Natasha Boyd worries about her three sons, Lincoln, 13, Gavin 12, and Miles, 10. Their childhood was disrupted two years ago when Miles was diagnosed with a brain tumor. Since then, the San Tan Valley family has experienced a roller coaster of emotions as Miles has been treated in and out of the hospital. And because their extended family lives on the East Coast, they often felt isolated as they tried to adjust to everything that comes with the unimaginable diagnosis of childhood cancer.
But on Saturday, March 22, Natasha will cheer for Miles, Lincoln, and Gavin as they model new fashions during Children’s Cancer Network’s 22nd Annual “Inspirations Gala, Auction & Dinner.” The uplifting event will take place from 5:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. at the J.W. Marriott Scottsdale Camelback Resort, 6302 E. Camelback Road, in Scottsdale.
“We’re all looking forward to a fun night together,” Natasha said. “It has been a long two years and thank goodness Miles is doing much better now. He is playing soccer, he’s doing agility training, we walk and hike together…he’s really thriving. He just tires out easily and has to take a nap on most days.”
Miles was eight years old when he began having bad headaches. Natasha took him to the doctor, thinking it was a sinus infection, but after two days, she decided to take him to an eye doctor. “The doctor told us to go to the emergency room immediately,” she said. “Miles’s optic nerves were so swollen that he was at risk of going blind.”
After several tests and scans at the hospital, Miles was diagnosed with a rare brain tumor called a Pilomyxoid Astrocytoma. Two days after being admitted to the hospital, he had a craniotomy to remove part of the tumor. They could not remove it all because of the location but they did get a good amount out. He had a second surgery during that stay where he had a ventriculoperitoneal (VP) shunt placed.
Because the tumor was intertwined with his pituitary gland, surgery was risky. Instead, Miles’s care team worked to shrink the tumor, but he experienced a setback after six months when the shunt malfunctioned and the tumor hemorrhaged. He has been on chemotherapy treatment for a year and a half now to stabilize, if not shrink the tumor.
“Miles lost his short-term memory for an entire month,” Natasha said. “It was hard on all of us, and it was especially scary for Lincoln and Gavin. They were worried about their brother and because of hospital visit limitations, they were staying at the Ronald McDonald House while I stayed with Miles at the hospital.”
Natasha learned about Children’s Cancer Network, (CCN), through a social worker who provided a list of resources when Miles returned home from the hospital. Based in Chandler, the nonprofit organization supports children and families statewide throughout their cancer journey with programs and services designed to provide financial assistance, promote education, encourage healthy lifestyles, and create an awareness of issues they face related to childhood cancer.
“Children’s Cancer Network has been a lifeline for our family,” Natasha said. “They provide not only resources, but a sense of community, reminding us that we are never alone in this journey. Special events they organize for families like ours bring moments of joy and comfort in the midst of uncertainty. Their unwavering encouragement and compassion remind us to hold onto hope.”
Patti Luttrell, CCN executive director and co-founder, started the nonprofit 22 years ago with her husband, Stephen, after realizing the need for more family support outside of the hospital. Their son, Jeff, was diagnosed with Acute Lymphocytic Leukemia (ALL) 30 years ago.
Luttrell said she hopes people will join the Boyd family on March 22 to cheer on young cancer warriors and their siblings who will model new clothes donated by Macy’s and Scheels.
“We invite everyone to join us for an unforgettable evening filled with hope and inspiration as we celebrate and honor Arizona's youngest cancer fighters and their families,” Luttrell said. “The fashion show is especially empowering as it helps build confidence among our young cancer warriors and their siblings. It’s their moment to shine, and it’s very moving to watch them walk the runway with pride.”
The theme of this year’s event is “Desert Dreams and Oasis Nights,” and the evening features a delicious dinner, an exciting live auction, live music, engaging raffle items, and photo booths.
Tickets start at $250 and sponsorships are available. All proceeds will benefit the inpatient and outpatient programs of Children's Cancer Network.
To reserve tickets, visit CCNGala2025.givesmart.
To learn more about CCN, visit childrenscancernetwork.org.
