I recently had the honor of once again emceeing Katie’s Koncert, an annual fundraiser for the Katie McBride Foundation. Katie passed away at age 11 of a rare childhood cancer. The foundation in her memory supports Ronald McDonald House, and also assists families who are providing expensive medical care to loved ones. Since 2010, the Katie McBride Foundation has donated more than $300,000 to these causes.
During the event, the McBride family gave checks to three families with children going through medical treatments. One of those is the Rooney family of Nassau County. Their son Patrick has had incredible results from stem cell therapy using blood from his own umbilical cord. His parents, Kevin & Gigi, thankfully saved Patrick’s cord blood when he was born, through a company called Viacord. Unlike other forms of stem cell therapy, cord blood treatments are non-controversial since the stem cells come from blood retrieved from the baby’s own umbilical cord at birth. CBS2 NY did an excellent on-air piece on Patrick’s amazing story, which holds promise for kids with cerebral palsy and related disorders.
Kevin, Gigi and Patrick Rooney at Katie’s Koncert. Patrick has benefited greatly from stem cell therapy using blood from his own umbilical cord saved at birth.
Two other families were also given checks from the Katie McBride Foundation to help them as their sons go through medical treatments of their own. We wish all the best for Aiden Schaefer and William Spano and their families.
Patti Ann Browne introduces the Schaefer family at Katie’s Koncert. Denise & Patrick hold twin sons Aiden & Mason, joined by Pat’s brother, a longtime member of the NYPD Emerald Society.
Mike, Patrick, Jeanne & Michael McBride present check to Billy & Rebekah Spano to help care for their son William – Katie’s Koncert 2017
The sold-out concert in Chaminade High School’s Activity Center began with music by Jim (Wolfie) McGrath during cocktail hour. Following the sit-down dinner, the crowd rocked out to classic rock band the Legendary Murphys and were treated to a performance by the NYPD Emerald Society Pipes & Drums.
Classic rock band Legendary Murphys perform to sold-out crowd at Katie’s Koncert 2017
NYPD Emerald Society Pipes & Drums at Katie’s Koncert – Chaminade Center, Long Island 2017
As always, great people gathered for a great cause, in memory of Katie!
More photos in this Flickr Album.
Mike & Jeanne McBride tell Katie’s story here.