Leia's Kids' annual gala, "Hope in the Kingdom – A Royal Ball," took place Friday, October 16, 2026, at Verona Villa, 6591 Dallas Parkway.
Leia’s Kids is an annual Royal Ball that brings together supporters for an evening of elegance, storytelling, and hope. The Royal Ball invites guests to step into a fairy-tale-inspired celebration honoring families affected by childhood cancer and the loved ones who support them. The event featured dinner, dancing, mission-centered programming, special appearances by Princess Marygold, and heartfelt stories from young cancer warriors and their families.
Guests were encouraged to attend in black‑tie attire with royal‑purple accents, the evening's signature color.
The 2026 gala committee includes Co‑Chairs Morgan Phelps and Madi Maguire, with leadership from Anita Reynolds, Barbara Cooper, Bonnie Hunt, Megan Spies, Sara Bannat, and Sean Toellner.
ABOUT LEIA'S KIDS FOUNDER
Leia T. 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 — including annual participation in the White House Cancer Moonshot initiative.
Leia’s leadership and lived experience have driven meaningful progress in pediatric cancer legislation, keeping childhood cancer a priority in state cancer plans nationwide. Her work continues to inspire communities and strengthen support systems for families across the country.
ABOUT LEIA’S KIDS
Founded in 2017 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 on Leia’s Kids, visit LeiasKids.org.