Dear Friends,

What began as a small act of love for my son, Ryan, has grown into a national effort to support children andfamilies navigating serious illness and injury. As we gather for the 2026 Red Shoe Gala, we pause to celebrate not just how far we’ve come, but the thousands of families we’ve supported along the way.

This year, we delivered our 3 millionth pillowcase, a milestone that reflects nearly two decades of commitment from volunteers, donors, and partners across the country. Today, Ryan’s Case for Smiles serves children and families in 365 hospitals and Ronald McDonald Houses, providing something familiar and personal in settings that can often feel overwhelming. Our mission is grounded in the belief that families facing health crises need more than medical care alone. They need reassurance and resources that acknowledge the emotional realities of illness and help families cope, feel less isolated and build resilience. With the successful completion of our $1.5 million capacity-building campaign, we have expanded our reach and impact. This included the launch of our bereavement site and the full Spanish translation of CopingSpace.org and all family resources, ensuring families can access emotional support and practical tools in the language they are most comfortable using. This evening also gives us the opportunity to recognize an individual whose leadership and service align closely with these values. We look forward to honoring someone whose work reflects a deep commitment to improving he lives of children and families.

Thank you for being part of this journey. Your support makes it possible for us to continue showing up for families when it matters most.

With gratitude,
Cindy Kerr

Event Honoree
David Fajgenbaum, MD, MBA, MSc