Children’s Cancer Association Appoints Heidi Boynton as Regional Vice President, South
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE- Austin, TX – [January 8, 2026] – Children’s Cancer Association, the national nonprofit behind the acclaimed JoyRx Music program, is proud to announce the appointment of Heidi Boynton as Regional Vice President, South. In this role, Boynton will lead regional growth and partnerships while advancing the organization’s mission to empower all seriously ill children to express themselves, to play, and to make meaningful connections by enriching their treatment experience and improving their well-being with joy-based programs.
A seasoned nonprofit executive and long-time advocate for children and families, Boynton brings more than 20 years of leadership experience in organizational development, coalition-building, and transformational program growth. She holds a Master’s degree in Organizational Leadership with a specialization in Population Health, grounding her work in both evidence-based strategy and deeply human-centered leadership.
Before joining Children’s Cancer Association, Boynton served as Executive Director of Jacob’s Heart Children’s Cancer Support Services, where she deepened community partnerships, expanded services and access, and strengthened the organization by stewarding landmark philanthropic investments.
“Heidi brings a unique blend of strategic vision, compassion, and care,” said Jack Pipkin, CEO of Children’s Cancer Association. “Her leadership reflects the heart of our work, building communities and showing up for those who need joy most. We are thrilled to welcome her as a leader for our south region.”
Based in Austin, Boynton will focus on growing JoyRx programs across the southern region while nurturing partnerships that align with the organization’s values of innovation, heart, and generosity.
“What brings me joy?” Boynton shared. “Family, holding babies, children’s laughter, being outside, and being surprised by the beauty of life.”
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More information about JoyRx Music and Children’s Cancer Association in Austin can be found here.
For media inquiries please contact Hannah Esrock, Marketing & Public Relations Manager
A Mission Built on Joy | About JoyRx
Children’s Cancer Association was founded in 1995 by the Ellis family after their five-year-old daughter, Alexandra, died of cancer — with the goal to create something extraordinary: an organization with a new vision for what pediatric cancer support services might look like.
Each year, our free JoyRx Music®, JoyRx Mentorship®, and JoyRx Nature® programs are shared with approximately 40,000 seriously ill children, teens — and their families — across the nation.
Our trauma-informed programs are based on research and best practices, aligned with Child Life Specialist goals, and are informed by family feedback. We work closely with care teams to provide engaging enrichment activities that help transform the pediatric experience. Simply put: joy makes sick kids feel better.
Charley Crockett to Perform at the Sixth Annual Live From the Heart Benefit for Children’s Cancer Association’s JoyRx Music Program in Austin
Event supports free music programs for seriously ill and hospitalized children.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE- Austin, TX – [December 10, 2025] – Children’s Cancer
Association is delighted to announce that Charley Crockett will take the stage as the headliner for the sixth annual Live from the Heart benefit concert—an evening of music and community impact—on Thursday, April 16, 2026, at Brazos Hall in Austin, TX. This annual benefit concert supports the organization’s free JoyRx Music programs, which create moments of connection and emotional well-being for children facing cancer and other serious illnesses.
“Street busker turned critically acclaimed singer-songwriter turned actual country star” (Rolling Stone), Charley Crockett has never been someone who asked permission to take a shot at his dreams. Instead, the GRAMMY® Award-nominated Texas-born maverick defied the odds at every turn, tapping into a rebellious strain of country, rising from an open guitar case on a Louisiana sidewalk to selling out some of the world’s most renowned venues. Crockett has paved a singular path out of Texas, taking his home state wherever he goes and bringing his signature “Gulf & Western” sound to the world. Crockett and his music have received praise from The New Yorker, The New York Times, Pitchfork, Rolling Stone, and Variety, and garnered hundreds of millions of streams.
Children’s Cancer Association’s Live From the Heart gala will be filled with inspiration from JoyRx-served families and program elements that underscore the impact of the non-profit, which offers free pediatric enrichment services at the bedsides of seriously ill children and teens. All proceeds with benefit JoyRx programs, including the company’s flagship JoyRx Music program, which is active in nine program sites in Texas. Guests will enjoy an evening of cocktails, dinner, and the opportunity to make a meaningful impact by supporting JoyRx’s mission.
“Charley Crockett’s music is inspiring, authentic, and honest – all qualities that we strive to bring to every child we serve through JoyRx programs,” says Jack Pipkin, CEO of Children’s Cancer Association. “We are inspired by his artistry and inspired that we get to celebrate together while gathering our Austin community in support of JoyRx programs. Music has an ability to uplift and connect us all – that’s what this is all about.”
Learn more about donation and sponsorship opportunities by visiting the event website here.
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Live From the Heart event details:
Event Date: April 16, 2026
Location: Brazos Hall, 204 E 4th St, Austin, TX 78701
Time: 5:00 PM – 10:00 PM
More information about Children’s Cancer Association and our free JoyRx programs in Austin and throughout the country can be found here.
For media inquiries please contact Andrea Tichy, Senior Director of Brand Marketing and Communications for Children’s Cancer Association by emailing atichy@joyrx.org.
A Mission Built on Joy | About JoyRx
Children’s Cancer Association was founded in 1995 by the Ellis family after their five-year-old daughter, Alexandra, died of cancer — with the goal to create something extraordinary: an organization with a new vision for what pediatric cancer support services might look like.
