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Nicklaus Children’s Hospital Bone Marrow Transplant Patient Meets His Donor for First Time at Fashion Gives Back Ahead of World Marrow Donor Day on Saturday

Published on: 09/16/2022

Last night, Nicklaus Children’s Young Ambassadors hosted the 9th annual Fashion Gives Back Fashion Show at Jungle Island in support of the Blood and Marrow Transplant Program, part of the Cancer and Blood Disorders Institute at Nicklaus Children’s Hospital. The “Studio 54” themed celebration was emceed by NBC 6 reporter Kelly Blanco, and coming out in full force to support the patients and families of Nicklaus Children’s Hospital, attendees wore iconic 70s attire as they danced the night away while helping raise funds in style.

“We are thrilled to have been able to welcome back this amazing night of fashion, philanthropy and fundraising for a very special group of young professionals who dedicate their time to Nicklaus Children’s Hospital,” said Perry Ann Reed, president of Nicklaus Children’s Hospital. “While we were unable to get together over the past two years, our event committee members, co-chairs, sponsors and guests all rallied together to make sure we brought the fun this year,” she added.

During a heartfelt portion of this year’s event, guests learned about Daniel, one of Nicklaus Children’s Hospital’s very own patients who persevered through his own journey. Daniel was diagnosed with myeloid leukemia, a type of cancer in which the bone marrow makes a large number of abnormal blood cells. Daniel underwent many rounds of chemotherapy at Nicklaus Children’s Hospital, eventually requiring a bone marrow transplant. When it was time for the transplant, Daniel was matched with a donor who eventually became his pen pal. Fast forward two years later to last night’s event at Jungle Island, where Daniel and his family were surprised by the young man who performed a selfless act to save their young boy.

“I don’t have words to describe what tonight means to our family,” said Claudia Davila, Daniel’s mom. “I’m so happy to have both of my sons here with me – well now all three [including Lukas],” she exclaimed.

The event, which was presented by Jenni and Joshua Coba and Missy and Jonathan Babicka, featured a stylish fashion show highlighting must-have trends of the season before ending the night with a groovy dance party.

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