Live From the Heart: A Night of Music, Connection & Joy
Over $850k Raised in Support of Children’s Cancer Association’s JoyRx Programs in Portland, Oregon
On Saturday, October 3, the Portland Art Museum came alive with music, stories and an extraordinary community of people gathered for one purpose: to make more moments of joy possible for children and families facing serious illness.
Live From the Heart 2026 was an evening filled with gratitude and generosity—from the first notes of the night to the final paddle raise. Together, our community celebrated the power of JoyRx programs and the people who make them possible: JoyRx-served children and families, volunteers, hospital partners, staff, mentors, donors and friends.
The event began with a cocktail reception that featured Brushstrokes of Joy, a special collection of artwork created by JoyRx kids alongside Portland-based artist and illustrator Ryan Bubnis, inspired by the night's headlining artists, The Head and the Heart. A generous act of paying it forward for other children facing cancer or hospitalization, the auction of the children’s artwork raised over $6,300 in direct support of JoyRx programs.
Guests enjoyed the many activations and ways to share their support during cocktail hour, and then came a night of stories and music that reminded us why these connections and programs matter so much.
Music That Brought Us Together
Charity Rose Thielen and Matt Gervais of the multi-Platinum indie-folk band The Head and the Heart brought their artistry to the stage for a beautiful, warm and intimate performance. Having recently completed a national tour celebrating the 15th anniversary of the band's debut album, the duo closed out their tour by sharing their music with the JoyRx community.
Their performance underscored the purpose of Live From the Heart. JoyRx Music remains the national flagship program of Children’s Cancer Association, and creates space for children to express themselves, connect with others and experience something that belongs entirely to them. During their time at Live From the Heart, the band also recorded special musical numbers for hospitalized children, to be distributed through JoyRx Music’s On Demand channels.
And the night wasn't just about music. It was about listening.
Photos by Andie Petkus Photography., courtesy of Children’s Cancer Association Stories That Stayed With Us
Sixteen-year-old Frances McCullar took the stage and shared her experience of childhood cancer with honesty, vulnerability and remarkable clarity. She spoke about the parts of treatment that made her angry—not because the people caring for her weren't compassionate, but because cancer took away pieces of her life that mattered: dancing, performing, school, friendships and a sense of control.
She also shared what it meant to have her JoyRx mentor, Elizabeth, simply show up. Through crochet, conversation and time together, Elizabeth gave Frances space to be “a person who happened to have cancer,” rather than having every conversation be about cancer.
Frances' story made a big impact in the room, notably when she shared about the loss of her friend Jasper, who died of cancer, and the treasured time that she got to spend with him at the Alexandra Ellis Caring Cabin, as part of the JoyRx Nature program.
Later in the evening, guests heard from a second honored speaker: Jessica Pool shared the story of her daughter Lucia's cancer journey—and the people who helped their family find moments of light along the way. Her story of Lucia's JoyRx Mentor, Chloe, captured something deeply meaningful: the relief a parent can feel when someone else steps in and simply says, I've got her.
Both Jessica and Frances received standing ovations, as the room recognized the love, strength and challenges behind each of their unique and moving stories.
A Community Ready for What’s Next
The evening was expertly guided by KOIN’s Emily Burriss, whose warmth and enthusiasm as our host set the tone for a celebration centered on impact, community, and gratitude.
Joining her was the incomparable Dale Johannes, whose energy, humor, and passion once again inspired extraordinary generosity through an energetic live auction and appeal supporting JoyRx Music, Mentorship and Nature. The evening also celebrated the momentum behind CCA's ambitious three-year plan to reach twice as many children by 2030, including the planned expansion of JoyRx Mentorship and additional JoyRx Music services in Texas.
At its core, Live From the Heart was a reminder that progress is made one person, one relationship and one meaningful moment at a time, and that every charitable contribution, in every amount, makes a huge difference in the lives of the children and families served by Children’s Cancer Association.
We are deeply grateful to everyone who made the evening possible—including our sponsors:
Presenting Sponsor: The Standard
VIP Sponsors: ADP; Fortis Construction
Signature Event Live Auction Sponsor: Pacific Office Automation
Joy Sponsors: Randall Children’s Hospital at Legacy Emanuel, OHSU Doernbecher Children’s Hospital, JGP Wealth Management, Kaiser Permanente, Key Bank, Moda Health, and NFP, an Aon Company.
We are also grateful to our in-kind sponsors, table hosts, Portland Art Museum team, catering staff and chefs, and the many JoyRx staff members and volunteers who brought the evening to life.
Most of all, thank you to everyone who showed up—for Frances, for Jessica and Lucia, for every child and family who has experienced JoyRx, and for the children who need more joy in hospitals across the region, and the nation.
Because we could not do this work without you.