CRISS & FAMILY SHARE THEIR STORY IN THE SHORT FILM “1095”
PLEASE WATCH & SHARE
“I want to create a live, modern-day, telethon-style event with some of the greatest performers in the world to help kids like my son Johnny Crisstopher,” said Criss Angel. “My family was overwhelmed by the community’s outpouring of love and support during our son’s battle, so I’m honored to give back – no family should have to watch their child suffer from this terrible disease.”
In September of 2016, superstar magician Criss Angel joined forces with some of the world’s biggest stars to raise funds and awareness for pediatric cancer research and treatment worldwide. The unforgettable evening marked the first HELP gala, a one-night-only, star-studded performance created to “Heal Every Life Possible” (HELP), including Criss’ son, Johnny Crisstopher, and millions of other children currently suffering from cancer. The soiree featured world-class performances, celebrity appearances, live and silent auctions and more. The inaugural celebration raised over $1,000,000 for the foundation.
During this first fundraising event, the philanthropic baton was passed on to Criss Angel by Jerry Lewis for his continuous work on behalf of pediatric cancer research – Criss’ life mission since 2001. All proceeds raised from the affair were gifted to life-saving organizations, including the Johnny Crisstopher Children’s Charitable Foundation, Cure 4 the Kids, St. Baldricks, and others.
Using the same passion and grandeur he lends to his craft, Criss worked tirelessly to curate one of the most remarkable shows of all time. Joined by his fellow entertainers, the illusionist captivated the audience with a powerhouse lineup featuring Terry Fator, who kicked off the evening with his world-famous ventriloquist act, Blue Man Group, who delivered an unforgettable performance featuring the comical Flavor Flav, and Naenoa George from Cirque du Soleil, who astounded the audience with his breathtaking fire act. Dee Snider also joined the cause weeks in advance, releasing a new rendition of Twisted Sister’s world-famous hit “We’re Not Gonna Take It” and performing the song live at the event with Richie Sambora, Sebastian Bach and Orianthi Panagaris.
Angel’s Johnny Crisstopher Children’s Charitable Foundation (formerly Believe Anything Is Possible), was renamed in early 2016 after his then two-year-old son Johnny was diagnosed with leukemia. 100% of all donations to the foundation (no deductions are taken for administration or expenses) go to childhood cancer research, treatment and ultimately a cure. Criss has been awarded both Male Wish Granter of the Year (2010) and the Chris Greicius Award (2007) – the highest honor bestowed by the Make-A-Wish Foundation. 2018 saw Criss receiving the first American Cancer Society Compassionate Heart Award – presented by Barrick, and in 2022 he was named Cure 4 The Kids Foundation Philanthropist of The Year 2022. Criss continues to raise millions of dollars for pediatric cancer causes.
100% OF YOUR DONATION GOES TOWARDS THE CAUSE! HELP SAVE A CHILD!
MISSION STATEMENT
The mission of the Johnny Crisstopher Children’s Charitable Foundation, a 501(c)(3) organization, is to raise awareness of pediatric cancer and provide funds for research, treatment, and – ultimately – a cure. Unlike many other non-profit charities, 100% of your donation will go directly to this fight; NOT one cent will be deducted for ANY expenses, salaries, or overhead. Criss Angel has funded the operations of the foundation out of his own pocket since its inception in 2008. It has now become his life’s mission (after working with childhood causes since 2001) when recently his own child, Johnny Crisstopher was diagnosed with leukemia in 2015 at 20 months old.
The American Cancer Society states children with cancer account for about 1% of all cancers diagnosed each year. Childhood cancers are rare and may differ from adult cancers in the way they grow and spread throughout the body, how they are treated and how they respond to treatment. Common types of childhood cancer include Leukemia, Lymphoma, Neuroblastoma, Wilms Tumor, and cancers of the brain, bone and soft tissue. Cancers in children can be hard to recognize right away because early symptoms are similar to those caused by more common illnesses of injuries. Unfortunately, the causes of most childhood cancers are unknown, though about 5 percent of cancers in children are caused by an inherited mutation, according to the National Cancer Institute. Due to major treatment advances, more than 80% of children battling with cancer now survive 5 years or more. Though, survival rates still vary depending on the type of cancer and other factors. While cancer in children is uncommon it is important to have your child checked by a doctor if they have unusual signs or symptoms that do not go away.