CURE Childhood Cancer, the only organization providing financial and emotional support to local children and families while raising funds to further critical research specifically for pediatric oncology, is set to host its next Catie’s Gathering dinner and auction on Saturday, Sept. 23, at the Bryan County Elementary School, 250 Payne Dr., Pembroke, Ga. Doors open at 5:30 p.m., with a sit-down dinner at 7 p.m. 

Catie’s Gathering is an inspiring series of fundraising events held in different locations around the state throughout the year. This year’s Bryan County Catie’s Gathering starts with a lively hour of music as guests check out beautifully decorated themed tables. As always, there will be a live and silent auction and a raffle. The silent auction closes at 7:15 p.m.

New to Catie’s Gathering programming is the debut of CURE video stories. Attendees will view the story of a brave child and family battling cancer and learn how CURE offers aid and comfort while they are being treated, as well as funding research efforts to bring an end to childhood cancer.

“We appreciate the support from everyone in the Bryan County community. They come out with their whole heart. I’m so impressed with their compassion for our cause, and the hard work going into organizing this event,” said Jenny Wilkins, Development Director, Events for CURE.

Since its inception, Catie’s Gathering has expanded from one to five event locations in South Georgia. In addition to Bryan County, Catie’s Gatherings are also held in Savannah, Effingham County, Moultrie and Statesboro. Last year, the Bryan County Catie’s Gathering raised more than $90,000.

“Each Catie’s Gathering is a special event, and the response and generosity has been overwhelming,” said Mandy Garola, vice president of CURE in South Georgia. “I’m constantly inspired by the passion of our volunteers and the communities where we hold Catie’s Gatherings. The response is wonderful year after year.”

CURE Childhood Cancer is working for a cure by funding research exclusively for childhood cancer and supporting families affected by the disease. Childhood cancers differ from adult cancers in the way they grow and spread, how they are treated, and how they respond to treatment. Every year, more than 17,000 children in the United States are diagnosed with cancer, and incidence rates are increasing every year. Despite cancer being the leading cause of death by disease in children, only six cancer drugs have been developed and approved specifically for children in the last 25 years. 

Funds raised at Catie's Gatherings are invested in CURE’s research initiatives – specifically the Precision Medicine Program, which focuses on individualized treatments based on each child’s genetic makeup. The funds also offer general support to patients and their families fighting childhood cancer.

“Precision Medicine is making a transformative change,” Wilkins added. "Discovering the driving forces behind a child's cancer through genetic testing opens up opportunities for targeted treatment decisions. Precision medicine enables doctors to effectively tackle the specific cancer drivers. Although the ideal outcome is identifying a mutation with a known effective treatment, there are numerous other compelling reasons why sequencing is crucial in cancer care."

Badger Rentals is sponsoring the 2023 Catie’s Gathering Bryan County. Additional sponsors include CUB Enterprise, Industrial Technical Coatings, and Playing for Parker. For those interested in supporting the event but unable to join, participation in the online auction and donations can be made online at  CGBryan2023.givesmart.com.