An Evening of Hope: The Lilabean Foundation's 14th Annual Fall Ball

On November 1, 2025, the Lilabean Foundation for Pediatric Brain Cancer Research (LBF) hosted its 14th Annual Fall Ball at The Schuyler at the Hamilton Hotel in Washington, D.C., raising over $1.1 million to support vital pediatric brain cancer research. This fundraising milestone reflects the unwavering commitment of the foundation’s community and partners to improve outcomes for children diagnosed with brain cancer. The evening was one of celebration and remembrance, as we honored three cherished LBF Heroes—Cameron, Kasey, and Reed—though their lives were far too short, their strength, joy, and bravery continue to guide our mission and fuel our determination.

The evening’s program was filled with heartfelt speeches that reminded guests of the night’s true purpose. LBF Founder and President Nicole Giroux opened the program, sharing, “Studies say that we can go weeks without food, days without water, minutes without oxygen, but we can’t LIVE a MOMENT without hope. Your presence here tonight gives me and so many others immeasurable hope. Hope is what propels us forward. Hope gives us strength to endure hardship and believe in a better future.”

The first award of the night was the LBF “Cam’s Crew” Volunteer of the Year Award, presented to the Behr Family. Evan and Caitlin Behr, along with their family, have been deeply involved with LBF since 2021, generously sharing their time, expertise, and resources. LBF is deeply grateful for their unwavering commitment and generosity, which embody the spirit of this award, created in honor of LBF Hero Cameron Corno and her family.

One of the most moving moments of the night was the presentation of the Jack Purssord Courage Award to Ben Bellavia-Cortezi, age 18, honoring his extraordinary strength and resilience throughout his battle with medulloblastoma. Ben’s remarks captivated the audience with their wisdom and grace. He shared, “Every single pediatric brain cancer patient and survivor is so much more than their diagnosis… I believe strongly that with more funding, researchers can develop better treatments- ones that not only save lives but also preserve the quality of those lives.”  Ben is applying to colleges for next fall and plans to study mechanical engineering.

The funds raised at this year’s Fall Ball will go directly toward groundbreaking research initiatives to discover new treatments and scientific advances for children with pediatric brain cancer. The Lilabean Foundation extends heartfelt thanks to all the sponsors, attendees, volunteers, and donors who made this year’s event such a success. As Ben so wisely put it, “Together, we can give more kids the chance to grow up, chase their dreams, and tell their own story.”

Learn More and Get Involved

For those unable to attend the Fall Ball, there are still many ways to be part of the Lilabean Foundation’s mission. To learn more about upcoming events, volunteer opportunities, or how to make a donation, please visit www.lilabeanfoundation.com.

Together, we can continue to bring hope and funding to pediatric brain cancer research.