The 2022 LBF Fall Ball Raises over Half a Million Dollars to Further Research

On Saturday, November 5th the Lilabean Foundation celebrated the 11th Annual Fall Ball! This year’s theme was Purpose. Passion. Progress. The event featured a sell out crowd with over 425 attendees, both in-person or virtually, and LBF is thrilled to announce that, thanks to all who supported the event, we raised over $500,000! These funds will support the efforts of doctors and researchers who are working diligently to find safe and effective treatments for children who are battling pediatric brain cancer. We know there is not enough time for these kids, and these funds will help to make progress NOW. 


This year’s in-person event featured a HERO Wall Sponsored by our friends at Peraton. This was an interactive Wall that featured 13 of the LBF Heroes and shared their stories and firsthand battle with pediatric brain cancer. The event also featured an incredible Keynote Speech from Dr. Jay Storm, Co-Executive Director; Chief, Division of Neurosurgery, Center for Data Driven Discovery in Biomedicine at CHOP.


Our friends at Katten sponsored the Jack Preston Purssord Courage award which was presented to 12-year-old Max Pound. We were honored to be joined by Max’s Mom, Carol as well as his siblings. The program wrapped up with the premiere of the 11 Year LBF Video.


We are so grateful for the overwhelming support of our sponsors, attendees, and anyone who supported the event. LBF remains committed to continuing to fund important research which will uncover better treatment options and outcomes for children with brain cancer. You can check out and there is still time to make a donation to the event to support pediatric brain cancer research here

Title text on dark blue: “Memories from a Hero’s Grandpa” by Jay Spitulnik
August 10, 2026
August marks one year since we lost Kasey Vivian Zachmann. She was 10 years old. Over the course of four years, Kasey endured 10 surgeries, 45 proton radiation treatments, multiple rounds of chemotherapy, and two clinical trials, and through all of it, she never lost her smile. To mark this anniversary, we are honored to share a reflection written by Jay Spitulnik, Kasey's maternal grandfather. Jay's words carry the kind of love and clarity that only comes from someone who was there, someone who watched Kasey light up every room she entered, and who has spent the past year learning to carry both grief and pride in equal measure. The Kasey Zachmann Fund for Medulloblastoma Research was established in her honor to ensure her fight advances the science for every child who comes after her. We hope Jay's reflection touches your heart as it has ours.
Blue title card reading “Driving Hope, Coming Full Circle” by Kelly Barch.
By Kelly Barch, Executive Director of the Lilabean Foundation July 29, 2026
Thirteen years ago, my dad passed away from cancer. Long before that, he'd spent years at Herson's Honda teaching sales after starting his second career. When I was old enough to drive, my very first car was a Honda Civic from that same lot.
Trip to See My Daughter text in yellow on blue background
May 15, 2026
Recently, members of the Lilabean Foundation team had the opportunity to visit Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP) and spend time with researchers and leaders from the Children’s Brain Tumor Network (CBTN).
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