NFL Hall of Famer Troy Aikman and current Dallas Cowboys Quarterback Dak Prescott met with current and recovering cancer patients this week at NorthPark Center. Twenty kids will model clothes donated by Dillard's at the Children's Cancer Fund Gala this spring.
"Today was a cool experience getting to meet Dak Prescott," one girl said.
"I was really nervous, but when I went on stage, my fear just went away," another said. "It was just really nice."
Families played games, took pictures with Aikman and Prescott and got autographs. Aikman says the party at NorthPark and upcoming gala can give kids and their parents something to think about other than their diagnosis and treatment.
"That's the best part. When I started my foundation, we were building play rooms in these children's hospitals," Aikman says. "Children's here in Dallas was our first one we put in, and it was for that very reason."
Aikman survived skin cancer. Prescott's mom died from cancer.
"This fight is something I don't take lightly," Prescott said. "As you see the faces on some of these kids maybe you've seen on your own at times, today is hitting a whole different way. To hear a girl say her hero is her dad, I'm blessed to be able to be a part of this fight."
Brent Christopher, president of the Children's Medical Center Foundation, says events with current and former Dallas Cowboys can bring attention to the work of young cancer patients and their families to overcome their diagnosis.
"To be willing to stand with them and support them, that gives inspiration and courage like nothing else could. That's exactly what those kids and families need," he says.
The Children's Cancer Fund's 35th Anniversary Gala will take place this April. Christopher says the event will raise $2 million for pediatric cancer research and to provide kids and families with entertainment so they can "break the monotony" of time spent in the hospital.
"So many kids in Texas facing a cancer battle do it right here at the Gill Cancer Center at Children's Medical Center Dallas, and that is a tough place to be for those kids and families who find themselves in the hospital," he says.
Kids will model clothes they picked out at the gala in April.
"I thank God for putting me in a position where I'm still able to come here," one child said. "I'm just thankful for everything."
"I like it. I appreciate it," her dad said. "I'm excited for the gala coming up and her modeling in it. It's all exciting."
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