ABOUT US
MMA SOUTHEAST CHARITY CLASSIC
Your child has a brain tumor” are shocking and terrifying words no parent should ever have to hear. Unfortunately, though, 13 children and teens receive this diagnosis every day.
“MMA Southeast has a dedicated and energetic PBTF Volunteer team who always go above and beyond to make sure the Charity Classic Virtual Auction and Cocktails & Cornhole events are top notch! We have over 30 colleagues who volunteer each year coming from 12 various offices throughout the Southeast region.”
Peter Krause
Chief Executive Officer & President
Marsh McLennan Agency | Southeast
This year we are thrilled to celebrate the 18th anniversary of the MMA SE Charity Classic hosted by MMA Southeast. These events are the single largest revenue-producing events
held for the Southeast Region of the Pediatric Brain Tumor Foundation each year. Thanks to you, last year’s virtual event was a huge success, so we’re doing it again! In addition, we
are coupling the virtual fundraising event (Sept. 15) with a MMA SE Cocktails & Cornhole event on October 19th, 2022. Your sponsorship will cover both of the events.
Now more than ever before, we are asking for your support for the precious children and their families who are fighting brain and spinal cord tumors. PBTF needs our support. Please
consider being a sponsor for the Butterfly Fund in 2022. The MMA SE’s Butterfly Fund provides emergency financial assistance to families of children in treatment at partnering medical facilities. Sponsors will be listed on this website, PBTF Social Media, MMA Social Media
and will be recognized on the Auction website.
For these Stars and their families, life changes in an
instant. Surgery is often required right away, followed by
daily trips to the hospital for radiation and chemotherapy. Physical, occupational, and speech therapy may be needed, and treatment can continue for several years. In the midst of all this chaos, life around the family continues. Siblings need to go to school and be cared for, and bills need to be paid — even though parents must take time off from work. Some parents must give up their jobs to meet the grueling demands of their child’s treatment. It is an extremely difficult journey for families
Previously the J. Smith Lanier Charity Classic, the PBTF Charity Classic, and now the MMA SE Charity Classic is in its 18th year, having raised over $3.3 million to benefit the Pediatric Brain Tumor Foundatiion’s Butterfly Fund. As the world’s leading nonprofit dedicated to children and teens with brain tumors, the PBTF’s mission is to CARE for families along their journey, CURE every childhood brain tumor, and help families and survivors THRIVE. Your donation to the Charity Classic makes the PBTF’s much needed family support programs possible, including financial assistance through the Butterfly Fund, support groups, educational programs, and much more
MMA SOUTHEAST CHARITY CLASSIC
ADITA
Age: 11
Diagnoses Date: October, 2017
Tumor Type: Medulloblastoma
In 2017, Adita was a beautiful, smart, caring, healthy, strong and sweet child. She loved her school and dance class and her best friend in the world was her little brother Mario. While Mario is still her best friend today, a lot has changed. A few weeks before Adita’s diagnosis, she started to vomit for no reason and as quick as it came on, it also went away.
She lost her awareness of direction and coordination of skills at her dance classes. Mom took her to the pediatrician repeatedly, but labs and testing were “ok” and they sent Adita home. One day at school she fainted, and her pediatrician immediately told mom to go directly to the hospital. An hour later, Adita was going in for an MRI and an hour after
that mom received the news that would forever change their lives. She had a tumor behind her brain, by the cerebellum.
After two years of surgeries, chemotherapy, radiation, countless hospital stays, and more than any child should ever have to endure, Adita is currently showing no evidence of disease. Every three months she goes in for her MRI and as her mother shared “We are still fighting this unpredictable and silent ghost.” Today Adita is back at school, but it’s different, it’s more difficult for her to focus and learn. Adita has wanted to be a dancer since she could walk, but the lasting balance effects from her tumor make this dream difficult. She admires the character of “Felicie” from the movie LEAP, because she was a French orphan and she fought against everything to follow her dream to become a ballet dancer and one day dance at the OPERA at Paris, and she did!
After two years of surgeries, chemotherapy, radiation, countless hospital stays, and more than any child should ever have to endure, Adita is currently showing no evidence of disease. Every three months she goes in for her MRI and as her mother shared “We are still fighting this unpredictable and silent ghost.” Today Adita is back at school, but it’s different, it’s more difficult for her to focus and learn. Adita has wanted to be a dancer since she could walk, but the lasting balance effects from her tumor make this dream difficult. She admires the character of “Felicie” from the movie LEAP, because she was a French orphan and she fought against everything to follow her dream to become a ballet dancer and one day dance at the OPERA at Paris, and she did!
Lilli
Age: 7
Diagnoses Date:
Tumor Type: Optic Nerve Glioma
Lilli was just four years old when she woke up one morning seeing double and cross-eyed. A few days later, she was diagnosed with an optic glioma brain tumor pressing on her optic nerve and growing quickly. Lilli’s only treatment option was chemotherapy to stop the growth of the tumor that, if left untreated, could result in blindness in her left eye.
When she began her year of weekly chemotherapy treatments in February 2019, Lilli chose to wear a yellow Beauty and the Beast Belle costume for her first appointment. She was greeted with smiles and excitement. For 52 weeks, Lilli’s princess dresses became her suit of armor, giving her the courage to face treatments and frequent trips to clinic.
The night before each appointment, Lilli would spend time picking out the perfect dress to wear. She never repeated an outfit, which made every week a surprise for the hospital’s amazing care team. Lilli’s dresses were her way to share “princess joy” with everyone, transforming a very tough situation into something that her family could look forward to.
Through her bravery and compassion for other kids like her, Lilli inspired the formation of Costumes for Courage. Friends and family gift costumes, ranging from princesses to superheroes, to children receiving treatment for cancer and other chronic illnesses. They hope that, just like it did for Lilli, a costume gives a child that extra bit of strength and courage when they need it most.
Today, Lilli has finished treatment and is living her best life. She goes in for MRIs every three months and will for the unforeseeable future. But that doesn’t stop this spunky girl from continuing to wear her costumes and share her joy with all around her.
When she began her year of weekly chemotherapy treatments in February 2019, Lilli chose to wear a yellow Beauty and the Beast Belle costume for her first appointment. She was greeted with smiles and excitement. For 52 weeks, Lilli’s princess dresses became her suit of armor, giving her the courage to face treatments and frequent trips to clinic.
The night before each appointment, Lilli would spend time picking out the perfect dress to wear. She never repeated an outfit, which made every week a surprise for the hospital’s amazing care team. Lilli’s dresses were her way to share “princess joy” with everyone, transforming a very tough situation into something that her family could look forward to.
Through her bravery and compassion for other kids like her, Lilli inspired the formation of Costumes for Courage. Friends and family gift costumes, ranging from princesses to superheroes, to children receiving treatment for cancer and other chronic illnesses. They hope that, just like it did for Lilli, a costume gives a child that extra bit of strength and courage when they need it most.
Today, Lilli has finished treatment and is living her best life. She goes in for MRIs every three months and will for the unforeseeable future. But that doesn’t stop this spunky girl from continuing to wear her costumes and share her joy with all around her.
