The Cure Starts Now — Houston Chapter celebrates the Lunar New Year at Ocean Palace on February 21, 2026, presented by Dr. Cynthia Woo and Mayor Andrew Chan. Embracing the spirit of the Year of the Horse with an eight-course traditional Chinese dinner, the banquet features Chinese culinary delights and culture. The entertainment will be an energetic performance by the Unity Lion and Dragon Troupe, live and silent auction.

This evening is held in honor of Nicole Lee, Lara Pasi, Paul Coleman, Corbin Burnett, and Mateo Sparkman -- five DIPG Warriors from local Houston-area families who fought until they earned their angel wings. Guiding us through the evening will be the talented Emmy Award–winning journalist Rosie Nguyen, formerly with ABC 13. Our keynote speaker is Keith Desserich, cofounder of The Cure Starts Now and coauthor of the bestseller Notes Left Behind detailing his daughter Elena Desserich’s battle with DIPG. This enchanting evening promises to be a celebration of community, and hope as we come together to richly bless The Cure Starts Now and help build a future without childhood brain cancer.

Highlights of the Event: Eight-course Traditional Chinese Dinner
• Unity Lion and Dragon Troupe • Chinese Opera Face Changing Performance
• Keynote Speaker: Keith Desserich • Live and Silent Auctions

The Houston Hearts of Gold Chapter is committed to making a difference in the fight against pediatric brain cancer. This event aims to raise awareness and funds to support groundbreaking research at world-renowned institutions like MD Anderson and Texas Children’s Hospital.

For more information, please contact Althea Lee at althea.lee@thecurestartsnow.org.