18th Annual DKMS Gala Returns To Cipriani Wall Street On October 17

Featuring Performance By Grammy Winner Andra Day & More

Gala Raises Critical Funds to Support DKMS’s Mission to Provide Patients Around The World With a Second Chance at Life

September 18, 2024 – DKMS, the most significant non-profit organization in the world to fight blood cancer and blood disorders, announces its 18^th annual black-tie gala on Thursday, October 17th at New York’s Cipriani Wall Street. This year’s event will honor renowned fashion designer Vera Wang for her nearly two decades of dedicated support to DKMS and her exceptional contributions to the organization’s mission and work for patients in need of a stem cell transplant.

DKMS Gala 2024 will feature live performances by Grammy award-winning R&B singer, songwriter, and actress Andra Day, red-carpet arrivals by notable guests such as supermodels Niki Taylor and Coco Rocha, plus an exciting live auction håosted by comedian Mario Cantone.

The evening will highlight the story of Brooklynn St. John, an 11-year-old survivor of Severe Aplastic Anemia from Kansas, and her journey with her lifesaving donor Justin Bradshaw, a firefighter EMT from Texas, who she will meet for the first time on stage.

Proceeds from the evening will directly support DKMS’s mission of saving lives by registering stem cell donors, providing patients in low and middle-income countries with access to transplantation, and advancing research and development in blood cancer treatment. For ticket information, please visit www.DKMS.org/gala.

“We are deeply committed to giving as many patients as possible suffering from blood cancer and blood diseases a second chance at life,” says Katharina Harf, Chairman of DKMS Global. ”I’m grateful to all of our supporters for joining us in this fight.”

Gala Honoree Vera Wang shares her heartfelt gratitude for the recognition: “I am no stranger to the remarkable work of DKMS. Their effort to eradicate blood cancer is unrelenting and inspiring. It is also a wonderful story of humanity and empathy, as selfless donors step up to help others in need. I‘m deeply touched to be honored by DKMS.“

Founded 33 years ago by Peter Harf, DKMS has evolved into an international and multifaceted organization registering donors in seven countries on five continents. The organization has partnered this year with leading beauty company Coty and global investors JAB to amplify its mission and impact.

In addition to having over 12.5 million registered donors worldwide, DKMS also supports patients in countries, where access to transplantation is limited. Through financial assistance, investments in medical infrastructure, and education, DKMS ensures that these patients have a fighting chance against blood cancer and blood disorders.

The organization also invests in clinical trials, cutting-edge research, and state-of-the-art laboratory technology to improve outcomes for patients. This commitment to advancing medical science is central to DKMS’s mission and is helping to shape the future of blood cancer treatment.

Gala leadership includes Event Chair Peter Harf, Honorary Chairs Katharina Harf and Viktoria von Wulffen, and DKMS Ambassadors Jamie King, LP, and Coco Rocha.

ABOUT DKMS

DKMS is the most significant non-profit organization in the world to fight blood cancer and blood disorders. Founded in Germany in 1991 by Dr. Peter Harf, DKMS has since relentlessly pursued the aim of giving as many patients as possible a second chance at life. With more than 12.5 million registered donors, DKMS has succeeded in doing this over 120,000 times to date by providing blood stem cell donations to those in need. This accomplishment has led to DKMS becoming the global leader in the facilitation of unrelated blood stem cell transplants. The organization has offices in Germany, the US, Poland, the UK, Chile, South Africa, and India. Its international expansion is key to helping patients worldwide. Blood cancer knows no borders. DKMS is also strongly committed to providing access to transplantation for patients living in low- and middle-income countries, as well as advancing research and development to improve the survival and recovery rate of patients.

ABOUT HONOREE VERA WANG

A native New Yorker who spent her career at the forefront of fashion, Vera Wang began a sweeping makeover of the bridal industry in 1990 with the opening of her flagship salon at the Carlyle Hotel in New York City. Today, the salon continues to showcase collections known for sophisticated drama, feminine detailing, and a modern approach to bridal design. In 2000, Wang’s enthusiasm for couture fashion resulted in the launch of her highly acclaimed ready-to-wear collection. The Council of Fashion Designers of America named her Womenswear Designer of the Year in 2005.

The Vera Wang brand reflects her vision to create a lifestyle that goes beyond core bridal and ready-to-wear and into publishing, fragrance, beauty, accessories, and home. Driven by artistic, modern, and luxurious design and style, couture-like quality, and a high level of customer service, her collections hold impeccable customer appeal. Vera Wang collaborates with leading global partners, directly employs more than 200 people, and manufactures the majority of its bridal collection in company-owned workrooms in the United States.

In addition to her career accomplishments, Vera Wang is a philanthropist devoted to causes including the environment, conservation, disaster relief, and AIDS and HIV. She has supported the work of organizations including the Breast Cancer Research Foundation, the Natural Resources Defense Council, Oceana, Save the Children, and DKMS.