7th Annual Hearts of Gold Gala returns Sept. 19 to Viejas Casino & Resort, raising critical funds for childhood cancer research and families facing hardship
SAN DIEGO, CA, UNITED STATES, September 18, 2026 /EINPresswire.com/ — Some of the biggest supporters of this year’s Team Parker for Life Hearts of Gold Gala will never have their names on a banner.
Two of the event’s major donors, including its title sponsor, have chosen to remain anonymous. Their reason is simple: this is about the kids.
It is a quiet act of generosity that reflects the heart behind an organization born from one San Diego family’s fight to save their own child and their decision to spend the years that followed fighting for countless others.
On Saturday, Sept. 19, Team Parker for Life will host its 7th Annual Hearts of Gold Gala at Viejas Casino & Resort in Alpine, bringing together families, businesses, community leaders and supporters to raise funds for better, less-toxic childhood cancer treatments and provide direct financial assistance to families with a child undergoing cancer treatment.
Registration for this year’s gala has officially closed, but the mission, and the opportunity to support it, extends far beyond one night.
A MOM, A LITTLE BOY AND A FIGHT THAT BECAME MUCH BIGGER
Team Parker for Life began with Crystal Shaw and her son, Parker.
In 2013, Parker was an energetic 6-year-old when persistent pain ultimately led to a stage 4 neuroblastoma diagnosis. His cancer had spread extensively, including to 87% of his bone marrow.
Crystal, a nurse and mother, and her husband, Dave, uprooted their family from San Diego and moved to New York in search of specialized treatment and clinical options for their son.
Parker endured chemotherapy, an extensive surgery, radiation, immunotherapy and investigational treatments before his family finally heard the words they had fought desperately to hear: no evidence of disease.
Today, Parker is a childhood cancer survivor.
For Crystal, getting her own son through cancer wasn’t the finish line.
It became the beginning of something much bigger.
She and her family created Team Parker for Life to help fund research that could give other children better treatment options while supporting families through the very real financial burden that comes with caring for a child with cancer.
Today, Team Parker for Life reports raising $2.9 million to support cutting-edge childhood cancer research and clinical trials focused on safer and more effective treatments.
In 2025 and 2026 alone, the organization has also provided $90,900 in direct financial assistance grants to families with a child currently undergoing cancer treatment.
“Parker gave us a reason to fight, but every child and family we’ve met since has given us a reason to keep fighting,” said Crystal Shaw, founder of Team Parker for Life. “When your child has cancer, your entire world stops, but the bills don’t. Parents shouldn’t have to choose between being beside their child and keeping their household together. This gala is an incredible night, but what happens because of it is what matters. Every donation, every sponsor and every person who believes in this mission becomes part of helping another family keep going.”
WHEN GIVING ISN’T ABOUT GETTING CREDIT
That spirit is especially visible at this year’s Hearts of Gold Gala.
Two significant donors, including the gala’s title sponsor, specifically requested anonymity, choosing to direct attention toward the children and families the organization serves rather than receive recognition for their contributions.
Their generosity joins the support of Alliance Diversified, Cass Arrieta, Titan Steel and Ultra Engineering, whose sponsorship helps Team Parker for Life continue turning one family’s story into measurable support for others.
The gala will feature a seated dinner, raffle, live auction and paddle raise, with proceeds supporting both childhood cancer research and families currently navigating treatment.
For Team Parker for Life, those two pieces of the mission are inseparable: invest in changing what treatment may look like tomorrow while helping families survive what childhood cancer looks like today.
THE GALA MAY BE FULL. THE MISSION ISN’T.
The 7th Annual Hearts of Gold Gala will take place Saturday, Sept. 19, from 5 to 11 p.m. at Viejas Casino & Resort, 5000 Willows Road, Alpine, CA 91901.
Registration for the 2026 gala is now closed.
Those unable to attend can still support Team Parker for Life through a direct donation, follow the organization’s work and mark their calendars to be part of the Hearts of Gold Gala in 2027.
For Crystal, Parker and the families Team Parker for Life serves, the goal isn’t simply another successful event.
It’s another child getting a better treatment option. Another family receiving help when they need it most. And ultimately, a future where childhood cancer treatments are safer, more effective and give more kids the opportunity to grow up.
To donate or learn more about Team Parker for Life, visit the Team Parker for Life website.
MEDIA OPPORTUNITIES
Media coverage of the Sept. 19 gala is welcomed by advance arrangement. Interview opportunities are available with founder Crystal Shaw, Parker, participating sponsors and supporters, along with opportunities for photography and video coverage of the event.
ABOUT TEAM PARKER FOR LIFE
Team Parker for Life (Tax ID #46-3688609) is a publicly recognized childhood cancer charity that began as a grassroots effort inspired by Parker Shaw’s battle with stage 4 neuroblastoma. The organization is dedicated to finding and funding better, less-toxic treatments for children battling cancer while providing direct financial assistance to families with a child actively undergoing cancer treatment.
Through the generosity of its supporters, Team Parker for Life has raised $2.9 million to fund childhood cancer research and clinical trials and continues working alongside researchers, families, donors and communities toward better outcomes for children facing cancer.
MEDIA CONTACT
Jessica Kopach
Founder & Strategic Publicist
The JKO Agency
805-570-2599
jessica@thejkoagency.com
Jessica Kopach
The JKO Agency
email us here
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