The heart of Catie's Gathering has always been carrying forward Catie Wilkins' legacy by supporting children and families affected by childhood cancer and advancing research that creates better outcomes.

This evening, at the Bluffton-Hilton Head event, two local families will share the story of how their daughters—Ella and Micki—became friends while receiving treatment for leukemia. Micki was just four years old when she was diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL), while Ella faced acute myeloid leukemia (AML), months of hospitalization, and later a bone marrow transplant after her cancer returned. Instead of meeting on a playground, they met on the oncology floor. While undergoing treatment, they spent time together in the hospital playroom, building a friendship that helped carry them and their families through long hospital stays, uncertainty, and the many challenges that come with childhood cancer. Today, Micki has completed treatment, and Ella is celebrating one year in remission. Their milestones are a testament to the progress that has been made, but their story also serves as a reminder that thousands of children and families are still navigating the realities of a cancer diagnosis. Ella's and Micki's journeys underscore the purpose behind Catie's Gatherings: supporting families facing childhood cancer today through programs like financial assistance, counseling, and hospital support, and investing in research that can lead to better treatments for the children who will be diagnosed tomorrow. #CUREChildhoodCancer #CatiesGathering #ChildhoodCancerAwareness #ChildhoodCancerResearch #CommunitySupport