GIVING BACK
HELP PEDIATRIC CANCER FAMILIES RISE UP
By Allison Duck
Las Vegas’ hometown heroes, Imagine Dragons, are so much more than just talented musicians. They could have simply basked in their Grammy Award-winning glory but they chose to find a meaningful way to give back to families facing the challenges of childhood cancer. The Tyler Robinson Foundation was founded in honor of a young Imagine Dragons fan who battled a rare form of aggressive cancer. He was inspired by the band’ s lyrics, which he listened to during his treatments.
They, in turn, became inspired by Tyler and his commitment to positivity through his challenges. The band worked with his family to create The Tyler Robinson Foundation in 2013. Families who face childhood cancer channel their time, energy and funds into their child’ s treatment, which often leads to immense financial challenges. TRF offers holistic assistance to these families by connecting them with volunteer financial advisors and providing grants for non-medical expenses like travel, housing and basic needs. This allows the families to focus their attention on what matters most – helping their children through their cancer treatments.
TRF’ s annual fundraiser, the Rise Up Gala, celebrates the families who have benefited from the foundation’ s grants and raises money to continue this important mission addressing the unseen costs of childhood cancer. This year’ s gala takes place on September 12 at Aria Resort & Casino with a VIP event featuring an intimate family dinner, including a visit from the band and also an opportunity to meet some of the TRF families, happening the night before at a private residence.
The always entertaining Joel McHale returns as emcee at this year’ s event, which will feature a performance by Imagine Dragons. The band’ s manager and TRF Board Member, Mac Reynolds, notes that,“ One of the best things about the gala is how unscripted it always is. The band never plans their setlist,
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