Park City family’s nonprofit honors daughter’s legacy with 3rd annual gala

PARK CITY, Utah — The Little p Project will host its third annual gala on May 17 at the National Ability Center in Park City, continuing a local family’s mission to fund pediatric sarcoma research in memory of their daughter.

Founded by Park City residents Rob and Heather Mansson in 2022 following the loss of their 11-year-old daughter Parker to a rare form of sarcoma, the organization has quickly become a significant force in pediatric cancer research funding. Now entering its third year, the Little p Project is building on the success of previous fundraising efforts.

Last year’s gala was a resounding success, according to co-founder Heather Mansson. The sold-out event attracted 240 attendees and took place under what she described as “a stunning purple-hued sunset,” ultimately raising over $200,000 for pediatric sarcoma research.

The funds were allocated to two initiatives in partnership with the Children’s Oncology Group (COG). Half the proceeds are supporting research on DNA methylation and genomic features in pediatric undifferentiated soft tissue sarcomas, focusing on detailed analysis of histology, gene fusions, and mutation patterns. The remaining $100,000 was directed to the COG Solid Malignancy Integrated Translational Science Center, which works to accelerate the development of new drugs and treatments.

Beyond research funding, the organization donated an additional $60,000 to families at Primary Children’s Hospital who are undergoing sarcoma treatment while facing financial difficulties.

“Our hope is to lighten the burden, and allow the families to fully focus on their child during treatment without the worry of finances,” Mansson said. The support has included assistance with housing payments, utility bills, and specialized equipment for children with mobility challenges.

 

Parker Mansson’s cancer journey began in summer 2020 shortly after the family moved from North Carolina to Utah, when she was diagnosed with rare form of soft tissue sarcoma. Parker underwent multiple surgeries, chemotherapy treatments, and radiation at Memorial Sloan Kettering in New York. Despite exhausting every treatment option, Parker passed away in April 2022 at age 11.

This year’s gala will feature what Mansson calls a “Parker infused performance” by Summit Dance Project, followed by an afterparty with Miss DJ Lux. The organization has set an ambitious fundraising goal of $250,000 for the event.

For more information about the Gala on May 17, visit the Little p Project website, or purchase tickets here.