When Johns Creek's Halle Honess turned four, her family received some very unexpected news. Her routine checkup turned into a CT scan, followed by an MRI, which then revealed she had a massive liver tumor. In just a few hours, their lives were turned completely upside down, as they started down a path they never thought they’d walk. Halle is the daughter of Liz and Jon Honess.
Amazingly and thankfully, that walk had a very happy ending. Thanks to some brilliant and patient doctors, the tumor was successfully removed, and they’re proud to say that three years later, Halle is still cancer-free.
As soon as this happened, her parents knew right away that they wanted to give back. Over the years, they’ve donated and participated in a number of ways, eventually leading them to the Rally Foundation for Childhood Cancer Research, which raises awareness and funds for childhood cancer research to help scientists find better treatments with fewer long-term side effects and, ultimately, cures.
At this year's Rally on the Runway fundraiser at the Georgia Aquarium, Halle and Rally Kids from throughout Georgia who are fighting or surviving cancer, each took 47 steps down the runway as a reminder that every day 47 children are diagnosed with cancer.
The evening’s host was longtime Rally supporter and Atlanta Falcon’s defensive tackle Grady Jarrett. Jarrett, along with other NFL players, walked with each model down the runway. Halle was escorted by Atlanta Falcon’s wide receiver Chris Blair. The two struck a pose to excited cheers from the crowd.
Partnering with the Rally Foundation has been a rewarding experience and allowed the Honess family to give back in more ways than they ever thought possible. They got all of their family members engaged in the challenge to raise $25,000 with their team “Raise a Hallelujah!”
Not only did they achieve that goal, but team "Raise a Hallelujah!" has now raised over $50,000 for Rally on the Runway!
As she continues to be cancer-free, Halle loves drawing and being creative and hanging out with her brothers, Cole (13 ) and Nate (9). You can also find her wearing her pink cleats and giving it all she’s got on the soccer field. When she gets older, she wants to continue to help others as a veterinarian.
About Rally Foundation:
Rally Foundation for Childhood Cancer Research, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, raises awareness and funds for childhood cancer research to help scientists find better treatments with fewer long-term side effects and, ultimately, cures. Since 2005, Rally Foundation has awarded $29.4 million in grants to more than 500 childhood cancer research projects across the country and internationally. In addition, Rally Foundation has successfully advocated for more than $144 Million from the U.S. Department of Defense’s Congressionally Directed Medical Research Programs (CDMRP) given directly to researchers specifically for cancers in children, adolescents, and young adults. Rally Foundation has a perfect 100 rating from Charity Navigator, GuideStar’s highest rating, and has received the Independent Charities Seal of Excellence. For every dollar raised, 93 cents supports Rally Foundation’s mission. In October 2023, Rally was named Foundation of the Year by ShareCare Inc.
Find out how you can support the cause at RallyFoundation.org