Over $4 Million Raised to Brighten Patients’ Futures at Nicklaus Children’s Hospital’s 19th Annual Diamond Ball

Published on: 10/19/2026

Nicklaus Children's Hospital welcomed community leaders, philanthropists, athletes and entertainment personalities to its 19th Annual Diamond Ball on Saturday, October 10. The children's hospital's signature fundraising gala raised over $4 million to support the expansion of advanced specialized pediatric care to children and families across Florida and beyond.

"There is no purpose more powerful than helping children live healthier, happier lives," said Matthew A. Love, president and CEO of Nicklaus Children's Health System. "It is an honor to come together alongside elected officials, community leaders and passionate philanthropists to support such a huge part of our ability to reach children in need of life-saving care."

During the evening, guests heard from Nicklaus Children's patients with their own unique stories, like Tristan, a high school athlete who overcame osteosarcoma and is back on the Volleyball court, Greyson, a young boy who received the first pediatric partial heart transplant in Florida, Ka'lee, who is walking again after gene therapy significantly slowed down the progression of his Muscular Dystrophy and A'mya, who underwent surgery to correct the curvature in her legs after being diagnosed with Blount's Disease.

"There is no purpose more powerful than helping children live healthier, happier lives," said Matthew A. Love, president and CEO of Nicklaus Children's Health System.

Among the evening's notable attendees were Miami-Dade County Mayor Daniella Levine Cava, Miami-Dade County Public Schools Superintendent Rafael A. Villalobos, Spanish model and author Agueda Lopez, former NFL player and Super Bowl champion Lawrence Guy, former Miami Heat player Jamal Mashburn, and America's Got Talent semifinalist and former Nicklaus Children's patient Luke Taleno.

"We are deeply grateful for the extraordinary generosity and overwhelming support shown to Nicklaus Children's this year," said Allison W. Baker, President of Nicklaus Children's Hospital Foundation. "The funds raised this evening provide answers sooner, a specialist closer to home and a treatment that offers new hope to the children we serve."

Every year, Diamond Ball unites hundreds to fundraise in support of Nicklaus Children's patients and families. Sponsors of the 19^th Annual Diamond Ball include Griffin Catalyst, Citadel, Citadel Securities, Cox Media Group, Ensemble, Braman Enterprises Inc. (Braman Miami), City National Bank of Florida, Greenberg Traurig, Intermedia Touch, JW Marriott Marquis Miami, Optum Insight, Pediatrix Medical Group, Warner Bros Discovery - US Hispanic, ab+a advertising, Baptist Health, CVS/aetna, FIU Foundation and the Herbert Wertheim College of Medicine, Kidz Medical, Perry Ellis International, Polsinelli, Brynne McNulty Rojas & Julio Rojas, Stearns Weaver Miller.

For more information on supporting Nicklaus Children's Hospital Foundation, visit give.nicklauschildrens.org