Lineup (in order of appearance):
- Tammi & Jason Carr, founders of The ChadTough Foundation
- Lloyd Carr, former UM football coach and Chad’s Papa
- Jace Ward, DIPG warrior
- Dick Vitale, childhood cancer research advocate and sportscaster
- John Beilein, basketball coach
- Mitch Albom, DIPG parent, sportscaster, and author
- Sophie & Kim Varney, DIPG warrior and parent
- Brandon Inge & Don Kelly, MLB personalities
- Dr. Carl Koschmann & Dr. Mark Souweidane, DIPG researchers
- Chase Winovich, NFL player
- Wyatt & Chrissy Rodart, DIPG warrior and parent
It will be an evening of stories from some of the foundation’s biggest supporters, as well as an opportunity to learn more about the devastating disease that took the life of 5-year-old Chad Carr 5 years ago.
While most of the world has been put on pause, we find ourselves in a particularly challenging spot. So many of our supporters are facing personal health and/or economic struggles – businesses that have supported us, especially small businesses, are facing extreme hardships – and yet kids continue to get diagnosed with DIPG during this global crisis. Which means families continue to feel desperate for a successful treatment plan. We feel compelled to keep our promise to the children lost to DIPG to the best of our ability. We will continue to inspire and fund game-changing research on DIPG. That’s why we decided to come together and create the very first virtual event on behalf of those fighting this terrible disease.
The date of the event is significant to The ChadTough Foundation for a number of reasons. May 17 is DIPG Awareness Day – a day intended to raise public awareness of the deadliest form of pediatric brain cancer. The annual Champions for Change Gala, which brings nearly 1,000 people together to raise money for pediatric brain cancer and is the largest fundraiser for the foundation each year, was originally scheduled for that same weekend but was cancelled due to COVID-19. It also marks the 16th birthday of brain cancer warrior Sophie Varney, who has been battling DIPG for the last 17 months. Lastly, May 17 is also the one-year anniversary of 21-year-old Jace Ward’s diagnosis. He has bravely spent the last year fighting to raise awareness of the deadly disease.
