Join the Fight Against Pediatric Cancer time, so we thought it was a pulled muscle or a slipped disc." No child should ever receive the devastating news that they have cancer. That's why the American Cancer Society will host their 28th annual Washington County Dinner Dance on Saturday, Feb. 3 at the Hollywood Casino at the Meadows. This event is presented by GBU Life, and will be the year that the event will surpass its million- dollar mark in total fundraising. The event highlights the importance of community support for those navigating a cancer diagnoses. "This event is a great way for people to come together and have fun while joining in on the fight against pediatric cancer," Kelsey Reese, development manager for the American Cancer Society, said. "I feel that in recent years, we've had a lot of childhood cancer cases in Washington County. I just know of so many cases here locally, and I feel that a lot of events that happen here don't focus on pediatric cancer like this dance does. That's what separates it from other events." The Dinner Dance was founded in 1996 by Craig W. Gnagey Sr. alongside his family and friends. Gnagey was a local champion for the American Cancer Society. Before the second annual event, Gnagey passed away. The event is now held in his honor each year. Gnagey's family remains involved in the event and is a driving force behind its success. The American Cancer Society's pediatric cancer initiative, Gold Together, is the focus of the evening. "It's called Gold Together because gold is the associated ribbon color for childhood cancer." Reese said. "The initiative funds pediatric cancer research and services. The name Gold Together perfectly encapsulates what it means. It shows that we are all in this together to end pediatric cancer." The event, Reese said, honors individuals and families affected by cancer. "This year, we are trying to raise $70,000. Last year, we raised $61,000, and crushed our goal of $45,000. Outside of the fundraising, we look to honor local people that have had some type of impact on the fight against childhood cancer or are childhood cancer survivors," she said. This year's Survivor Ambassador is Braelyn Gordon,8, of Washington. Gordon was diagnosed with Astroblastoma of the spinal cord-a very rare form of cancer-in December 2022 after months of severe numbness and tingling in her hands and legs, and severe back pain. "At night, she would start screaming, saying it would hurt really bad," Nautica Bennett, Gordon's mother, said. "She was doing gymnastics at the Although multiple doctors had told Bennett that it was growing pains, the Washington Park Elementary student began to lose her ability to stand. "She would just collapse. I had to pull her out of school because she couldn't walk the steps. She was still screaming at night from the pain, and she was getting sick," Bennett said. An MRI revealed a large tumor in the middle of Braelyn's spinal cord, and she was admitted to the Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh. There, Braelyn underwent surgery to remove the tumor and temporarily lost the use of both of her legs. She also underwent a round of radiation to shrink a small portion of the tumor that was unable to be removed during surgery. Astroblastoma is untreatable; however, Braelyn's prognosis remains positive. "In March 2023, she was cleared and declared in remission," Bennett said. "We continue to go to therapy, and Braelyn returned to school. She does have to wear a back brace to straighten her spine, but she's doing pretty well. She's a typical 8-year- old. You can't tell her any different." Bennett attributes the local MAD-FACTS (Mom and Dads: Family Awareness of Cancer Threat Spike) with helping to raise community support and for introducing them to the American Cancer Society. "We've been very lucky. We've had a lot of people reach out to us," she said. The family is looking forward to participating in the dinner dance. "I love it, and I think she'll love it," Bennett said. "It's great if we meet more people like her and if she sees more kids - and even adults-that have dealt with cancer and are doing well. It's like a support system." Reese agrees. "As a very new cancer survivor, I think it's so incredible that we get to honor her on this journey she's going to be on for the rest of her life," Reese said. Tickets can be purchased online until Jan. 25 at wcdinnerdance.givesmart.com. Tickets cost $100 for an individual ticket or $175 for a couples' ticket. Doors open at 5:30 p.m., and the dress code is cocktail or business casual. This year's Survivor Ambassador is 8 year old Braelyn Cordon. She was diagnosed with Astroblastoma of the spinal cord in December 2022. Dinner Dance February 3, 2024 Buy Tickets Now Sponsored content brought to you by American Cancer Society Gold Together FOR CHILDHOOD CANCER Join the Fight Against Pediatric Cancer time , so we thought it was a