An evening of food, fun, and glitter is set to bring a Seattle community together in support of pediatric cancer research. On Nov. 7, 2026, The Lucy Strong Foundation will host its 4th Annual Sparkle & Shine Gala at 4105 Airport Wy S in Seattle.

Building on last year's milestone of raising over $100,000, this fourth annual gathering unites supporters to fund vital medical research and bring hope to children and families facing cancer.

Pediatric cancer remains the leading cause of death by disease among children in the United States, yet research continues to be underfunded because childhood cancers are categorized as too rare based solely on patient numbers. The Lucy Strong Foundation, a registered 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, based in West Seattle was established to address this critical funding gap while providing comfort to families navigating difficult cancer diagnoses. The foundation is powered by hundreds of people inspired by Lucy's courage, including family members, neighbors who built Lego castles with Lucy and watched her bounce on her backyard trampoline, and the doctors, nurses, and therapists who cared for her during hundreds of hospital days over five and a half years.

The organization drives its mission through a two-fold strategy focused on long-term medical progress and immediate emotional comfort. To advance medical science, the foundation contributed a $100,000 donation to Seattle Children's Hospital to support research into T-Cell Immunotherapy treatments, as shared in the foundation's Seattle Children's Hospital donation update. To bring joy directly to hospital rooms, the foundation honors Lucy's Story by delivering purple-wrapped presents on her birthday to pediatric patients undergoing extended inpatient care. Over the past three years, volunteers have delivered more than 500 presents to children staying in the hospital.

Led by President Nicole Barbacovi, Treasurer Jon Anderson, Secretary Don Barbacovi, and Auction Committee members C.C. Brown, Shannon Thompson, and Nancy Spiro, the foundation continues to expand its reach.

Guests planning to attend the gala can reserve their tickets directly through Tickets & More Info or view details on the Lucy Strong Foundation Events page. Community members can also order items through Lucy Strong Fan Gear or make direct contributions via the Donate page to support the ongoing fight against pediatric cancer.