Co-Hostess and Lead Singer April Mosebrook
(Jessica Napier Faehnle of Napier J Photography)
Erika Schimmel-Guiles, Nicole Richardson, Kate Loredo, Jennifer Jett, Andee McCoy and guest.
(Jessica Napier Faehnle of Napier J Photography)
Dr. Stuart Kipper and April Mosebrook, co-hosts
(Jessica Napier Faehnle of Napier J Photography)
Aimee, Jenn and Kim sharing Jenn’s story
(Jessica Napier Faehnle of Napier J Photography)
Kerri Merson, Heather Swortwood, Alex Brown, and Marissa Caulfield
(Jessica Napier Faehnle of Napier J Photography)
Sue Backes and Kelly Vantress
(Jessica Napier Faehnle of Napier J Photography)
Guests enjoying line dancing and April & the Country Junkies
(Jessica Napier Faehnle of Napier J Photography)
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Co-Hostess and Lead Singer April Mosebrook
(Jessica Napier Faehnle of Napier J Photography)
The spirit of San Diego shone bright at the first annual Neon Cowgirl fundraiser for Blood Cancer United (BCU), formerly the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. The event tripled its original fundraising goal, raising close to $30,000 to support families affected by blood cancer and fuel vital research, according to a news release.
The glow of cowboy hats, string lights, and laughter filled the evening, held at the Rancho Santa Fe home of Dr. Stuart Kipper and April Mosebrook. Country fans boot-scooted the night away with lively line dancing led by Gabrielle Tenney, set to the high-energy sounds of April and the Country Junkies.
A beloved local performer, April also fronts two other popular bands—April and the Funk Junkies and Man! I Feel Like Shania. World-class fiddle and steel guitar player Andrea Whitt, who’s performed onstage with Blues Traveler, Moby and Shania herself, joined them onstage for a show-stopping collaboration.
Guests refueled with yummy food from Solana Beach favorite Rudy’s Taco Shop and drinks from woman-owned Gather and Toast. Behind the scenes, décor by Destination Concepts and florals by Studio Palma created the perfect western ambiance.
The genesis of this story comes from two local sisters, Aimee Crist and Kim Criscuolo. Their third sister, Jenn Wertz, and her family have endured an almost unimaginable journey. In 2023, Jenn was diagnosed with breast cancer and bravely underwent chemotherapy, radiation, and surgery. Just as she began to recover, her husband Ryan was diagnosed with a rare leukemia and, shortly after, Jenn herself faced a second leukemia diagnosis. After months of treatment, hospital stays, and a life-saving stem cell transplant in spring 2025, both Jenn and Ryan are now cancer-free, the news release stated.
“What began as one family’s fight against blood cancer became a night the entire community rallied behind,” said event participant Kerri Merson in the news release, who emceed the evening to a sold-out crowd.
The night’s energy was preserved beautifully by Napier J Photography and Mighty One Productions, whose photos and video captured every radiant moment.
The event’s success was driven by generous silent auction donors and sponsors, including EPI, Dairy Queen, Fierce & Kind, VERVE Plastic Surgery, Santa Ysabel Art Gallery, The Mabel Collective, COVA Physical Therapy, USS Midway, Paseo in RSF, FishBarrel, April’s Fitness Fun, Valle Coastal Club, Quicksilver Scientific, Stuart B Kipper MD & Associates, Solana Frosty, as well as private and anonymous donors.
Together, they helped raise essential funds for BCU programs, which provided $896,500 in co-pay assistance to San Diego families last year alone, according to the news release.
The celebration and fundraising continued with Light the Night, a walk that took place at Waterfront Park on Saturday, Nov. 1, honoring survivors, caregivers, and loved ones. Registration included complimentary lanterns for everyone.
For more information, go to www.bloodcancerunited.org.