Jessica Hester (left) and Barbara Canales in front of the gold tree representing the Ready. Set. Gold campaign to raise awareness of pediatric cancer. The pair, who both have daughters who have suffered from cancer, hope to fill the tree with gold leaves. Each leaf represents $1 raised in the campaign. Photo by Suzanne Freeman
A campaign to raise awareness and funds for pediatric cancer research turns Corpus Christi gold this month as the Ready or Not Foundation and Brooke’s Blossoming Hope team up for the Ready. Set. Gold. campaign.
La Palmera Shopping District became the focal point of the campaign Sept. 1 when a large golden tree was unveiled in center court. Instead of falling off, the gold leaves of this tree will become attached one at a time: One leaf for each $1 donated in the month-long drive.
“This tree is a symbol of life for the children fighting pediatric cancer,” said founder of the Ready or Not Foundation Barbara Canales. Her daughter, Jackie, 15, was treated for brain cancer, which is currently in remission. “Our goal is to fill this entire tree and to never forget those children who have lost their lives.”
Jessica Hester, who founded Brooke’s Blossoming Hope with her daughter Brooke Hester, also attended the unveiling. Her 8-year-old died of neuroblastoma this year. Her foundation provides headwear for kids like her who lose their hair to cancer treatment. So far, Brooke’s Blossoming Hope has helped 21,000 children in 41 different countries. That number is expected to double in the next year as the foundation continues to grow in strength and outreach.
“This all got started when Brooke was 3 and lost all her hair,” Hester told Corpus Christi Business News. A friend made her a beautiful head piece with a large flower on it. When she was able to walk again, she went into the hallway at Driscoll Children’s Hospital and gave it away to a little girl.
“I asked her why she gave away her gift, and she said to me, ‘It made her happy and that makes me happy,’” Hester said. “So my friend made her two more so she could give one away and keep one. That’s how it all began.”
Brook fought her disease for five years of her eight. In that five years, she became a symbol of resilience, life and hope for the thousands of children who also suffer from pediatric cancer. The Ready. Set. Gold. campaign will continue Brooke’s efforts, said Hester.
Like the pink ribbon worn in October to raise awareness of breast cancer, gold ribbons represents pediatric cancer. There is one difference, however.
“The gold ribbon we wear does not represent the cancer,” Hester said. “The gold ribbon represents the children who have cancer of any kind. It represents a population of people without a voice, which is why we do what we can to draw awareness to these children in our communities.”
The money raised in the Ready. Set. Gold. campaign will be used to fund research. Scientists studying ways to better treat kids with cancer must apply for the funds.
“Adult cancers are dramatically different than children’s cancers,” Hester explained. “You can’t treat them the same. The same standard of care does not work well with children.”
She and Canales joined forces to raise money for targeted research, but to also make the issues facing children with cancer better known.
“The more that we can do, the more that we can advocate, the more we can raise public awareness of the gold ribbon and the cause of pediatric cancer, the more impact we can have,” Hester said. “Our foundations both started with our daughters’ diagnosis. It’s a very emotional process to do that. I feel like it’s a calling. Now my daughter is gone and I have to be doing even more.”
Hester is expecting her second child sometime this fall. Another girl, the baby was named by her big sister.
“She named her Juliana,” Hester said, rubbing her belly.
The Ready. Set. Gold. campaign is sponsored by La Palmera Shopping District, KRIS 6 TV and H-E-B. You can donate at the concierge desk at La Palmera, or give online at readysetgold.gives.
