Small But Mighty Padel Cup

In Honor of Charlotte Wilson - Small but Mighty, Strong Like Charlotte

Event: Friday, October 2, 2026 - 6:30-9:30 PM

Location: Richmond, VA

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Charlotte's Story

In September 2025, our seemingly healthy, 3-year old daughter, Charlotte, was diagnosed with stage 4 High-Risk Neuroblastoma - a rare and aggressive childhood cancer that primarily affects children under the age of five. As parents, nothing prepares you for hearing the words "your child has cancer." Since that moment, our family has faced fear, uncertainty, and heartbreak, but we have also witnessed extraordinary courage. Charlotte has endured more than any child ever should. Through countless hospital visits for surgeries, chemotherapy, radiation, immunotherapy, scans, blood transfusions, infections, and procedures, she has met every challenge with remarkable bravery. Her strength, resilience, and radiant smile continue to inspire us every single day.

Exceptional Care at Memorial Sloan Kettering

We are deeply grateful for the exceptional care Charlotte receives at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center. The dedicated neuroblastoma team at MSK has provided not only world-class medical expertise but also compassion, hope, and support when we needed it most. Having seen their work firsthand, I can say without hesitation that they are truly exceptional. Charlotte is currently in remission and enrolled in the Neuroblastoma Vaccine Trial, developed at MSK. This innovative cancer vaccine is administered over a three‑year period to help her body remain cancer‑free and reduce the risk of relapse.

Why Funding Matters

The need for funding is urgent. Although cancer is the leading cause of disease‑related death in children, pediatric cancers receive only about 4% of the National Institutes of Health (NIH) cancer research budget. Many of the breakthroughs saving children’s lives today—including the cutting‑edge advancements underway at Memorial Sloan Kettering—rely heavily on private philanthropy to move forward.

About Band of Parents

Band of Parents is a grassroots nonprofit organization dedicated to funding innovative research and clinical trials for neuroblastoma. Their goal as parents is to fast track a cure using less toxic, targeted therapies. When Band of Parents began in 2007, treatment options for neuroblastoma were limited and survival rates daunting. Since then, the organization has committed more than $17 million to research, profoundly reshaping the clinical landscape. Their support of Hu3F8 (a humanized antibody) and the neuroblastoma vaccine has helped push survival rates above 50%, offering families renewed hope. One day, BOP aims for antibody‑based therapies to replace chemotherapy, which carries severe and often lifelong side effects. Antibodies, by contrast, have no known long‑term toxicities and work by helping the body learn to fight the cancer itself. Band of Parents funds the most promising clinical trials at leading cancer centers worldwide, including Memorial Sloan Kettering, Children’s Hospital Los Angeles, and Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia. Every dollar raised supports their mission to expand outreach, provide critical resources to families, and accelerate the development of safer, more effective treatments for children battling neuroblastoma.

Paying it Forward

Our family has benefitted from the generosity of countless people who came before us and invested in research, innovation and patient care. We want to pay that forward and help create better treatments, greater hope, and ultimately cures for children facing this disease. Thank you for supporting this cause that is deeply personal to our family. Whether through a donation, sharing this page, or simply keeping Charlotte and other children battling cancer in your thoughts, you are helping to make a meaningful difference. Together, we can help fund the research that gives families hope and gives children the chance to live healthy, full lives.

SMALL BUT MIGHTY, STRONG LIKE CHARLOTTE

Small But Mighty Padel Cup - In Honor of Charlotte Wilson