Our mission is to empower all seriously ill children to express themselves, to play, and to make meaningful connections by enriching their treatment experience and improving their well-being with joy-based programs.
Each year, our free JoyRx Music®, JoyRx Mentorship®, and JoyRx Nature® programs are shared with approximately 40,000 seriously ill children, teens — and their families — across the nation.
Our trauma-informed programs are based on research and best practices, aligned with Child Life Specialist goals, and are informed by family feedback. We work closely with care teams to provide engaging enrichment activities that help transform the pediatric experience. Simply put: joy makes sick kids feel better.
About Charley Crockett – Full Bio
“Street busker turned critically acclaimed singer-songwriter turned actual country star” (Rolling Stone), Charley Crockett has never been someone who asked permission to take a shot at his dreams. Instead, the GRAMMY® Award-nominated Texas-born maverick defied the odds at every turn, tapping into a rebellious strain of country, rising from an open guitar case on a Louisiana sidewalk to selling out some of the world’s most renowned venues. Crockett has paved a singular path out of Texas, taking his home state wherever he goes and bringing his signature “Gulf & Western” sound to the world. Crockett and his music have received praise from The New Yorker, The New York Times, Pitchfork, Rolling Stone, and Variety, and garnered hundreds of millions of streams. He picked up his first GRAMMY® nod earlier this year, and in the last year alone, he notably headlined Red Rocks Amphitheater in Morrison, CO, twice, played the Hollywood Bowl in Los Angeles, CA, and sold out two nights at the Ryman Auditorium in Nashville, TN. Speaking to his impact, CBS Mornings chronicled his journey, and he’s sat down for interviews on The Daily Show and most recently The Joe Rogan Experience. Plus, he’s graced the stage for performances on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon, Austin City Limits, Jimmy Kimmel Live!, and CBS “Saturday Sessions” in addition to playing behind NPR Music’s “Tiny Desk.” With multi-GRAMMY® Award-winning Shooter Jennings as co-producer, the same unapologetic spirit, diehard work ethic, and no-nonsense honesty drive Crockett’s latest era, resulting in The Sagebrush Trilogy. Beginning with his Island Records debut Lonesome Drifter in March 2025, the trilogy continues with new album Dollar A Day, out less than five months later.
Photos and more information about Charley Crockett can be found here.
The War and Treaty to Headline JoyRx’s Fifth Annual Live From the Heart Benefit Concert
It all begins with an idea.
Sponsored by Wells Fargo, at Austin’s Brazos Hall
Event supports hospitalized children impacted by serious illness
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE- Austin, TX – [February 10, 2025] – JoyRx is thrilled to announce that powerhouse duo The War and Treaty will take the stage as the headliners for the fifth annual Live from the Heart benefit concert—an evening of music and impact—on Thursday, April 17, 2025, at Brazos Hall in Austin, TX. This annual benefit concert supports JoyRx’s mission to create moments of connection, empowerment, and emotional well-being for children facing serious and terminal illnesses.
Founded in 2014 by the husband-and-wife duo Michael Trotter Jr. and Tanya Trotter, The War And Treaty has emerged as one of the most electrifying new acts in American music. They were nominated for the Best New Artist and Best American Roots Song at the 2024 GRAMMY Awards, and have also been nominated for Duo of the Year at the CMA Awards two years in a row and for Vocal Duo of the Year at the ACM Awards. They have won two Americana Music Awards (both for Duo/Group of the Year) and have received additional nominations and recognition from CMT Music Awards, Folk Alliance International, People’s Choice Country Awards, as well as from the Country Music Hall of Fame, the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, and the Grand Ole Opry. Their latest album, Plus One, is set to be released February 14, 2025.
JoyRx's Live From the Heart gala will be filled with inspiration from JoyRx-served families and program elements that underscore the impact of the non-profit, which offers free pediatric enrichment services at the bedsides of seriously ill children and teens. All proceeds with benefit JoyRx. Guests will enjoy an evening of cocktails, dinner, and the opportunity to make a meaningful impact by supporting JoyRx’s mission.
“The War and Treaty’s music embodies the resilience and hope that we strive to bring to every child we serve,” says Lindsey Sanders, Executive Director, South for JoyRx. “We are inspired by their artistry, and inspired that we get to celebrate their music while gathering the our Austin community in support of JoyRx. This night will be a true celebration of music’s ability to uplift and connect us all.”
Wells Fargo is the presenting sponsor of the 2025 Live From the Heart benefit concert. Learn more about donation and sponsorship opportunities by visiting the event website here.
For 30 years, JoyRx Music has drawn on the universal power of music to energize and lift spirits. Our flagship program helps seriously ill children find Joy during stressful and painful experiences related to extended hospitalizations and treatments for life-threatening illnesses. Our highly trained JoyRx musicians engage children of all ages and diagnoses in our 50 hospitals nationwide, allowing them to choose the musical experience that best fits their current emotional place and desired mood.
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Live From the Heart event details:
Event Date: April 17, 2025
Location: Brazos Hall, 204 E 4th St, Austin, TX 78701
Time: 6:00 PM – 10:00 PM
More information about JoyRx in Austin can be found here.
For media inquiries about JoyRx, please contact Andrea Tichy, Senior Director of Brand Marketing and Communications for JoyRx | Children’s Cancer Association by emailing atichy@joyrx.org.
Photos and information about The War and Treaty are available here.