Parker went through chemotherapy, extensive surgery, radiation, immunotherapy and investigational treatments. - Parker is now a childhood cancer survivor. - Team Parker for Life says it has raised $2.9 million for childhood cancer research and clinical trials focused on better treatments. - The organization says it provided $90,900 in direct financial assistance grants in 2025 and 2026 to families with a child undergoing cancer treatment. - Supporters named in the release include Alliance Diversified, Cass Arrieta, Titan Steel and Ultra Engineering. - The organization says those sponsorships help fund both research and family assistance. - People who cannot attend can still support Team Parker for Life through a direct donation. - The organization directs interested supporters to the Team Parker for Life website for more information. - Media coverage of the gala is welcomed by advance arrangement, with interview opportunities available with Crystal Shaw, Parker, sponsors and supporters.

Between the lines: - The gala is as much about sustaining the mission as it is about one night of fundraising. - The organization frames childhood cancer as a two-front problem: better treatment options for the future and practical financial help for families now. - Crystal Shaw’s story gives the nonprofit a personal origin that can strengthen donor trust and community engagement. - Anonymous giving also suggests some donors want their support to be measured by impact, not visibility.

What's next: - Team Parker for Life will continue fundraising after the gala through donations and future Hearts of Gold events. - The organization is looking toward 2027 support while continuing to back research and clinical trials. - Crystal Shaw says the long-term goal is safer, more effective childhood cancer treatment that gives more children a chance to grow up.

The bottom line: - Team Parker for Life is turning one family’s cancer battle into ongoing support for research and for families still in the fight.