MIAMI, May 22, 2013 /PRNewswire/ --On Saturday, May 18, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital® celebrated the 11th annual FedEx/St. Jude Angels & Stars Gala presented by Manuel and Mercedes Mosteiro at the JW Marriott Marquis in Miami.
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The gala benefitted the children of St. Jude and its International Outreach Program (IOP), which aims to improve the survival rates of children with cancer and other deadly illnesses worldwide through the sharing of research and technology. IOP has 20 affiliate clinics in 14 countries, including Brazil, Chile, China, Costa Rica and Mexico.
"Thanks to our generous supporters, the FedEx/St. Jude Angels & Stars Gala had another successful year. The funds raised during the event will help St. Jude Children's Research Hospital stay focused on its mission of finding cures and saving children, while ensuring that no family ever pays St. Jude for anything, " said Richard Shadyac Jr., CEO of ALSAC/St. Jude Children's Research Hospital. "Families never receive a bill from St. Jude for treatment, travel, housing or food, meaning our families can focus on what matters most: their child."
The honoree was Don Shula, longtime coach of the Miami Dolphins and Hall of Fame member, who received the 2013 "St. Jude Al-Rashid Hope Award" for his life-long commitment to helping the community and his unparalleled contributions to the National Football League.
"St. Jude Children's Research Hospital is a special place for children with cancer, and I was honored to be a part of such an exceptional night celebrating the work of this hospital in the U.S. and around the world," said Shula. "I have been involved with St. Jude over the years, and I am proud to support this winning team of doctors and nurses who dedicate their lives to saving children who are so in need."
Gala co-founder Daisy Fuentes welcomed more than 700 guests to the star-studded event, which included a live performance by Latin Grammy Award-winning singer and multi-platinum artist Carlos Vives. Joining them were award presenters Pamela Silva Conde, Alberto Sardinas, Julian Gil, Raul Gonzalez and Sonya Smith.
Other Latin artists and celebrities in attendance included: Luis Fonsi, Agueda Lopez, Alejandro Chaban, Alexandra Pomales, Ambar, Andrea Chediak, Candela Ferro, Claudia Helena Vasquez, Felicia Mercado, Irma Martinez, Khotan, Leslie Grace, Maripily Rivera, Mauricio Henao, Mauro Mendez, Dr. Nancy Alvarez, Rashel Diaz, Ricardo Chavez, Roberto Manrique, Roberto Tapia, Rodner Figueroa, Vanessa Hauc, among others.
"Every year the FedEx/St. Jude Angels and Stars Gala highlights the amazing work that St. Jude does in countries around the world, especially in Latin America," said Daisy Fuentes, Gala co-founder. "This stellar event is a celebration of its research discoveries because one child saved at St. Jude will save thousands more around the world."
Working together under one roof, St. Jude physicians and scientists have pioneered treatments that have increased the survival rates of pediatric cancer to help children like 5-year-old Izarah. She beat acute lymphoblastic leukemia, the most common form of childhood cancer, and attended the gala with her family to share her survival story. She dreams of competing in the Olympics as a gymnast one day.
This year's Gala sponsors included: FedEx Express, Manuel & Mercedes Mosteiro, Pollo Campero, Carnival, Andres Asion Foundation, Anthony R. Abraham Foundation, Del Monte, Fahad Al-Rashid, Herman and Alexia Echevarria, Pacific Cable Television, Inc., Tony Tamer, Visa, Byblos Group, DDB Latina, Ernst & Young, Fortune Realty, Grupo Akkar, International Dermatology, John Sessa Bulldozing, Inc., Leon Medical Centers, Master Card, Perry Ellis, Shula Enterprises, Summit Brokerage, Coors Light, Tito's Handmade Vodka, Brugal Dry Rum, Cutty Sark Blended Scotch Whiskey, Souberville Bros., Riazul Premium Tequila, Ocean Drive Magazine, Selecta Magazine, Amor 107.5 FM, Mix 98.3 FM, Radio Mambi 710 AM, Univision America 1140 AM, The Dream Team Agency and Noiseworks Media.
About St. Jude Children's Research Hospital
Since opening more than 50 years ago, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital has changed the way the world treats childhood cancer and other life-threatening diseases. No family ever pays St. Jude for the care their child receives and, for every child treated here, thousands more have been saved worldwide through St. Jude discoveries. The hospital has played a pivotal role in pushing U.S. pediatric cancer survival rates from 20 to 80 percent overall, and is the first and only National Cancer Institute-designated Comprehensive Cancer Center devoted solely to children. It is also a leader in the research and treatment of blood disorders and infectious diseases in children. St. Jude was founded by the late entertainer Danny Thomas, who believed that no child should die in the dawn of life. Join that mission by visiting stjude.org or following us on facebook.com/stjude and twitter.com/stjude.
SOURCE St. Jude Children's Research Hospital
