WIPE OUT KIDS’ CANCER SECURES MAJOR COMMITMENT FOR PEDIATRIC CANCER RESEARCH, UNLOCKING $4 MILLION IMPACT 

WOKC and the V Foundation for Cancer Research Partner to Eradicate Pediatric Cancer   

Wipe Out Kids’ Cancer (WOKC) is partnering with the V Foundation for Cancer Research as WOKC celebrates its 45^th anniversary gala on Saturday, April 25 at The Ritz-Carlton, Dallas. The V Foundation is matching $2 million of WOKC gala proceeds to co-fund a total of $4 million in game-changing pediatric cancer research grants. Remaining funds raised from the gala will support WOKC’s year-round programs, including its signature Buddy Bags and Warrior Family Program that provide activities and other much-needed support for kids with cancer and their families, many living under the poverty line. The partnership with the V Foundation underscores WOKC’s continued impact in the pediatric cancer space as the non-profit organization prepares for its gala with the rallying call of “Cancer Does NOT Define ME!” as its theme. 

The research commitment reflects what has set WOKC apart for 45 years: the organization supports children and families in the earliest, most overwhelming moments of a cancer diagnosis while also investing in innovative research that can change outcomes for future patients.

“This $2 million matching opportunity is powerful not only because of its co-funding strength, but because of what $4 million represents in research discoveries for children and families facing pediatric cancer,” said Cindy Brinker Simmons, founder of Wipe Out Kids’ Cancer. “WOKC has always provided comfort and hope for the entire family through its multiple support programs while also relentlessly helping advance research that can lead to better treatments and brighter futures. This match allows WOKC to make an even greater impact in the fight against childhood cancer.” 

“This partnership reflects a shared commitment to accelerating best-in-class research that drives real progress for children and their families battling cancer,” said Roger Ferguson, Chief Marketing Officer at the V Foundation. “We’re proud to work alongside WOKC to fund the most promising scientists on the frontlines of pediatric cancer research.” 

WOKC’s 45^th Anniversary Gala will be held with Tatiana and Peter Cancro serving as Honorary Chairs. Peter Cancro is the founder of Jersey Mike’s Subs. Through the enormous generosity of the Cancro’s and Jersey Mike’s since 2010, WOKC has been the recipient of over $6 million from them to further its critical mission to eradicate pediatric cancer. 

The V Foundation for Cancer Research was founded in 1993 by ESPN and the late Jim Valvano, legendary North Carolina State University basketball coach and ESPN commentator. The V Foundation funds game-changing cancer research grants in North America through a competitive process overseen by a world-class Scientific Advisory Committee. Because an endowment covers administrative expenses, 100% of direct donations is awarded to cancer research and programs to accelerate Victory Over Cancer® and save lives. The V Foundation has granted more than $107 million toward innovative childhood cancer research through the Dick Vitale Pediatric Cancer Research Fund. 

About WOKC

Founded in 1980, Wipe Out Kids’ Cancer offers comfort and hope to kids with cancer through support programs serving the entire family and funds innovative research leading to new discoveries and treatments in the fight against pediatric cancer. For more information on WOKC, follow on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter or visit WOKC.org.

To learn more about WOKC’s 45^th Anniversary Gala, visit wokc.org/gala.

The St. Jude Career Alliance, a faith-based ministry that offers hope, guidance, and practical tools for job seekers, will offer its next quarterly job search workshop on Saturday, April 18, 8:45 AM to 3:00 PM, at St. Jude Catholic Church, 1515 North Greenville Avenue in Allen, TX  75002.  Titled Empowering Your Career Journey, One Step at a Time, this workshop reflects the post-Pandemic changes in the job search market while incorporating emerging technologies such as AI to refine parameters and identify new opportunities.

The Empowering Your Career Journey, One Step at a Time workshop will integrate interactive exercises such as S.T.A.R (Situation. Task. Action. Result.) stories, targeting specific companies, and crafting a Unique Selling Proposition (USP) to enable attendees to differentiate themselves from competitors. Attendees are encouraged to network during breaks and practice skills learned during the sessions.

This workshop is ideal for:

• People who are unemployed and want an effective job search process.
• People who want to get back into the job market after an extended career break.
• People who are looking to do a career shift but are not sure just where to begin.
•  People who are recent graduates and are looking to land their first job. 

