*October 17, 2024, New York City* – In New York City’s Cipriani Wall Street, the 18th annual DKMS Gala took place. It was a beautiful night of fashion, charity, and moving stories. This year’s event celebrated the famous fashion designer Vera Wang for her support of DKMS for almost twenty years. DKMS is an international charity that fights blood cancer and other blood disorders. Wang stole the show on the red carpet with her classic looks and grace. She was a perfect example of the evening’s mix of class and kindness.
The gala brought together important people from the entertainment and fashion businesses to show how much DKMS’s work has changed things. Vera Wang, who is 75 years old, wowed the crowd in a beautiful cut-out dress that showed off her signature mix of class and style. Wang
was the picture of grace as she stood for pictures on the red carpet. Her long, smooth black hair and subtle but glamorous makeup made her look even more beautiful
Other well-known people attended the event, such as singer Andra Day, who sang with a lot of soul, and comedian Mario Cantone, who ran a lively live auction. Star power was given by supermodels Niki Taylor and Coco Rocha. The moving story of 11-year-old Kansas native Brooklynn St. John, who overcame Severe Aplastic Anemia, was told to the crowd. Brooklynn was joined by her lifesaving donor, fireman Justin Bradshaw from Texas. This showed how important DKMS’s work is and how it affects real people.
The event’s proceeds went straight to furthering DKMS’s mission, which is to help people around the world who are fighting blood cancers and other disorders. Katharina Harf, chairman of DKMS Global, expressed her gratitude: “We are deeply committed to giving as many patients as possible with blood cancer and blood diseases a second chance at life.” I’d like to thank everyone who has joined us in this fight.
Vera Wang was praised at the gala for her years of service to DKMS. She is best known for designing expensive wedding dresses that stars like Kim Kardashian, Ariana Grande, and Alicia Keys have worn. When she thought about the group’s goal, she said, “I am not new to the amazing work of DKMS.” Their never-ending work to get rid of blood cancer is inspiring. It’s also a great story about kindness and compassion, as caring people help those in need. I’m deeply moved that DKMS has chosen to honor me.
At this point in time, Wang’s honor comes at a very important time for DKMS. Peter Harf started DKMS in 1991 after his wife Mechtild died of leukemia. It has since become a world leader in the fight against blood cancer. Over 12.5 million people have signed up to be stem cell donors, and the group now works in seven countries. DKMS has helped with more than 120,000 transplants so far, offering people in more than 60 countries a second chance at life.
Every year, DKMS holds a gala to remember how powerful community is and how one group can change people’s lives. After a personal loss, Peter Harf had an idea that has grown into a global network of healing and hope. Katharina Harf, his daughter, is still in charge of making sure that people who need stem cell donations get the care they need.
