Nile Rodgers & Chic to Headline DKMS Cancer Benefit Gala in New York

Nile Rodgers and his band Chic are set to take the stage as the headlining act for the 20th anniversary gala hosted by DKMS, a prominent non-profit dedicated to combating blood cancers and related disorders. The formal, black-tie affair is scheduled for Thursday, October 15th, at the iconic Cipriani Wall Street venue in the heart of New York City. Attendees can expect an evening that blends entertainment with a profound mission, featuring a live performance by Rodgers—a celebrated figure who has not only triumphed over cancer himself but also boasts an illustrious career as a multiple Grammy winner, a Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductee, and a Songwriters Hall of Fame honoree—alongside his legendary band. Adding to the night's cultural offerings, Joseph Gordon, the principal dancer at the New York City Ballet, will also deliver a special performance, ensuring a diverse and memorable program.

This year's gathering shines a spotlight on a deeply moving story of survival and generosity, centering on Ezra, an 11-year-old from California whose life was transformed by a lifesaving stem cell transplant. Ezra's journey began at birth when he was diagnosed with Neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1), a genetic condition that, for much of his childhood, allowed him to live a relatively typical life. However, a turning point arrived in the fall of 2024 when he started facing persistent health issues and recurring illnesses. By December of that year, a specialist consultation delivered the devastating news: Ezra had developed Juvenile Myelomonocytic Leukemia (JMML), an exceptionally rare and aggressive form of the disease. His savior came in the form of Dallas Wilson, a Nashville-based country and pop songwriter-producer who had registered as a potential stem cell donor over 15 years earlier during his college years. Wilson received an urgent call from DKMS just three weeks before his wedding, learning he was a match for a patient in need. Without hesitation, he agreed to donate, even offering to postpone his honeymoon to ensure the procedure could proceed. The transplant took place in May 2025, giving Ezra a second chance at life.

The funds raised during the evening will directly fuel DKMS's core initiatives, which include registering new stem cell donors, expanding access to transplantation for patients in low and middle-income countries, and advancing cutting-edge research into blood cancer treatments. Those interested in attending or supporting the cause can find ticket details at www.DKMS.org/gala. Reflecting on the milestone, Katharina Harf, Chairman of DKMS Global, shared her gratitude: "Twenty years ago, we came together in New York with a powerful belief: that every patient battling blood cancer deserves the chance to find a matching donor. As we celebrate the 20th anniversary of the DKMS Gala, I am deeply grateful to the extraordinary community of donors, patients, families, and supporters whose compassion has made so many second chances at life possible. Tonight reminds us not only of how far we have come, but of all we can still achieve together." Rodgers echoed this sentiment, stating, "I'm so honored to be part of this momentous anniversary for such an essential, lifesaving organization. For decades, DKMS has transformed lives and given hope. We look forward to celebrating the donors, patients, and supporters whose generosity and commitment make this vital work possible."

The gala's history is steeped in notable figures and high-profile supporters. Past honorees have included fashion designer Vera Wang and Republic Records co-founder and CEO Monte Lipman, while previous performers have spanned a wide musical spectrum, from Ariana Grande and Rihanna to Jon Bon Jovi and Boy George. The organization itself was founded 35 years ago by Dr. Peter Harf, who was inspired to act after losing his wife to leukemia. Since then, DKMS has grown into an international force, registering over 13.5 million donors across seven countries and becoming a critical link in the fight against blood cancer. Coty, the global beauty corporation, has also been a longstanding ally in these efforts. This year's event is chaired by Dr. Peter Harf, Katharina Harf, and Viktoria von Wulffen, who together underscore the organization's enduring commitment to turning compassion into action. Notably, DKMS's work is particularly vital given that many patients—especially those from diverse ethnic backgrounds—struggle to find matches, making every new registrant a potential lifeline for someone in urgent need.