September is National Childhood Cancer Awareness Month

Press Release
GEORGETOWN JINGLE ANNOUNCES 2011 CANCER PATIENT AMBASSADORS

Sixth-Annual Holiday Event Benefiting Georgetown University Hospital’s Pediatric Oncology Programs Honors Children Who Inspire the Collaborative Fundraising Effort

WASHINGTON, DC (September 21, 2011) – The sixth-annual Georgetown Jingle will spotlight thirteen young cancer patients receiving treatment through Georgetown University Hospital’s Pediatric Oncology Programs. Each year the charitable holiday event, with the help of these Patient Ambassadors, brings awareness to childhood cancer; honors children and families coping with cancer; and raises funds for Georgetown’s programs. The 2011 Georgetown Jingle, sponsored by JDS Designs, Inc., Four Seasons Hotel Washington, D.C., and The Washington Design Center, will be held at Four Seasons Hotel on Sunday, December 11.

Since 2006, the Georgetown Jingle has raised $1.7 million for pediatric oncology programs at Georgetown University Hospital. The family-centered event, co-chaired by Cynthia Bruno and Tamara Darvish, offers something for all ages and includes the CVS/pharmacy Children’s Workshop, DC Magazine Men’s Lounge, a silent auction, tastings by leading DC area chefs, and live entertainment, including a visit from Santa and his friends.

The event also showcases themed holiday trees and vignettes created by the Washington area’s top designers. A team from Annapolis-based furniture and accessories manufacturer Niermann Weeks will design the majestic center tree, with the theme "Peaceable Kingdom." Their tree and all the festive creations will be sold in advance for a fixed “Buy It Now” price or sold to the highest bidder during the event’s silent auction.

Each participating designer partners with a young Patient Ambassador for theme and creative inspiration. The 2011 Georgetown Jingle participating designers and Patient Ambassadors are:

September is designated as National Childhood Cancer Awareness Month, to shine a spotlight on the childhood disease. Cancer is the leading cause of death by disease among U.S. children between infancy and age 15. Although cure rates are steadily increasing, 35% of U.S. children will die from a diagnosis of cancer.

"National Childhood Cancer Awareness Month is the perfect time to recognize our courageous 2011 Patient Ambassadors, who volunteer to share their stories with us," says Georgetown Jingle Design Chair Michael Roberson of Michael Roberson Interior Design. "These young patients have different diagnoses and prognoses but each has such an inspiring story. They are what make the Georgetown Jingle not only a fun event for the whole family but also a wonderful opportunity to open our hearts during the holidays."

Despite their illnesses, the Georgetown patients are looking forward to the holidays. Avery P., who has partnered with Camille Saum, completed her Leukemia treatment in May 2011. Avery loves gingerbread houses and Christmas trees. Anuj D., paired with Patrick Baglino, recently completed his treatment for Hemophagocytic Lymphohistiocytosis or HLH. Anuj’s favorite thing about the holidays is “playing with his brother” and his holiday wish is for "candy and toys."

Max R., who has partnered with Eleanor McKay and the Niermann Weeks team, is currently in remission from Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (ALL). Max loves the holiday song, "Frosty the Snowman," but his favorite thing about the holidays: "no school." Ayden K., also paired with McKay, started maintenance treatment in May 2011 for ALL. Ayden loves "Jingle Bells" and looks forward to Santa’s visit.

The Georgetown Jingle benefits the Pediatric Bone Marrow Transplant Unit at Georgetown University Hospital. With Georgetown Jingle funds, the unit, in collaboration with Duke University and the National Institutes of Health, will be fully operational by the end of the year. The Georgetown Jingle will continue to support the Childhood Cancer Survivorship Program and, this year, will expand its support to include the development of a palliative care program, devoted to relieving pain and providing physical, psychological, and spiritual comfort to patients. The programs are directed by Dr. Aziza Shad, one of the region’s most respected oncologists.

The 2011 Georgetown Jingle will be held at Four Seasons Hotel Washington, DC, on Sunday, December 11, from 4 to 8 pm. Tickets are $150 per person, $350 for families of four, $50 for kids 3-18, and free for children under 2. For more information about the event, visit www.georgetownjingle.com.

ABOUT FOUR SEASONS HOTEL WASHINGTON, DC
Four Seasons Hotel Washington, DC, Washington's first and only Forbes Five-Star, AAA Five-Diamond hotel, has justly earned its reputation as one of the city’s – indeed one of the world’s –finest hotels. With a preferred Pennsylvania Avenue address, the 222-room hotel is situated in historic Georgetown. Its restful ambiance is enhanced with not only a warm, friendly and tenured staff but also its extraordinary art collection. The hotel completed a $40 million enhancement in 2009 and is better than ever! An exciting addition is the signature restaurant, "BOURBON STEAK," by celebrated Chef Michael Mina, a two-time James Beard award winning chef. The restaurant is designed by world-renowned architect David Rockwell. The Lobby was redesigned by Pierre-Yves Rochon and intended to celebrate the intimacy of residential warmth, views of a winter garden and the hotel’s celebrated art. The West Wing was renovated and received ten new rooms and suites as well as a 4,000 sq. ft. Royal Suite (the Hotel's largest and most lavish) that has redefine comfort and style in the nation’s capital; designed by Anderson Miller Ltd.

ABOUT GEORGETOWN UNIVERSITY HOSPITAL
Georgetown University Hospital is a 609- licensed bed, not-for-profit, acute-care teaching and research facility located in Northwest Washington, DC. Georgetown’s clinical services represent one of the largest, most geographically diverse, and fully integrated healthcare and delivery networks in the area. Georgetown is home to the internationally known Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center, as well as centers of excellence in the neurosciences, gastroenterology, transplant and vascular surgery.

ABOUT JDS DESIGNS, INC
JDS Designs, Inc is a leading design firm operating in the Washington area since 1984. David A. Herchik, president, and his partner, Richard J. Looman, have created a most unique firm committed to glamour and luxury as defined by each individual client. In addition to a strong Washington presence, JDS caters to its growing list of clientele from Greenwich, Connecticut to Santa Fe, New Mexico. Herchik and Looman became personally committed to raising funds for pediatric cancer research and programs after a friend’s daughter was diagnosed with leukemia in 2004.

ABOUT THE WASHINGTON DESIGN CENTER
Dedicated to providing the finest in home furnishings to the design trade, The Washington Design Center houses over 60 wholesale residential, commercial and building products showrooms. Considered the mid-Atlantic region’s largest resource and destination for the design industry, The Washington Design Center works closely with designers to guarantee consumers the best possible luxury shopping experience. The Washington Design Center is located at 300 D Street, SW in Washington, DC. Above the Federal Center SW Metro Station, The Washington Design Center is served by the Orange and Blue lines.

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