2026 PCF Annual Benefit

This year, we are proud to honor Firmament Foundation as our 2026 Benefit Honoree. As the philanthropic arm of Firmament, an investment firm headquartered in NYC, they embody a deep and enduring commitment to advancing critical causes—most notably in the fight against pediatric illness.

Under the leadership of Founding Partner Christopher Smith, Firmament Foundation has been a dedicated partner to Pediatric Cancer Foundation for more than six years, contributing over $250,000 to support life-saving research and compassionate care. Through impactful fundraising initiatives, as well as a transformative grant to Columbia University Irving Medical Center, the Firmament community has mobilized with purpose, standing alongside families affected by childhood cancer.

Firmament Foundation’s unwavering support reflects not only generosity, but a profound sense of responsibility and compassion. Their partnership continues to drive meaningful progress, and a dedication to continue the fight against childhood cancer, with PCF, for years to come.

Dr. Jennifer Oberg 
Columbia University Medical Center
 Director of Research for the Pediatric Cancer Foundation Developmental Therapeutics Program 

Hamish Fenton
March 27, 2012 - June 2, 2026

Hamish Fenton lived 14 wonderful years, and he made every one of them count. He passed away this June, three years after being diagnosed with stage 4 NUT carcinoma, a rare and aggressive cancer, with extremely low survival rates.

The odds were against him, yet Hamish met them with courage. He endured multiple treatments, surgeries, and clinical trials, and he faced every hardship with a wisdom far beyond his years. Even in his hardest moments, he found ways to be kind to others, and he filled those three years with laughter, joy and his signature cheekiness.  Cancer is what took him from this life, but it is certainly not what defined him.

In his honor, the Fenton’s founded Hamish's Difference, built on three pillars: cure, community, and advocacy. Together they are raising awareness and funds so that children facing rare cancers have hope, support and guidance.

“Hamish taught us that even in the hardest of circumstances, you can choose to embrace life and stand up for others.  We carry that through as his legacy as we fight for better future outcomes for other families.  Hamish simply wanted to make a difference in this world – and he is continuing to through our foundation” – Cassie Fenton, founder and executive director, Hamish’s Difference.

Sophie Young, a junior at Ardsley High School, is the recipient of the PCF Youth Leadership Award. She believes leadership means serving others and is driven by the belief that every child deserves hope, support, and the opportunity to look toward a brighter future. 

Marci and Andrew Allen
Alison and Chuck Atanasio
Stefanie Bartell*
Jennifer and Steven Brauntuch
Jay and Sari Canell
Neil and Loren Canell
Dina and Jason Cohen
Wendy Cohen
Kelly Gibney
Laura and Dr. Michael Graffeo
Jamie Heiberger Harrison
Heather Hart
Melissa* and Dr. Gary Heitzler
Nancy Joselson
Taryn Kristal
Allison and Michael Lean
Jennifer Lewis* and Dr. Andrew Horowitz
Erica and David Peltz
Meredith and Alan Perl
Dylan Posner
Courtney and Dan Schlesinger
Sindie Schur
Michelle and Scott Sherman
Dale Sirota
Pamela Strauss Peligri and Jason Peligri
Sam Taubenfeld

*Benefit Chairs