Stories at the heart of the evening
Two families shared their experiences, reminding everyone why Heroes Ball exists and why this work matters so deeply.
First, Erin Harnedy spoke about her daughter, Isabel, recalling the twenty‑two days she spent in the Hasbro Children’s Oncology and Hematology pod; and the separate hospitalization that followed, when a sudden and frightening decline led to ECMO, the highest level of life support. Erin described specialists who knew exactly how to care for her newborn, respiratory therapists who stayed at the bedside every second of every day, and social workers who wrapped their family in support. She shared the blankets brought to bring comfort, the photos hung in Isabel’s room to remind staff of the bright toddler beneath the machines, and the way the care team carried their family through every turning point. When Erin pointed to Isabel in the audience, now an energetic eight year old who dances, swims, reads, and “fills every room with life,” the room rose in applause.
Emma Katzen then returned to the stage she last stood on during a prior Heroes Ball as a critically ill pre-teen. She shared how she went from a healthy cheerleader to a child in septic shock within forty eight hours, leading to a medically induced coma and a diagnosis of acute lymphoblastic leukemia. Her treatment brought intense chemotherapy, seizures, nine surgeries, and a rare genetic disorder. She lost the ability to walk and write, and yet never lost the support of the teams who cared for her and her family.
Now twenty-six, Emma is a survivor, a published author, an advocate, and a mother. She told the audience that the dream of parenthood once felt impossible due to the cancer diagnosis and lifesaving treatments, and that standing on stage with a daughter waiting for her at home was a testament to the care that shaped her life. Sharing that she is almost fourteen years cancer free, Emma received another warm round of applause.
Moments that brought the room together
Co-host Shannon Hegy and 2026 Champion Child Jasper Casey welcomed guests, grounding the evening in both celebration and purpose. Shannon shared her own personal connection to Hasbro Children’s, saying, “While I am most recognizable from my role [as co-anchor] at WPRI 12, I am here tonight as a mom whose family has been touched deeply by the incredible people and amazing care found within the walls of Hasbro Children’s.” Her words set the tone for an evening grounded in gratitude and community.
Pediatric hematologist-oncologist Rishi Lulla, MD spoke about the kind of care, research, and innovation that guide families through the most complex diagnoses. To illustrate this work, guests then viewed a video featuring the stories of three remarkable children whose journeys reflect the breadth of pediatric hematology and oncology care:
- Charlie, a teenager living with hemophilia. He receives care through the hospital’s Tomorrow Fund Clinic, allowing him to live a full teenage life that includes playing baseball.
- Layla, a four year old diagnosed with lymphoma. Although she faces long term treatment, four-going-on-twenty-four Layla does it all with courage and optimism, and even dreams of becoming a pediatric hematologist/oncologist when she grows up.
- Avril, living with sickle cell disease and complex neurological challenges. She has spent years receiving coordinated, life sustaining care after her family came to Rhode Island seeking better treatment.
Seeing those children both on screen and in person helped make their stories feel immediate and deeply personal, their presence underscoring the significance of the Hasbro Children’s Heroes Ball.
As dinner transitioned into a powerful performance by grateful patient and dancer Izabelle Major, who brought grace, energy, and joy to the stage. Her performance once again reminded guests of the promise that comes with recovery and resilience.
2026 Hasbro Children's Heroes Ball Fund-a-Need
The Pediatric Hematology and Oncology Program at Hasbro Children’s delivers expert, compassionate care for kids facing cancer and complex blood disorders. With advanced diagnostics, targeted therapies, and access to clinical trials, families receive leading-edge treatment close to home. The 2026 Heroes Ball fund‑a‑need supports innovative therapies, family‑centered services, and survivorship programs that help children thrive long after treatment.
Live auction highlights and a moment of collective impact
The live auction, led by auctioneer Tom Stebbins, became one of the most spirited parts of the evening. Guests enthusiastically bid on unforgettable experiences, including the Ultimate Bravo Superfan Experience, which closed at twenty five thousand dollars, and two exceptional travel packages: an exclusive trip to Tuscany, Italy, and a once in a lifetime getaway to Bordeaux, France. The energy rose with every paddle raised, and that momentum carried through the entire program.
The Fund-a-Need began with the audience already moved by the families they had met and the children whose stories had been shared. The room responded to Tom Stebbins’ leadership with overwhelming generosity. Joy filled the ballroom as children joined in the moment, ringing bells to celebrate the close to home, world class care that philanthropy makes possible.
With gratitude
Hasbro Children’s extends heartfelt thanks to all of our generous sponsors, including our presenting sponsors, Brightstar and Hasbro Inc.; and platinum sponsors, CORE.Cycle.Fitness.Lagree, Seasons Corner Market, and Waterson Terminal Services; as well as event partners, committee members, clinicians, families, patients, and every donor who helped bring this night to life. Special thanks to event chair Denise Chakoian for her leadership and dedication. The success of the 2026 Heroes Ball reflects a community united in its commitment to children, their dreams, and their futures.
