EAST HAMPTON, N.Y., Aug. 27, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Music Beats Cancer, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to supporting promising cancer-fighting biotechnologies, will host its inaugural Thumbs Up for a Cure at LongHouse Reserve in East Hampton on September 5. The afternoon will bring together children and families impacted by cancer, biotech and biopharma leaders, healthcare investors, philanthropists, artists, musicians and community members united by a shared goal: better treatment options for children with cancer.
“Great cancer science can only change lives if we find a way to move it from the laboratory to patients,” said Dr. Mona Jhaveri, founder of Music Beats Cancer. “Thumbs Up for a Cure brings together what I call ‘the village’—families, scientists, entrepreneurs, investors, philanthropists, artists and the broader community—to support the innovators working to create a future where children have better options.”
Putting Children at the Center
The centerpiece of the event will be a unique Kids Q&A, where children with lived experiences of cancer will ask biotech innovators about their promising technologies and evaluate their answers with a thumbs up or thumbs down.
Featured companies include OX2 Therapeutics, SonALAsense, Merlin Biotech and Targepeutics Inc., each developing innovative approaches to difficult-to-treat childhood cancers, including DIPG and other pediatric cancers. The children will focus on three simple questions: How does the innovation work? How could it help patients? And what inspired its development?
Music Beats Cancer is proud to have Tough2Gether as a partner and supporter of the event. Founded by families impacted by childhood brain cancer, Tough2Gether advocates for better treatments and outcomes for children facing devastating brain tumors.
Guests will also have the opportunity to learn more about the featured companies and support the innovations they find most compelling through Music Beats Cancer’s peer-to-peer philanthropic model.
Music, Art and Community
The afternoon will feature a special performance by Grammy-nominated Afro-Cuban saxophonist Yosvany Terry and his jazz ensemble, reflecting Music Beats Cancer’s belief in the power of music and culture to inspire connection and action.
The event will conclude with a live auction featuring donated art, garden treasures and experiences from local artists and businesses.
United Therapeutics is supporting Thumbs Up for a Cure, with Yachtsman Bourbon serving as the event’s official beverage sponsor.
About Music Beats Cancer
Music Beats Cancer supports biomedical innovators developing promising cancer-fighting technologies that face the “Valley of Death”—the funding gap between scientific discovery and clinical development. Its peer-to-peer platform enables donors to support cancer-fighting biotech companies directly, helping advance critical milestones toward patients.
Media Contact
Dr. Mona Jhaveri
Founder & Executive Director
Music Beats Cancer
Mona@musicbeatscancer.org
202-251-2672
www.musicbeatscancer.org
A video accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/dd8667ab-bcc9-449c-9cab-bdcc31246c35
