Dallas parents launched the Children’s Cancer Fund in 1982 after seeing their own children undergo cancer treatment at Children’s Medical Center. Over four decades the nonprofit has contributed $15 million to pediatric cancer research and care, partnering with Children’s Health and UT Southwestern Medical Center.
2027 Fashion Show & Gala
The organization’s 37th annual Fashion Show & Gala is scheduled for Friday, April 9, 2027, at the Hilton Anatole Dallas. Dave and Leigh Anne Clark will chair the event, while former Dallas Cowboys quarterback Troy Aikman and current quarterback Dak Prescott serve as honorary chairmen.
For the Clarks, the cause is personal. About ten years ago a young cousin of Leigh Anne was diagnosed with cancer, exposing how little research funding is earmarked specifically for children. “We saw how it changed life for him, his parents and everyone close to them,” the Clarks told Local Profile. “Only a small share of cancer research money goes to children. Many kids receive adult treatments in smaller doses. That’s when we decided this was a place we could help.”
Local Impact and Family Support
The fund’s Dallas‑centric approach means money raised locally fuels research at nearby hospitals, allowing donors to see doctors and labs firsthand. “Some of the best children’s hospitals in the country are right here. Money raised in Dallas funds research that helps kids in Dallas,” the Clarks said. “Children need treatments designed for their bodies, and that research needs steady funding.”
Beyond research, the fund recognizes that a cancer diagnosis strains the entire family. Parents may need to leave work, siblings can feel overlooked, and young patients miss school and friends. CCF bridges those gaps with programs and social events that bring families together during treatment. “They tell jokes, make friends with their nurses and ask when they can go back to school,” the Clarks observed. “Meeting these families has changed how we see hard days. They’re harder than most people will ever know, and they still find reasons to smile.”
Why Steady Effort Matters
Dave Clark, now a data‑strategy executive at Auger, likens the fight against childhood cancer to long‑term business goals: “Hard problems take years of steady work. You pick a goal, track your progress and keep going. Curing childhood cancer won’t happen in one year. CCF has shown up every year for more than four decades. I want to help it keep going.”
Leigh Anne Clark adds that she looks for teams with clear purpose and genuine heart. “Whether it’s fashion, art or medicine, I look for a team with real heart and a clear purpose. CCF has all of that. The people there care deeply about every child and family they serve, and I’m proud to stand with them.”
Fashion Show Highlights
The gala’s fashion show features young patients walking the runway alongside celebrity guests and sports figures, giving attendees a personal view of the fight. “The gala and the fashion walk put these kids on the stage. For a few minutes, a room full of people sees their strength up close,” the Clarks said. They hope first‑time attendees will become long‑term supporters.
How to Attend
Tickets are available through the Children’s Cancer Fund website. Proceeds will support pediatric cancer research and patient‑care programs throughout North Texas. “We want this to be CCF’s biggest year yet,” the Clarks said. “We hope new guests leave as lifelong supporters. Long‑term, we want more treatments designed for children, and every family in North Texas facing childhood cancer to know CCF is there for them.”
Original reporting: Local Profile (DFW) — read the source article.
