_ The 2019 CureFest for Childhood Cancer:

CureFest for Childhood Cancer will be held in Washington, DC from Friday, September 20-23, 2019. Due to its success in 2018, there will be youth advocacy opportunities on Friday, September 20 AS WELL AS Monday, September 23, 2019. 

Here is a summary of the schedule:

On Friday, September 20, CureFest begins with "Climb the Hill" which is a pediatric cancer youth advocacy day. Children and young adults will first attend advocacy training in the Rayburn House Office Building. They will then meet with members of Congress and Congressional staff to express their support for pediatric cancer research. This is a kids-only advocacy day for youth in elementary school to college. Parents typically wait for their children in the cafeteria or leave and come back when their child's last meeting is scheduled to wrap up. This is a very effective and powerful way to ask Congress to care about kids with cancer. No experience is necessary. 

CureFest continues on Saturday at 2:00 p.m. with a Rally to the U.S. Capitol. Families will be meeting on Freedom Plaza to make signs and then walk to the U.S. Capitol and back. Freedom Plaza is located at the corner of 14th Street and Pennsylvania Avenue NW.

The Meet & Greet on Freedom Plaza is from 5:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. This family friendly event includes music and activities for children. Immediately following the Meet & Greet is a "A Night of Golden Lights." From 7:00 p.m. - 8:30 p.m. there will be live music and a speaking presentation at Freedom Plaza. At 8:30 p.m. attendees will walk as a group to The White House for a candlelight vigil.

On Sunday, CureFest includes both a festival and an organized Walk in which the childhood cancer community and the general public stand together as one voice against childhood cancer. The festival begins at 10:00 a.m. and the walk begins at 12:00 p.m. (noon). There will be live music, speeches, and recognition ceremonies from 1:00 p.m. until 2:00 or 2:30 p.m.

Over 250 childhood cancer foundations and groups will be in attendance, along with a lineup of speakers and childhood cancer advocates. The walk, which is approximately 1.8 miles, takes place on the National Mall and offers spectacular views of the city from the U.S. Capitol, and the Washington Monument. Water and light snacks will be provided at the finish line. Registration is free but required!

CureFest wraps up on Monday, September 23 with a second day of "Climb the Hill" pediatric cancer youth advocacy day.

Here are some important details:

Registration
Registration is required for the walk due to safety issues. Registration is free for all walk participants. There is no cost to attend the festival.

Event Times

Friday, September 20, 2019: "Climb the Hill" pediatric cancer youth advocacy day: Times to be determined

Saturday, September 21, 2019:

2:00 p.m. – 3:45 p.m.: Rally to the U.S. Capitol
5:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.: CureFest Meet & Greet on Freedom Plaza
7:00 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.: “A Night of Golden Lights” Entertainment and Speaking Program at Freedom Plaza
8:30 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.: Candlelight Vigil on Pennsylvania Ave. in front of The White House

Sunday, September 22, 2019:
10:00 a.m.: Welcome / Opening Celebration
10:30 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.: Speaking Program
12:00 p.m.: Walk Begins
12:40 p.m.: Recognition Ceremonies for Survivors, Siblings and Children who have passed away from cancer
1:00 p.m: Entertainment/Live Music Begins
2:00 - 2:30 p.m: Event ends

Monday, September 23, 2019: "Climb the Hill" pediatric cancer youth advocacy day: Times to be determined