We are incredibly grateful for the overwhelming support of this year’s Hearts of Gold. Thanks to our generous sponsors, table hosts, and guests!
Contact Lynn Hammer if interested in attending. Lynn@rutledgecancerfoundation.org
Can’t join us? You can still be part of the impact. Every gift to Hearts of Gold helps Rutledge Cancer Foundation ease the impact of cancer for adolescents and young adults today while advancing research for better, less-toxic and more effective treatments for tomorrow.
On Thursday, September 24, 2026, our community will come together to celebrate 15 years of Rutledge Cancer Foundation and the patients, families, researchers, donors, and supporters who have been part of our journey.
This milestone evening will feature a cocktail reception, live and silent auctions, seated dinner, and a powerful program celebrating how far we have come—and the work still ahead to create a healthier future for young people facing cancer.
The evening will be emceed by Kadee Coffman, national television host, 2024 Fort Worth Chamber Young Professional of the Year, and a passionate leader in the Fort Worth community.
We are honored to welcome Dr. Brian Ladle as our 2026 Hearts of Gold keynote speaker.
Dr. Ladle is a pediatric cancer specialist who cares for patients with pediatric sarcomas, neuroblastoma, and other rare solid tumors. In addition to caring for patients, he leads clinical research studies and a laboratory research program focused on developing new therapies for pediatric cancers, with particular emphasis on pediatric sarcomas.
His research focuses on translational immunology and developing novel immunotherapies for solid tumors including Ewing sarcoma, osteosarcoma, and rhabdomyosarcoma.
At Hearts of Gold, Dr. Ladle will share how innovative research is creating new possibilities for young people facing cancer—and why continued investment in research is so critical to changing their futures.
Help us celebrate 15 years of raising hope by making a gift to Hearts of Gold and investing in a future where adolescents and young adults facing cancer have the opportunity to live longer, healthier lives.
Adolescent and Young Adult (AYA) cancer survival rates haven’t improved in the last 40 years. In 2010, Carley Rutledge, the inspiration behind Rutledge Cancer Foundation, was diagnosed with stage IV Ewing sarcoma, an aggressive bone cancer. Two years ago she lost her battle at age 27. RCF has worked tirelessly to make a difference for AYA cancer patients and their loved ones.
Each year, nearly 90,000 AYAs ages 15–39 are diagnosed with cancer in the United States, including approximately 500 right here in the DFW area. That’s eight times the number of pediatric cases, yet AYAs have historically received far less attention and support. Thanks to your incredible generosity, we’ve been able to bridge this gap – providing vital resources, funding groundbreaking research, and offering compassionate care to patients and their families. Together, we are changing lives and inspiring hope for a brighter future.
