Blood Cancer and Disorder Nonprofit DKMS to Honor Longtime Supporter Vera Wang at 18th Annual Gala

DKMS, a nonprofit dedicated to blood cancer and disorders, will honor fashion designer Vera Wang at its 18th annual gala. The event will be held at Cipriani Wall Street in New York City on Oct. 17.

DKMS, which has more than 1,300 employees, was founded in Germany in 1991 in an effort to champion research and fundraising around blood cancer and disorders. Most notably, the organization has registered more than 12 million blood stem cell donors to quickly help those in need. Wang has been a supporter of DKMS for close to 20 years, per the organization.

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In a statement Wang said: “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.“

At this year’s event, Kansas-based, 11-year-old Brooklynn St. John, who survived Severe Aplastic Anemia, and her donor, Texas-based firefighter Justin Bradshaw, will also be spotlighted. Additional attendees include Andra Day, who will perform; Mario Cantone, who will host the live auction; Niki Taylor, and Coco Rocha. Proceeds from the event will go toward the organization’s mission.

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

At last year’s gala, DKMS honored Coty chief executive officer Sue Nabi. Additionally, several celebs attended the event, including Rocha, Priyanka Chopra and Billy Porter, who also performed. Harf’s father, Peter Harf, is chairman of the board at Coty and a cofounder of DKMS.

Tickets for this year’s gala can be purchased on the DKMS website.

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