Leia's Kids welcomed supporters from across North Texas to Verona Villa on October 16 for its second annual Hope in the Kingdom: A Royal Ball, raising more than $125,000 to support children and families impacted by childhood cancer.

The evening brought together sponsors, donors, volunteers, community leaders, and advocates for a royal celebration focused on hope, healing, and support for families navigating pediatric cancer. Guests enjoyed an inspiring evening of storytelling, entertainment and mission-focused programming while helping advance the organization's growing impact.

"Every great castle begins with a foundation, and every foundation is built one stone at a time," said Leia Hunt Toellner, founder and executive director of Leia's Kids. "On October 16, our community helped lay another stone in that foundation. The generosity shown that night ensures we can continue showing up for children and families facing childhood cancer long after the gala is over.”

A highlight of the evening was recognizing five young princesses, Zoey, Norah, Lennon, Kaylin, and Mabel, who received special royal experiences and were honored for their courage and resilience throughout their cancer journeys.

The funds raised will help Leia's Kids continue providing financial assistance, advocacy, warrior celebrations, mental health retreats, and other meaningful programs designed to bring hope and support to pediatric cancer patients and their families.

"As a childhood cancer survivor, I know firsthand how much it means to have people in your corner," Toellner said. "What started as a dream to make a difference has become so much bigger because of the people who believe in this mission. Every guest, sponsor, donor, and volunteer helped remind families they are never alone."

Hope in the Kingdom's success reflects the continued growth of Leia's Kids and its community of supporters committed to creating moments of joy and providing critical resources for families facing childhood cancer. The organization thanks every sponsor, donor, volunteer, and attendee whose generosity made the evening possible.

ABOUT OUR FOUNDER

Leia Hunt Toellner, a two-time childhood cancer survivor, transformed her early battle with Retinoblastoma into a lifelong mission to support families facing pediatric cancer. Diagnosed at age two, Leia endured 26 surgeries, extensive chemotherapy, and radiation that saved her life but left her blind in one eye. Her resilience and determination led her, at just 18, to establish Leia's Kids, a national 501(c)(3) nonprofit providing financial assistance, advocacy, warrior celebrations, and mental health retreats for children and young adults navigating cancer.

Today, Leia is a nationally recognized speaker, podcast host, educator, and mental health advocate. She has also authored multiple books designed to educate and empower young patients and their families. Her advocacy extends across major cancer organizations, including the Eye Tumor Research Foundation, the American Cancer Society, and the We C Hope Foundation. She collaborates with pharmaceutical partners, speaks globally at SCRS, and champions pediatric cancer research and awareness at both state and federal levels.

ABOUT LEIA'S KIDS

Founded by Leia Hunt Toellner, a two-time childhood cancer survivor, Leia's Kids is a 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to supporting children and families battling pediatric cancer through financial assistance, mental health retreats, royal deliveries, and meaningful moments of hope. The organization advocates for families, shares their stories, and brings hope to children fighting life-threatening diagnoses. For more information, visit leiaskids.org.