News Summary
At the Cannes Film Festival, Thomas Pierce announced the appointment of 16-year-old Alexis Silva as the first Teen Ambassador for the Children’s Oncology Support Fund (COSF). Overcoming her own health challenges, Alexis is dedicated to raising awareness and support for pediatric cancer. As Teen Ambassador, she will lead fundraising efforts at the upcoming CHLA Walk & Play LA event. Her inspiring journey highlights the critical role youth play in advocating for children battling cancer and the importance of community support.
Cannes, France – Thomas Pierce, the founder of the Children’s Oncology Support Fund (COSF), announced the appointment of the organization’s first Teen Ambassador, 16-year-old Alexis Silva from Newport Beach, during the prestigious Cannes Film Festival. This initiative aims to enhance awareness and support for pediatric cancer, aligning with COSF’s mission to find less-toxic treatments for young patients.
As a sophomore at Corona del Mar High School, Alexis has recently emerged as a strong advocate for children battling cancer after overcoming her own life-threatening health challenges. In 2023, she was diagnosed with a suspected cancerous adrenal gland tumor and underwent an eight-hour surgery at Children’s Hospital of Orange County (CHOC) to remove it. Following extensive recovery, Alexis connected with other young patients facing similar struggles and resolved to dedicate her efforts to combating cancer if she survived.
In her new capacity as COSF Teen Ambassador, Alexis will spearhead fundraising and awareness efforts at the Children’s Hospital Los Angeles (CHLA) Walk & Play LA event scheduled for June 7. She plans to rally friends, family, and supporters behind her campaign to uplift the spirits of children who face financial and emotional hardships due to cancer.
Alexis is not alone in her advocacy; she joins an impressive roster of COSF Ambassadors that includes notable figures such as Oscar-winning actress Marcia Gay Harden, actor William Abadie, and Baywatch star Brooke Burke. This network of supporters strengthens the foundation’s outreach as they work to bolster their initiatives.
Thomas Pierce commended Alexis for her remarkable resilience, passion for advocacy, and ability to convey a powerful message. Her journey not only showcases her individual spirit but also emphasizes the vital role of youth in the fight against cancer.
Before her surgery, Alexis utilized her musical talents to create and release a video for her original song “The Fight’s Not Over Yet,” which draws inspiration from her experiences. This project highlighted her commitment to helping other children in difficult situations. She was determined to be a source of hope and support to her peers, emphasizing the importance of community and togetherness in the face of adversity.
The Children’s Oncology Support Fund’s mission includes funding research focused on less-toxic therapies for pediatric cancer patients and providing essential support for families navigating the challenges of cancer treatment. COSF partners with hospitals and established nonprofit organizations to amplify their impact, fostering environments of transparency and community support.
The COSF aims to change the lives of young cancer patients by developing novel therapies, advocating for better treatment options, and supporting donor-dependent patient programs across the nation. By employing a mix of fundraising, awareness campaigns, and community engagement, the fund has established a solid foundation to further its cause.
As Alexis Silva begins her journey as COSF’s first Teen Ambassador, her experiences and commitment to supporting children affected by cancer exemplify the profound impact that young leaders can have within their communities. Her upcoming efforts at the CHLA Walk & Play LA event will set the stage for an era of enhanced youth involvement in the fight against pediatric cancer.
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Additional Resources
- Newport Beach Indy
- Wikipedia: Pediatric Cancer
- NY Daily News
- Google Search: Children’s Oncology Support Fund
- Aspen Times
- Google Scholar: Pediatric Cancer Research
- Hollywood Reporter
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Pediatric Cancer
- New York Social Diary
- Google News: Children’s Cancer Fund
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COSTA MESA STAFF WRITER The COSTA MESA STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERECostaMesa.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Costa Mesa, Orange County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the OC Fair, Concerts in the Park, and Fish Fry. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Costa Mesa Chamber of Commerce and Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Orange Coast, plus leading businesses in retail, fashion, and technology that power the local economy such as Vans, Experian, and South Coast Plaza. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAnaheim.com, HEREBeverlyHills.com, HERECoronado.com, HEREHollywood.com, HEREHuntingtonBeach.com, HERELongBeach.com, HERELosAngeles.com, HEREMissionViejo.com, HERESanDiego.com, and HERESantaAna.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into California's dynamic landscape.
