Believe Big, a non-profit cancer assistance organization founded by cancer survivor and mistletoe advocate Ivelisse Page, recently hosted its 12th Annual Fundraising Dinner. The event was a resounding success, with supporters coming together to raise more than $300,000 to support Believe Big’s mission of helping cancer patients face, fight, and overcome their disease.
The event was the first in-person fundraising event for Believe Big in over two years, and attendees were excited to be back together for a night of inspiring stories and updates on the latest advances in cancer research. Jennifer Gilbert St. John served as the Master of Ceremonies, and guests were inspired by the stories of hope shared by Terri Zgorski and Daniel Wellington.
Believe Big’s Executive Director and Co-founder, Ivelisse Page, expressed gratitude to the supporters and donors who helped make the event a success, saying, “We are so grateful for our supporters who came alongside us to help cancer patients face, fight, and overcome their disease. Since Believe Big began we have helped over 1 million people due to your generosity. Thank you for linking arms with us and helping to make a real difference in the lives of so many.”
Prior to the event, Believe Big set a goal to raise $300,000 and gain 37 new monthly partners. In addition to surpassing the fundraising goal, the organization was able to exceed its monthly partner goal with 49 new partners.
The event also featured updates on the Believe Big Institute of Health and the Mistletoe Clinical Trial Team. Dr. Luis Diaz Jr., head of the Division of Solid Tumor Oncology in Memorial Sloan Kettering’s Department of Medicine, and Dr. Channing Paller, associate professor of oncology, the Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center at Johns Hopkins University, shared that completing Phase 1 of the clinical trial was just the first step in making mistletoe therapy standard care oncology and its ability to be covered by insurance.
The completion of Phase 2 is estimated to cost $1 million and Believe Big is asking for continued support from its donors to help make this a reality.
About Believe Big
Established in 2011, Believe Big is a 501 (c) 3 non-profit founded by Ivelisse and Jimmy Page after her battle with Stage IV colon cancer. Believe Big serves those with cancer in the United States and beyond. Believe Big offers a wide array of support mechanisms for cancer patients, ranging from nutrition therapy to Mistletoe education and patient advocacy. The organization helps cancer patients move through the overwhelming process of treatment by bridging the gap between conventional and complementary medicine to heal in all aspects of life: physically, emotionally and spiritually. To learn more, visit www.BelieveBig.org