Parties interested in participating in this job search workshop will need to register online and pay a $25 fee. The fee will cover the cost of a presentation booklet, as well as lunch, drinks, and snacks. Registered attendees also need to bring a printed copy of their resume to the workshop. In addition, they need to download the Free Version of ChatGPT, the AI chatbot for everyday use, on their cell phones. 

The link for Online Registration appears below:

https://osvhub.com/stjudeparish/forms/career-alliance-quarterly-workshop-04-18-26

This link connects to a registration form that includes a payment button. Registration forms cannot be submitted until payment is made.

The April 18 comprehensive job search workshop will take place in the Lecture Hall on the St. Jude parish campus. Participants should park in the northeast parking lot on Greenville Avenue, enter through the church office doors, and follow the signs inside to the Lecture Hall location. This event is open to all job seekers, regardless of faith, ethnicity, or age. Everyone is welcome!  

 The upcoming 2026 St. Jude Career job search workshops will be held:

• 3Q2026 Saturday, August 1, 2026
• 4Q2026 Saturday, October 17, 2026

For more information:

• Visit the St. Jude Career Alliance website at https://stjudecareeralliance.com;
• Email careeralliance@stjudeparish.com;
• Call the St. Jude parish office at 972-727-1177.

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In honor of Oral, Head and Neck Cancer Awareness Month, two local oral surgery practices will offer free oral cancer screenings. They will be available:

• April 15 from 2 to 5 pm at Metroplex Surgical Arts – 7988 W. Virginia Dr., Suite 200, Dallas, Texas, 75237
• April 16 from 11 am to 1 pm at Oral Surgery Associates of North Texas (OSANT) – 540 W. Frontier Parkway, Suite 100, Prosper, Texas 75078.

To participate, arrive at either clinic during its designated date and times, and ask for a free cancer screening. The screenings are part of a joint partnership with the Head & Neck Cancer Foundation, a nonprofit organization dedicated to raising awareness of oral, head and neck cancer.

April is widely recognized as Oral, Head and Neck Cancer Awareness Month, a time to increase awareness of the condition, risk factors, statistics and screenings. The American Cancer Society estimates that there will be 60,480 new cases of oral cavity or oropharyngeal (middle throat) cancer – with 13,150 deaths attributed to it – in 2026.

“The good news is oral cancer has a survival rate of 80-90% when diagnosed early, according to the Head & Neck Cancer Foundation. That’s why screenings like this are important,” said Howard F. Cooke, DMD, MS, MBA, an oral and maxillofacial surgeon with Metroplex Surgical Arts. “For most patients, we recommend yearly screenings by a qualified healthcare professional as well as monthly self-exams.”

OSANT’s Phillip Newton, DDS, MD, also recommends yearly screenings and monthly self-examinations to most patients. For monthly self-examinations, he recommends using a bring light and mirror to look for anything out of the ordinary, such as lumps, swelling, bleeding, white or red patches, or sores that won’t heal.

“If you find anything out of the ordinary, get it checked out as soon as possible,” said Dr. Newton. “Don’t wait until you’re in pain because you might not feel pain during the initial stages.” 

According to the CDC, some additional symptoms to watch for include difficulty performing daily functions like breathing, speaking and chewing or swallowing food.

The American Cancer Society reports that the average age of people diagnosed with these cancers is 64 and that one in five cases occur in people younger than 55. Some risk factors to consider include smoking and alcohol use, genetic predisposition, nutrition, mouth/face injuries, oral hygiene and certain medical conditions/diseases.

Located in Dallas, Metroplex Surgical Arts is a full scope oral and maxillofacial surgery practice led by Dr. Cooke, who is a board-certified oral and maxillofacial surgeon, the highest credential that can be obtained in the specialty, according to the American Board of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery.

Dr. Newton is also a board-certified oral and maxillofacial surgeon. He leads OSANT’s Prosper clinic. OSANT has locations in Dallas, Allen, Plano, Cedar Hill, Rowlett, McKinney and Prosper.

