The Society of MSK and Prada Joined Forces to Host Its Annual Fall Party

In the Grand Ballroom of the Plaza Hotel, beneath the glow of its opulent chandeliers, the Society of Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center hosted its annual fall party. The evening was graciously sponsored by Prada and raises funds for life-changing Pediatric Transplant and Cellular Therapy Service.

Since 1946, the Society has been spearheading fundraising initiatives for cancer care and research at Memorial Sloan Kettering. Austen Cruz, who wore a vintage gold Prada dress in honor of the night’s sponsor, marked her first year as chair of the Associates Committee. “I was originally inspired to join the Associates because of my best friend. We met in kindergarten and hit it off right away. A month or two later, she was diagnosed with leukemia,” she shared with attendees. “Before I was old enough to even understand what cancer was, I witnessed her treatments, transplants, sick days, hair loss, and ultimately her recovery and her mission.” Cruz celebrates the tremendous advancements in cancer research since her friend's diagnosis over thirty years ago while emphasizing the ongoing potential for even greater accomplishments ahead.

Dr. Andrew Harris, director of the Memorial Sloan Kettering kids Pediatric Transplant and Cellular Therapy Service therapies fellowship and a cancer survivor himself, shared his story of the complications that ensued after a bone marrow transplant. “At one point, it got so grim that my mom had her priest come and renew my last rites,” said Harris. “I told myself that if I survived, I'd come back and I'd work alongside doctors to make transplants safer and more effective for the next wave of kids in need.”

After a decadent three-course dinner and an overflow of champagne and wine, auctioneer Lydia Fenet took the stage, gently nudging attendees to open their hearts and wallets. “I want you all to look around the table and the people next to you and point at the person who makes the most money,” she teased. The evening raised $600,000, including $122,600 for pediatric transplant and cellular therapy service.

As the night came to a close, DJ Twilo blasted Believe by Cher, prompting guests, such as Chelsea Clinton, Lauren Bush Lauren and David Lauren, and Alexandra Lind Rose, among others, to the dance floor to cap off a memorable evening filled with hope and promise.