The Presbyterian Communities and Services Foundation’s annual Each Moment Matters Luncheon, held at the Hilton Anatole on Sept. 29, welcomed more than 1,000 guests to honor Dallas’ own everyday heroes and philanthropic visionaries. Joy Cruse, founder of TeamConnor Childhood Cancer Foundation, was honored with the Joy of Service award and presented with a check for $15,000.
The luncheon is designed to bring focus to individuals who strive diligently, each working within his or her passions, to be an agent for change in the world around them, a press release stated. Honorees were nominated based on devotion to the community, faith in serving others, courage, personal and professional integrity and leadership within the community. Actress Marlee Matlin attended the luncheon.
“Over the past 20 years, the FDA has approved about 190 new cancer treatments for adults, but only three for children. With more grants, we are one step closer to find a cure for childhood cancer,” Cruse stated.
The foundation is the legacy of 8-year-old Connor Cruse of Frisco, who lost his long battle with neuroblastoma in 2009. TeamConnor has awarded more than $2 million in funding for childhood cancer research and patient programs across the country since 2008.
Joy Cruse, founder of TeamConnor Childhood Cancer Foundation and Marlee Matlin, Academy Award-winning actress, at Each Moment Matters Luncheon