Schedule of Events

CureFest for Childhood Cancer will be held in Washington, DC on September 19 - 21, 2025.

 

Below is a TENTATIVE schedule. We will be updating it in the Spring.

 

**The physical Tribute Wall will be displayed on Freedom Plaza starting at 4:00 pm on Friday, September 19 and will stay up through the evening on Saturday, September 20.

 

Friday, September 19

 

Family Welcome Night

An informal gathering for the child of cancer community, as a way to kick off the weekend. The event features a DJ, a sign making station for the Rally to the Capitol which takes place on Saturday, kids activities, bereavement support and more.

 

5:00 pm to 7:00 pm at Freedom Plaza
 

Hosted by CureFest

 

The CureFest Collective

Social event exclusively for fighters, survivors and siblings, ages 13 - 29 years old, to connect with each other and to share their stories and experiences.

 

Time and location are TBD.

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Hosted by CureFest

 

​Saturday, September 20

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Thrive Workshops

Thrive Workshops give childhood cancer fighters, survivors and siblings an opportunity to connect with one another, share resources and receive peer support through discussions and activities.

 

There will be three different workshops based on age: 

Littles (5 - 8 years old)
Middles (9 - 12 years old)
Teens (13 -16 years old)​​

 

9:00 am to 10:30 am inside the JW Marriott Hotel

 

Hosted by Arms Wide Open Childhood Cancer Foundation, part of "Thrive" initiative

 

Fighter/Survivor Sibling Connection
 

​This wellness workshops is designed specifically for kids and teens who are siblings to cancer fighters or survivors, giving them an opportunity to meet with others their age who share a similar experience. Activities provided will focus primarily on having fun and making connections, promoting a positive self-image, learning tools and skills for coping with challenging emotions, and most importantly, giving siblings a space that is just for (and about) them. 

 

 

There will be three different workshops based on age: 

Littles (5 - 8 years old)
Middles (9 - 12 years old)
Teens (13 -16 years old)​​

 

9:00 am to 10:30 am inside the JW Marriott Hotel.

 

Hosted by Arms Wide Open Childhood Cancer Foundation, part of "Thrive" initiative

 

Bereaved Sibling Workshop
 

For siblings of a child lost to cancer, we invite them to join other bereaved siblings for a special workshop focused on sharing and understanding. Led by a Pediatric Oncology RN experienced in helping children manage grief, this session offers age-appropriate activities and a safe space for support and understanding.

 

For ages 5 - 16

 

Held inside the JW Marriott Hotel.

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Session 1: 9:00 - 10:30 am

Session 2: 11:00 am - 12:30 pm

Session 3: 1:30 - 3:00 pm 

 

Hosted by 1Voice Foundation and Arms Wide Open Childhood Cancer Foundation  

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​​​​Bereaved Dad Support
 

If you lost your child to childhood cancer, we invite you to join other bereaved fathers for a supportive, peer-led gathering focused on shared experiences and understanding. Facilitated by 1Voice Foundation, this session provides a secure environment for camaraderie and mutual respect and strength.

 

Held inside the JW Marriott Hotel.

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Session 1: 9:00 - 10:30 am

Session 2: 11:00 am - 12:30 pm

Session 3: 1:30 - 3:00 pm 

 

Pre-registration is required. Spots are limited.

 

Hosted by 1Voice Foundation and Arms Wide Open Childhood Cancer Foundation  

 

Bereaved Mom Support
 

If you lost your child to childhood cancer, we invite you to join other bereaved mothers for a compassionate, peer-supported gathering dedicated to sharing and healing together. Facilitated by 1Voice Foundation, this session offers a space for bonding and fellowship.

 

Held inside the JW Marriott Hotel.

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Session 1: 9:00 - 10:30 am

Session 2: 11:00 am - 12:30 pm

Session 3: 1:30 - 3:00 pm 

Pre-registration is required. Spots are limited.

 

Hosted by 1Voice Foundation and Arms Wide Open Childhood Cancer Foundation  

 

For Siblings, By Siblings
 

A wellness session specifically for siblings of childhood cancer fighters, survivors and angels. The session will give siblings an opportunity to connect with one another, share resources, and receive peer support through discussions and activities.

 

For ages 17 – 29

 

Held inside the JW Marriott Hotel.

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Session 1: 9:00 - 10:30 am

Session 2: 11:00 am - 12:30 pm

Session 3: 1:30 - 3:00 pm 

Hosted by Arms Wide Open Childhood Cancer Foundation, part of "Thrive" initiative

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In Your 20s: Fighter/Survivor Connection
 

A wellness session specifically for young adult childhood cancer fighters and survivors, which will give folks an opportunity to connect with one another, share resources, and receive peer support through discussions and activities.

 

For ages 20 – 29

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11:00 am to 12:30 pm inside the JW Marriott Hotel.

 

Hosted by Arms Wide Open Childhood Cancer Foundation, part of "Thrive" initiative

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Rally to the Capitol
 

Family-friendly awareness and advocacy rally to the United States Capitol. The event begins with speeches near the Smithsonian Castle and Carousel. Participants then march, as a group, toward the Capitol.

 

1:00 pm at the Smithsonian Carousel

Hosted by CureFest and the Rally Foundation

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​Meet and Greet
 

​Informal gathering of childhood cancer families and advocates. The event features sponsor tents, foundation tables, bereavement support, kids activities, face painting and more.

4:00 pm to 7:00 pm at Freedom Plaza

Hosted by CureFest

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Night of Golden Lights

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​Speeches and performances by sponsors, members of the childhood cancer community, advocates and the medical community.

7:00 pm to 9:00 pm at Freedom Plaza

Hosted by CureFest

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​Candlelight Vigil
 

​A powerful vigil honoring individuals and families impacted by childhood cancer.

9:00 pm to 9:30 pm at Freedom Plaza

Hosted by CureFest

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Sunday, September 21

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Hope and Healing Worship Service
 

Music by Sydney Sherwood and a Message of Hope from Pastor Alan Disbrow. 

9:00 am – 10:00 am inside the JW Marriott in Salon G.

 

No RSVP necessary. 

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Hosted by Arms Wide Open Childhood Cancer Foundation

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Festival
 

Speeches, musical performances, and dance tributes. On site, there is also bereavement support as well as kids activities with face painting, crafts and games.

11:00 am – 12:30 pm at the Sylvan Theater, an outdoor amphitheater, near the Washington Monument

Hosted by CureFest

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Childhood Cancer Shoe Memorial Ceremony

12:30 pm on the Washington Monument grounds

Hosted by CureFest and the 1Voice Foundation