Turtle Creek Association 2026 Azalea Luncheon Celebrating Spring on the Creek Features Fashions by Betty Reiter

Now in its fourth year, the Azalea Luncheon benefiting the Turtle Creek Association (TCA) has become one of Dallas’ most anticipated spring social events. Pat Kozak is Honorary Chair, Sharon Ballew is Luncheon Chair and JD Trueblood is CEO, Turtle Creek Association.

After selling out two years in a row, TCA is thrilled to elevate the experience in a stunning new venue. This year’s celebration will be held at the historic Warwick Melrose Hotel, inside the beautifully appointed Turtle Creek Room, the perfect setting for an unforgettable spring gathering.

The morning begins with champagne, photos, an opportunity to browse the Betty Reiter pop-up boutique, and a special treat: a live fashion illustration experience. A professional fashion sketch artist will be onsite to create designer-style illustrations inspired by guests’ outfits. This exclusive opportunity is available on a first-come, first-served basis during a limited two-hour window, so an early arrival is encouraged for the best chance to participate.

Guests will enjoy an elegant spring fashion presentation by Betty Reiter, followed by lunch. The morning also includes exclusive giveaways and plenty of picture-perfect moments before the program begins.

Most importantly, the Azalea Luncheon supports the Turtle Creek Association’s mission to Protect, Preserve, and Enhance the Turtle Creek corridor. Through events like this, TCA is able to continue vital work that keeps our parks, trails, bridges, and green spaces beautiful, safe, and thriving for generations to come.

Tickets are limited, and this event has sold out every year, so reserve your seat soon! Tickets can be purchased online at www.Turtlecreekassociation.org 

About Turtle Creek Association:

Turtle Creek Association is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization.  TCA’s core mission is to serve as the foremost guardian, advocate, and leader dedicated to preserving, protecting and enhancing the Turtle Creek corridor.

Furthermore, the Turtle Creek Association takes on a range of vital responsibilities.  This includes orchestrating seasonal color transformations along the creek, managing irrigation and watering systems, overseeing litter and trash removal from the creek, and upkeeping 25 beautifully landscaped medians. We play a crucial role in sustaining 2,600 trees that offer a haven for wildlife, and we’re instrumental in providing essential amenities such as drinking fountains, trash receptacles, and benches throughout the parks. Remarkably, all of these efforts are achieved through the generosity of our donors.

For more information and to join our cause, please visit our website at www.turtlecreekassociation.org. Your support fuels our commitment to preserving the urban sanctuary that is Turtle Creek.  

Susser Bank has appointed Jamie Kile as Senior Vice President, Treasury Management Solutions Officer, a strategic addition to its Dallas team located at the new Old Parkland East Campus. In her role, Kile will work closely with commercial clients, helping businesses optimize cash flow, manage payments, enhance liquidity, and mitigate financial risks.

With more than 25 years of experience in banking and treasury management, Kile brings a wealth of expertise to Dallas-area companies. 

“Jamie brings a rare combination of deep treasury management expertise and a proven ability to build strong, trusted relationships with commercial clients,” said Carl Cravens, President and Chief Banking Officer of Susser Bank. “Her appointment strengthens our Dallas team’s capacity to provide strategic solutions that help businesses optimize operations, manage risk effectively, and pursue growth with confidence. She is a resource our clients can rely on for guidance on complex financial challenges."

Kile’s role is designed to make Susser Bank a go-to partner for Dallas businesses navigating the complexities of treasury management. She will work closely with clients to tailor solutions to their specific needs, serving as a trusted advisor and strategic partner in the region.

Beyond her professional work, Kile is an advocate for financial literacy and community engagement. She partners with Youth with Faces, a Dallas-based nonprofit supporting at-risk youth across Dallas and Collin counties, demonstrating her ongoing commitment to empowering individuals and strengthening local communities.

Susser Bank is a Texas-based company, founded in 1959, offering a full suite of personal and commercial banking solutions with offices across Texas – Dallas, Arlington, Austin, Bedford, Corpus Christi, Fort Worth, Garland, Houston, Plano, Round Rock and San Antonio. The company is a diversified bank with robust capital, liquidity, and leading-edge technology led by the Susser family and a legacy of six generations of Texas entrepreneurs. Susser Bank is dedicated to building long-term client relationships and providing outstanding financial solutions that make Texas stronger. 

More information is available at susserbank.com.