Press Release
Kyra's Hope Foundation Brings Inaugural Day of Light to Childhood Cancer Families
June 2, 2026
The foundation's first Day of Light brought nearly 40 childhood cancer family members and about 30 volunteers together for an afternoon of art, music, Courage Portraits, and connection, held in the month Kyra would have turned 13.
MERCER ISLAND, Wash., June 2, 2026, Kyra's Hope Foundation hosted its inaugural Day of Light on Sunday, May 31, at the Yuan Ru Art Center in Bellevue, welcoming childhood cancer families for an afternoon devoted entirely to joy, creativity, connection, comfort, and remembrance.
Nearly 40 members of childhood cancer families attended, joined by about 30 volunteers who gave their time to make every moment possible. Held in the month Kyra would have turned 13, the gathering offered families a rare chance to set down the weight of treatment and simply be together.
The day was filled with Courage Portraits, hands-on art activities, live music, shared food, and quiet spaces intentionally designed for families navigating childhood cancer. Children painted without rules or expectations, each one approaching their work in their own way, some carefully choosing every color, others painting boldly. For one afternoon, they were free to be children.
"Kyra believed in finding light on even the darkest days," said the foundation's leadership team. "This day existed so that families would know they are not walking this road alone, and so the children could simply be children."
The Day of Light was made possible by a wide circle of sponsors, donors, volunteers, vendors, performers, and community members. Their contributions were never transactional. They helped create memories that families will carry forward, and a ripple of kindness that reaches far beyond a single afternoon.
Kyra's Hope Foundation intends to host the Day of Light every year on or near Kyra's birthday, building a lasting tradition in her honor.
About Kyra's Hope Foundation: Kyra's Hope Foundation (EIN 41-2583689) is a Mercer Island, Washington based 501(c)(3) nonprofit inspired by Kyra Gupta's extraordinary courage. The foundation supports children facing cancer and their families while accelerating cures for incurable childhood cancers through research funding and embedded technical expertise that helps research move faster. Since its founding, the foundation has supported more than 300 families through its Care, Community, and Cure programs.
For more information, visit www.kyrashope.org. Media contact: info@kyrashope.org
Carry the light forward