Inaugural Hope & Heroes Fashion Challenge to support Columbia University Medical Center
Represented by For Momentum LLC.
The New York fashion industry is working together to provide hope, inspiration and needed funds for thousands of children and families facing pediatric cancer each year.
Starting today the public can visit https://hopeandheroes.org/fashion-challenge/ to preview custom-designed hospital gowns, donate money and vote for their favorite gown all in support of Hope & Heroes, a nonprofit organization which supports life-saving work for children with cancer and blood disorders at Columbia University Medical Center (CUMC).
CUSTOM HOSPITAL GOWN DESIGNS
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Children undergoing cancer treatment must spend long periods of time in the hospital wearing the same traditional, drab hospital gown. In recognition of National Childhood Cancer Awareness Month in September, Hope & Heroes challenged the fashion industry to use their talents to re-imagine the next generation of hospital gowns and bring joy to these patients, all while helping to raise awareness and support for a cure.
“Every year, thousands of families face a devastating childhood cancer diagnosis. We work with the highly-skilled and compassionate team of doctors, researchers and staff at Columbia to create an exceptional treatment experience—one that gives children the very best chance to overcome their disease but also allows them to experience as much of their childhoods as possible,” said Bob Bomersbach, executive director of Hope & Heroes. “The Hope & Heroes Fashion Challenge brings imagination, new resources and hope to our work and we are deeply grateful for the designers, brands and students that have leant their time and talent to this important cause.”
Noteworthy designer Heidi Weisel developed a hospital gown design as part of the challenge, along with students from the Fashion Institute of Technology. Submissions include imaginative designs that range from super hero themes to under-the-sea designs to interactive swap-and-change creations.
The public is invited to visit https://hopeandheroes.org/fashion-challenge/ until November 8 to vote for their favorite gown and help spread the word about the campaign.
In addition to funding Hope & Heroes charitable work, the goal of this fundraising campaign is to reproduce, and bring to life, at least one of these designs for child patients at CUMC. All designers will be honored at the Hope & Heroes Annual Gala on Thursday, November 8. Luxury fashion brands, including Giorgio Armani and Mara Hoffman, are also supporting the campaign through premier auction items to support Hope & Heroes charitable work.
“Despite their cancer diagnosis, kids are filled with imagination and joy. They deserve to look and feel great in something that is comfortable, familiar and most of all fun to wear!” said Heidi Weisel, designer and Council of Fashion Designers of America member. “As an industry, we are inspired by their determination and strength. We are here to help children and families so one day we will all live in a world free of childhood cancer.”
CUMC is home to the largest and most comprehensive pediatric oncology program in the tri-state area, and one of the largest centers in the nation for stem cell and bone marrow transplants. Funding from Hope & Heroes ensures that every child who comes through its doors has access to the newest and most advanced treatments available in the United States, including the latest chemotherapy and radiation oncology regimens, bone marrow and stem cell transplant treatments, immunotherapies and personalized medicine specifically tailored for each patient. Research funded through this effort benefits not only the children at CUMC, but also children worldwide.
About Hope &Heroes
Hope & Heroes funds the life-saving work on childhood cancer and blood disorders at Columbia University Medical Center – including cutting-edge research, support for families, and care that always puts children first. Lear more by visiting our website: www.hopeandheroes.org.
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With love,
FWO
