Hope & Heroes funds the life-saving work on childhood cancer and blood disorders at Columbia University Irving Medical Center – including cutting-edge research, the newest and most advanced treatments, support for families, and care that always puts children first. Children like my Uma! 

In 2013, my beautiful daughter Uma was diagnosed with Langerhans cell histiocytosis (LCH) - a rare disorder in which the body makes too many dendritic cells. Dendritic cells are a form of histiocyte or white blood cell. These cells play a role in the body’s immune system. They can be found in the skin, lungs, stomach, bone, eyes, and intestines. In LCH, dendritic cells build-up, forming tumors and disrupting the normal function of tissues.

LCH may occur at any age but is most common in young children. About one out of every 200,000 children develop Langerhans cell histiocytosis each year. LCH can be found in children from birth through adulthood - my Uma was only 3 months old when diagnosed at Columbia University.

Columbia University is home to the largest and most comprehensive pediatric oncology & blood disorder programs in the country, treating over 1,500 patients a year with high-quality, compassionate care. Thanks to the amazing care and support we received at Columbia University, Uma celebrated 5 years cancer-free in October 2020! 

Nishant and I saw firsthand how funding from Hope & Heroes ensures that every child, regardless of their ability to pay, gets the very best care. And that is what it is all about: making sure children get the medical care they need, and families get the support they require. This is why I’m participating this year and why I’m asking you for your support. 

DONATE TODAY using the link and make a difference. If you’re as passionate as I am about ending childhood cancer, you can also join my team! 

Thank you again! Together we will help children today and save lives tomorrow!