Wednesday September 21, 2022 will be a spectacular night of music, honor, and inspiration, as Dreamforce by Salesforce will showcase not only an electrifying headliner performance by the Red Hot Chili Peppers, but also a reception to present the revered Colin Powell Medal of Courage. This incredible event is all to benefit UCSF Benioff Children’s Hospitals, with the award going to 21-year-old UCSF patient Jesse Coronado for his remarkable perserverance and strength in overcoming medical difficulties.
All of these brilliant can't-miss moments will be set right in our Oracle Park, promising a dazzling culmination of Dreamfest's three days dedicated to uplifting business Trailblazers, philanthropic connections, and pioneering visionaries.
See also: The Impactful & Inspiring History of The SF National AIDS Memorial Grove And Quilt
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Doors to the night will open at 6 p.m. and will begin with a VIP cocktail reception that flows into the presentation of the Colin Powell Medal of Courage to Jesse Coronado, followed by the RHCP live concert and 7 p.m., and then an After Party at 9 p.m. on the Club Level with food, drinks, and interactive experiences.
UCSF Benioff Children’s Hospitals has been a trusted pediatric healthcare provider in California and beyond for a wide range of specialties from heart disease to neurological disorders, cancer, and more for over a century. Dreamforce serves to give back to this valiant level of care through benefit concerts which have been headlined over the years from the most prolific artists like Janet Jackson, Bruno Mars, Alicia Keys, Fleetwood Mac, and more, triumphantly raising over $80 million.
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We had a kind chance to chat with the Colin Powell Medal of Courage Winner, Jesse Coronado, who at 15, entered a persistent fight against acute lymphoblastic leukemia. Throughout the following six years Jesse underwent chemotherapy, radiation, and three bone marrow transplants- one from his mother and two from his younger brother.
Thanks to the thorough care, treatments, and positive support from UCSF, Jesse was able to overcome this hardship, and we got to hear just how he exuded bravery and hope through even his darkest times.
Hello Jesse, thank you so much for taking the time to talk! I would love to know, how important was it to you to have your family and friends' support during this process?
Honestly, I wouldn’t have the strength and courage while I was going through this if my friends and family weren’t there for me. I had down days where I didn’t want to keep pushing but I always had a friend or family member there to keep me going. That would always brighten me up.
And what were some of your favorite things (media, food, or activities) that gave you comfort or enjoyed which helped you persevere during your low or difficult points?
When I was nauseous during chemotherapy and radiation, I would have a couple of spicy chips to get the taste out of my mouth. I would also turn the temperature way down in the room and comfort myself under a warm blanket. That was my safe space.
My mom and I would often spend time painting clay figurines. They would bring us little dogs, owls, birds, animals to paint and that was very therapeutic. I also enjoyed visits from the therapy dog and hanging out with the music therapist. She was really cool and would take the time to sit with me and talk about music.
When I was out of the hospital, in between treatments, I would try my best not to think about being sick. I would hang out with my friends and family and try to live a normal life.
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What was the kind of approach to care and treatment UCSF specifically had that was outstanding to you and that made the process more efficient and/or tolerable?
Everyone at the hospital would go above and beyond. Even though it’s their job, they will do anything to comfort you. Beyond helping with the pain, they find ways to make you feel better. Outstanding overall.
Even when they had to tell me the worst news, they would also help me think through all the options. They wouldn’t give up on me.
I would also like to know, what has this experience taught you about the importance of mental health and being emotionally open with your loved ones, particularly for teen boys? What is something you would like both boys around your age who may struggle with mental health, and their families, to know?
Before my illness, I didn’t really understand the point of therapy. I couldn’t get why you would want to open up to a stranger.
Now I realize that going to a therapist is a great help. There were times that I didn’t want to share my feelings with my family because I didn’t want to worry or scare them. Having a therapist to talk to was very helpful and motivating. The nurses were also great, always asking me how I am doing and how I’m feeling.
Lastly, would you say there were any weak spots or challenging aspects within the larger medical industry that you have encountered during this process, and would like to improve for others?
I wish that the care that I’ve gotten could be available for all patients because it made all the difference for me on this journey.
Thank you, Jesse. It was so inspiring talking to you and I am ecstatic for you to receive the medal!
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Tickets for the Dreamforce Benefit Concert start at $1,000 and includes the cocktail reception, concert and after-party. The location is Oracle Park at 24 Willie Mays Plaza, and you can view tickets and more information at theconcertforkids.org
See also: All The Best Bars For A Winning Drink Near Oracle Park
Photography by: Doug Peters/PA Images via Getty Images
