40th Annual Dancing in the Woods raises nearly $550,000 for Melodies Center

The 40th Annual Dancing in the Woods Holiday Gala, with over 600 attendees, raised nearly $550,000 for the Melodies Center for Childhood Cancer and Blood Disorders on December 2 at the Riverview Innovation Center in Menands.

The Melodies Center treats more than 1,400 children each year with cancer and blood disorders; their team consists of skilled pediatric hematologists and oncologists, nurses, social workers, and child life specialists. 

The event highlighted a video of two Melodies Center patients, 18-year-old Olivia Allen of Saratoga Springs and 11-year-old Charli Martin of Burnt Hills, who were diagnosed with B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia in the same week and quickly became best friends.

In addition to highlighting those patients, the video highlighted Albany Medical Center staff and the Melodies Center throughout the years, with family and patients expressing their thanks to the Melodies Center staff. An animated timeline also played during the gala, looking back on the 40 years of milestones for the cancer program. 

“We are so thankful for everyone who came out to support our Melodies Center,” said Katharine Halligan, MD, PhD, director of the Melodies Center, in a release. “For 40 years, Albany Medical Center has been the region’s only pediatric cancer and blood disorder treatment center. It allows thousands of families to stay close to home while their child is undergoing treatment. The community’s support allows us to continue offering a high level of care and to continue making miracles.”

The gala featured Dennis P. McKenna, MD, president and CEO of the Albany Med Health System, John D. Picotte Family Distinguished Chair of Leadership, and Elizabeth Warner, MD, executive vice president and chief medical officer for title sponsor CDPHP, who addressed the crowd to welcome guests and thank sponsors and health care workers.