St. Jude Children’s Research Honors Michael Godard
“Hearts of Hope” (2015), Michael Godard
In June 2005, artist Michael Godard heard the words no parent wishes to hear: Your child has cancer.
The doctors diagnosed his 15-year-old daughter, Paige, with medulloblastoma, the most common pediatric brain cancer. She lost her battle with the disease at age 16. Godard realized how critical St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital was during Paige’s battle, and has committed himself to its cause so no other families have to go through what he endured.
“It’s something that resonates in my heart so strongly, and I tell people all the time that, you know, my life really isn’t about my art at all.” Godard says. “My art is a vehicle to do something in the world that will make a difference.”
St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital honored Godard for his philanthropic efforts during its 7th Annual St. Jude: Affair of the Art gala on May 6 in Las Vegas.
Godard told Fox 5 Las Vegas that, at the time his daughter was diagnosed she was given only a 20 percent chance of survival. Today, the cure rate for the same disease has risen to 80 percent thanks to the research done by St. Jude and other institutes.
At the gala, Godard spoke about his experience of seeing his daughter go through cancer treatments. He said the life-changing experience gave him the clarity to help others fight the battle.
“We will not stop fighting. We will not put our arms down. We will be united and we will find an end to cancer in children,” Godard said during the gala.
The St. Jude: Affair of the Art gala has raised more than $2 million for St. Jude, a children’s hospital pioneering research and treatment for children with cancer. Funds collected from events like these pay for the treatment, travel, housing, and food expenses for families St. Jude assists.
The annual gala featured artwork for auction by Godard and other artists, with proceeds benefitting St. Jude.
Godard uses his “Hearts of Hope” series to raise funds for St. Jude. For more information on how to collect artwork from Godard, contact Park West Gallery at (800) 521-9654 ext. 4 or sales@parkwestgallery.com.
I HAVE STARTED COLLECTION GODARD AND NOW I HAVE ANOTHER REASON TO BESIDES LOVING HIS ART.
I have met this wonderful man Mr. Godard. He is truly a beautiful person. It was such a humbling experience to have met him and I am blessed because of it.
Sincerely, Donna
We saw MICHAEL in Dallas and heard his story about his Daughter and his work in helping St. Jude. His story really touched our hearts and we bought a Heats of Hope painting.
It was purchased in memory of my Mother, Sister and her Husband, numerous relatives, my late partner, my current partner’s late partner, my current partner and myself. All the ones other than my current partner have passed from Cancer and the two of us are Cancer survivors.
This painting is proudly displayed in our home and we are so blessed to have it and share MICHAEL’s story with everyone.
We are sorry for your loss, Bill, and are glad to hear Godard’s art can bring you some comfort.
We had the pleasure to meet Michael, and he is a wonderful, caring person.
I was lucky to have met and have my picture taken with Michael on the Edge cruise this January. His Hearts of Hope work struck me, that I hope to purchase as soon as I am able. May God bless Michael for continuing the fight for us!