Childhood Cancer Tree Of Hope: Newport Beach Holiday Boat Parade

NEWPORT BEACH, CA – For the third year in a row at the Newport Beach Holiday Boat Parade, a 20-foot National Childhood Cancer Awareness Tree stands in Marina Park, adorned with nearly 3,000 gold ribbons, the international symbol of childhood cancer, in honor or memory of a child diagnosed with cancer.

Each ribbon bears the name, age and home state of a child affected by cancer and was personally submitted by loved ones, friends and family members from across the country.

"The tree stands as a gold beacon and a beautiful, yet stark, reminder of all the brave children, teens and families that have fought or are still fighting childhood cancer," said officials from the American Childhood Cancer Organization.

The Awareness Tree is a partnership between the Newport Beach Chamber of Commerce and the American Childhood Cancer Organization, a national non-profit devoted to supporting research, awareness and education of childhood cancers. The tree will be on display in Newport Beach through the first week of January.

For Southern California resident Rebecca Bonifassi, who lost her child to cancer in 2017, the tree holds personal meaning.

“In 2012, my daughter Kinley and I experienced the magic of the ACCO tree lighting in Washington DC. She was in treatment at the time," Bonifassi said. "There is no way to explain the awe of seeing all those gold ribbons on the tree and the realization they are someone's child who is fighting, has fought or was stolen by cancer.

"Now my daughter is gone after relapse in 2017 and this event allows me to celebrate her strength and memory and share it with others who loved her. Also, hopefully it allows those who are not affected by cancer aware of the effects of childhood cancer on the families.”

Since the year 2000, the ACCO Childhood Cancer Awareness Tree has recognized more than 50,000 children.

To find out how to visit the 2018 Childhood Cancer Awareness Tree, learn more, or make a financial contribution to the American Childhood Cancer Organization, visit www.acco.org.

Details on Christmas Boat Parade - Holidays 2018: Newport Beach here.

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--Image via Adam Berry Getty Images