The Head and the Heart to Headline Children’s Cancer Association’s 2026 Gala
Live From the Heart benefit concert supports free JoyRx programs for hospitalized children impacted by serious illness
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE- Portland, OR – [July 15, 2026] – Children's Cancer Association (CCA) is proud to announce that Charity Rose Thielen and Matt Gervais, of the multi-Platinum indie-folk band The Head and the Heart, will headline the organization's annual Live from the Heart gala, presented by The Standard, on Saturday, October 3, 2026, at the Portland Art Museum in Portland, Oregon.
The benefit concert will feature a simplified and intimate performance, bringing together community leaders, philanthropists, and supporters for an unforgettable evening celebrating the transformative power of joy for seriously ill children and their families. Proceeds from the event directly support Children's Cancer Association's free JoyRx Music®, JoyRx Mentorship®, and JoyRx Nature® programs, which serve children, teens, and families facing cancer and hospitalization across the Pacific Northwest and the nation.
Since forming in Seattle, The Head and the Heart has become one of the country's most beloved indie folk bands, known for heartfelt songwriting, rich harmonies, and platinum-selling hits including Rivers and Roads, Lost in My Mind, and All We Ever Knew. Matt Gervais and Charity Rose Thielen have helped define the band's signature sound while building a devoted following through authentic storytelling and emotionally resonant performances. Their appearance at Live from the Heart reflects a shared belief that music can create powerful moments of comfort, connection, and joy during life's most difficult experiences.
"Music and connection has always been at the heart of our mission," said Jack Pipkin, CEO of Children's Cancer Association. "We're honored to welcome Charity and Matt to this year's Live from the Heart gala. Their artistry, authenticity, and belief in the universal power of music is aligned exactly with what powers JoyRx Music for children and families every day."
The evening will feature inspiring stories from JoyRx-served families, opportunities to support Children's Cancer Association's growth and access, dinner, cocktails, and an intimate live performance.
Children's Cancer Association currently delivers JoyRx programs in more than 20 states and 50 pediatric healthcare sites, serving approximately 47,000 children and family members each year through partnerships with children's hospitals and healthcare providers. With regional hubs in Portland, Austin, and New York City, the organization continues expanding access to evidence-informed pediatric enrichment programs that help children experience joy during treatment and hospitalization.
Sponsorship opportunities and tickets for Live from the Heart are available now. Visit JoyRx.org for more information.
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About the Event
The 2026 Live From the Heart gala is presented by The Standard
Event Date: Saturday, October 3, 2026
Location: Portland Art Museum, 1219 SW Park Avenue, Portland, Oregon
Time: 6:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m.
All proceed benefit Children’s Cancer Association
For media inquiries, please contact:
Andrea Tichy, Vice President of Marketing & Development | Children's Cancer Association
atichy@joyrx.org
Photos and interviews may be available upon request.
About Children's Cancer Association
Children’s Cancer Association was founded in 1995 by the Ellis family after their five-year-old daughter, Alexandra, died of cancer. Their goal was to create an organization with a new vision for joy-based pediatric cancer support services.
Today, Children’s Cancer Association helps sick kids feel like kids again through our JoyRx Music, Mentorship, and Nature experiences. These free-of-charge pediatric enrichment services empower children to laugh, play, and find their joy even during life’s most challenging moments. Simply put: joy helps sick kids feel better.
You can learn more about our vision, our mission, and our principles of joy as an expression of values by visiting: JoyRx.org/Our-Mission.
About The Head and the Heart
The Head and the Heart rose from Seattle’s vibrant music scene to become one of the most beloved indie folk-rock bands of their generation. Since the release of their breakthrough self-titled debut album, the multi-Platinum group has earned widespread acclaim for its signature blend of soaring harmonies, emotionally resonant songwriting, and powerful live performances. Their catalog includes fan favorites such as “Rivers and Roads,” “Lost in My Mind,” “All We Ever Knew,” and “Missed Connection,” with multiple chart-topping releases and platinum-selling achievements.
Known for creating music that explores connection, resilience, and the shared human experience, The Head and the Heart have built a devoted global following while remaining deeply committed to meaningful community engagement. Their heartfelt sound and uplifting spirit make them a fitting partner in Children’s Cancer Association’s mission to bring joy, comfort, and connection to children and families facing serious illness.