Elevate Hosts Fundraiser to Help Fund Cancer Research

September 17, 2024

In honor of Justin Spoon ’21, Elevate Childhood Cancer Research and Advocacy will host a fundraiser (Elevate the Stage) on September 28 at Manchester Music Hall in Lexington, Ky. Featuring live music, special guests, and food, this benefit concert will raise funds for the nonprofit founded by Spoon’s mother that works to help fund more effective, less toxic treatments for those suffering from pediatric cancer. Tickets can be purchased here.

“My hope is to build a coalition with others with a similar desire to change the story for those who follow us…and to do it fast!” said Elevate CEO & founder Robyn Spoon. “And while we pursue this mission, we will arm patients and caregivers with the most current information possible so that their families are able to make critical decisions on behalf of their child.”

As a nationally ranked collegiate distance runner at Asbury University, Justin Spoon received a diagnosis of rhabdomyosarcoma, a rare cancer with only about 500 total diagnoses in the U.S. each year. After 18 months of chemotherapy, Spoon received acceptance to graduate school and continued running eight miles per day. Upon enduring a relapse, Spoon passed away on March 23, 2023. Read his full story here.

“Today, you don’t have to do something special,” Justin said in the midst of his cancer battle. “You don’t have to do anything amazing or overwhelming. You just gotta get out of bed and do something.”

“Cancer is the number one disease killer of our children and the most underfunded of all cancer research,” Robyn Spoon said. “Sponsoring this event provides a unique opportunity to demonstrate your company’s support for this important cause and bring awareness to the issues facing children with pediatric cancer. The money raised from this concert will maximize Elevate’s efforts to bring about dramatic improvements for those diagnosed with pediatric cancer from diagnosis, through treatment, on to survivorship, and in some cases, the end of a child’s life.”

Elevate offers education, advocacy, and strategic investment to expedite therapy development and informed decision-making for those impacted by childhood cancers. They fight for dramatic improvements and curative options to save lives of those diagnosed. Learn more. Robyn Spoon also shared more about her son’s life and her mission to help others on Episode #71 of the This Is Asbury podcast.