pulled muscle or a slipped disc . " No child should ever receive the devastating news that they have cancer . That's why the American Cancer Society will host their 28th annual Washington County Dinner Dance on Saturday , Feb. 3 at the Hollywood Casino at the Meadows . This event is presented by GBU Life , and will be the year that the event will surpass its million dollar mark in total fundraising . The event highlights the importance of community support for those navigating a cancer diagnoses . " This event is a great way for people to come together and have fun while joining in on the fight against pediatric cancer , " Kelsey Reese , development manager for the American Cancer Society , said . " I feel that in recent years , we've had a lot of childhood cancer cases in Washington County . I just know of so many cases here locally , and I feel that a lot of events that happen here don't focus on pediatric cancer like this dance does . That's what separates it from other events . " The Dinner Dance was founded in 1996 by Craig W. Gnagey Sr. alongside his family and friends . Gnagey was a local champion for the American Cancer Society . Before the second annual event , Gnagey passed away . The event is now held in his honor each year . Gnagey's family remains involved in the event and is a driving force behind its success . The American Cancer Society's pediatric cancer initiative , Gold Together , is the focus of the evening . " It's called Gold Together because gold is the associated ribbon color for childhood cancer . " Reese said . " The initiative funds pediatric cancer research and services . The name Gold Together perfectly encapsulates what it means . It shows that we are all in this together to end pediatric cancer . " The event , Reese said , honors individuals and families affected by cancer . " This year , we are trying to raise $ 70,000 . Last year , we raised $ 61,000 , and crushed our goal of $ 45,000 . Outside of the fundraising , we look to honor local people that have had some type of impact on the fight against childhood cancer or are childhood cancer survivors , " she said . This year's Survivor Ambassador is Braelyn Gordon , 8 , of Washington . Gordon was diagnosed with Astroblastoma of the spinal cord - a very rare form of cancer - in December 2022 after months of severe numbness and tingling in her hands and legs , and severe back pain . " At night , she would start screaming , saying it would hurt really bad , " Nautica Bennett , Gordon's mother , said . " She was doing gymnastics at the Although multiple doctors had told Bennett that it was growing pains , the Washington Park Elementary student began to lose her ability to stand . " She would just collapse . I had to pull her out of school because she couldn't walk the steps . She was still screaming at night from the pain , and she was getting sick , " Bennett said . An MRI revealed a large tumor in the middle of Braelyn's spinal cord , and she was admitted to the Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh . There , Braelyn underwent surgery to remove the tumor and temporarily lost the use of both of her legs . She also underwent a round of radiation to shrink a small portion of the tumor that was unable to be removed during surgery . Astroblastoma is untreatable ; however , Braelyn's prognosis remains positive . " In March 2023 , she was cleared and declared in remission , " Bennett said . " We continue to go to therapy , and Braelyn returned to school . She does have to wear a back brace to straighten her spine , but she's doing pretty well . She's a typical 8 - year old . You can't tell her any different . " Bennett attributes the local MAD - FACTS ( Mom and Dads : Family Awareness of Cancer Threat Spike ) with helping to raise community support and for introducing them to the American Cancer Society . " We've been very lucky . We've had a lot of people reach out to us , " she said . The family is looking forward to participating in the dinner dance . " I love it , and I think she'll love it , " Bennett said . " It's great if we meet more people like her and if she sees more kids - and even adults - that have dealt with cancer and are doing well . It's like a support system . " Reese agrees . " As a very new cancer survivor , I think it's so incredible that we get to honor her on this journey she's going to be on for the rest of her life , " Reese said . Tickets can be purchased online until Jan. 25 at wcdinnerdance.givesmart.com . Tickets cost $ 100 for an individual ticket or $ 175 for a couples ' ticket . Doors open at 5:30 p.m. , and the dress code is cocktail or business casual . This year's Survivor Ambassador is 8 year old Braelyn Cordon . She was diagnosed with Astroblastoma of the spinal cord in December 2022 . Dinner Dance February 3 , 2024 Buy Tickets Now Sponsored content brought to you by American Cancer Society Gold Together FOR CHILDHOOD CANCER