Hope Runway NYC: A Runway With No Diagnoses, Only Children and Love

On September 17, the Hope Runway NYC 2026 children’s charity fashion show for Emilia took place at Chronos Lounge & Restaurant in Brooklyn. Now that the excitement has settled a little, we want to say the most important thing: thank you.

This event was created entirely by volunteers. Parents, professionals, business owners, and caring community members gave their time, skills, and resources to help one child and her family. None of the organizers, partners, or volunteers received any compensation. All participation payments and donations go directly to Emilia’s fundraising campaign for her personalized gene therapy.

For children ages 4 to 17, the day was a real adventure. They learned the basics of modeling, practiced their runway walk, posture, and posing, worked through their stage nerves, and then stepped out onto a real runway. Every participant received event photos and videos, a completion diploma, and a Hope Runway certificate, along with the chance to be seen by invited guests from the fashion industry. One of the most touching moments was the mom-and-child walk.

We wanted to share a simple message: all children are children. Every child deserves to be seen, and every child deserves a chance to shine. There were no diagnoses on this runway. There were children, dreams, families, and love. And every child who walked that day became part of Emilia’s story.

[Thanks to you, we raised $___. ___ children walked the runway, and ___ guests came to cheer them on.]

A very special thank you to the volunteer organizers of Hope Runway NYC, Iryna Yeriemieieva and Anzhelika Sazonova. Without your energy, your faith, and countless hours of work, this day simply would not have happened. Thank you to Chronos Lounge & Restaurant for hosting us, and to Adigital Agency for creating the event website. [Add other partners, brands, photographers, stylists, and makeup artists here.]

Thank you to every family who brought their child. Thank you to every guest, donor, photographer, stylist, and volunteer. You gave our family more than funds; you gave us the feeling that we are not alone. You are helping us carry a burden no family should have to carry by themselves.

Emilia is five years old and lives with an extremely rare genetic condition caused by a mutation in the QARS1 gene. A team of scientists is working toward a personalized gene therapy designed to deliver a working copy of the gene and address the root cause of the disease, not just its symptoms. The fundraising goal is approximately $3,000,000. This research could bring hope not only to Emilia, but also to other children living with the same diagnosis, today and in the future.

The fundraiser continues, and every contribution brings us closer to the goal. You can support Emilia [here — link to the donation page].

With love and gratitude,
Emilia’s family