Rhonda’s Kiss, an organization that helps cancer patients in need, has announced that Academy Award-nominee Johnny Depp will be presented with the first “Healing & Hope Award” at their annual concert event on Thursday, November 3 at The El Rey Theatre in Los Angeles.
The “Healing & Hope Award” honors an individual or group of local heroes who have a positive impact on cancer patients, survivors and those in need.
As previously announced, the rock group Weezer are the headlining act for this year’s benefit concert, with musician/TV host Mark McGrath of Sugar Ray emcee-ing the evening.
Proceeds from the concert event with Weezer will benefit the Cedars-Sinai Samuel Oschin Comprehensive Cancer Institute and further the mission of Rhonda’s Kiss, supporting programs to assist cancer patients in need, and helping those who receive a cancer diagnosis make ends meet during treatment. Rhonda’s Kiss is a 501c3. To date, the charity has donated more than $750,000 to hospitals to support cancer programs and patients.
“Cancer affects many lives and this year it was my family’s turn,” explains Johnny Depp. “The team at Cedars-Sinai works tirelessly to help people in their darkest moments. Their work is invaluable to all of us, and I will support any opportunity to help shine a light on the cause through Rhonda’s Kiss.”
“The Cedars-Sinai Department of Radiation Oncology is proud to collaborate with Rhonda’s Kiss to raise awareness about the fight against cancer,” explains Amin Mirhadi M.D., Cedars-Sinai. “As a long-standing member of the faculty, I’ve been fortunate to witness the development of a world-class infrastructure for laboratory research, patient clinical trials, and cutting edge technology. With the help of organizations like Rhonda’s Kiss, we are able to develop research projects and ideas that we know will make a difference.”
“Aside from regular visits with cancer patients all over the country, Johnny has been instrumental in supporting research on lung cancer in our department at Cedars-Sinai,” continues Dr. Mirhadi. “The contributions Johnny has continually made in honor of his mother have been instrumental in helping us to develop the kind of research we need to move the needle forward in the fight against lung cancer.”
“Johnny lends his name, uses his time, and makes donations to causes that positively impact those in the most need, especially in the field of cancer,” adds Kyle Stefanski, executive director of Rhonda’s Kiss. “Because we want to acknowledge and support local heroes who are making a difference in the cancer community, our 2016 Rhonda’s Kiss Los Angeles ‘Healing and Hope Award’ will be presented to Johnny Depp at our annual event on November 3. Raising money for cancer is a reminder that every day, people are struggling with the disease and need the support to maintain their dignity and fight. Donating to Cedars-Sinai and their team will help give these patients the support they need.”
Rhonda’s Kiss is a recognized 501c3. In 2014, Rhonda Stefanski was diagnosed with stage 4 Pancreatic Cancer. While she lost her battle, one of the greatest gifts she left was to create Rhonda’s Kiss, an event to raise money to help those in the inner city who receive a cancer diagnosis, but may be unable to make ends meet for treatment and support. Through the Rhonda’s Kiss Los Angeles event and with proceeds benefitting Cedars-Sinai, Rhonda’s Kiss events provide financial support to decrease late-stage cancer diagnosis in urban communities, and primarily for patients in financial need, by using a three-pronged approach, that integrates outreach (education, awareness and screening), navigation (medical and home) and patient services (treatment and financial assistance, and emotional support). Funds are distributed by local hospitals in areas where money is raised. For more information or to donate directly, contact: www.rhondaskiss.org.
