The Natalie Gray Foundation awards the Inspiration Award to an individual, family or organization that has inspired others to make a difference for children experiencing pediatric brain tumors or cancer.
2024 Awardee: Anderson Family
Our 2024 Inspiration Award went to the Anderson family, who lost their beloved Ally in 2023 at just 16 years old. Ally was a tireless advocate for pediatric cancer — she spoke at CureFest just a few months before she died.
Ally’s family established the “Ally Anderson Alveolar Rhabdomyosarcoma Research Fund” in honor and memory of their childhood cancer fighter. The goal is to raise research funds through the Arms Wide Open Childhood Cancer Foundation to help find safer and less-toxic treatments for Alveolar Rhabdomyosarcoma. More information can be found here.
2024 Awardee: Schnetzler Family
During the inaugural Nat Gala on July 27, 2023, the Schnetzler Family were honored with the first Natalie Gray Foundation Inspiration Award.
Tragically losing their beloved 10-year-old daughter, Wilhelmina “Wonder Willie” Schnetzler, to pediatric glioblastoma in 2021, the family channeled their pain into purpose. In honor of Willie’s memory, they established the Wilhelmina “Wonder Willie” Jane Schnetzler Foundation, dedicated to advancing healing, compassionate treatments, and funding vital research for pediatric brain cancer. Tara Schnetzler, Willie’s mother, continues this work by directing a portion of the proceeds from her store, Zen Hen, in Powell, to their foundation.
