Miguel Cervantes and Shekinah Eliassen Preview An Evening of Love & Lyrics on KTVU
Hamilton star Miguel Cervantes and George Mark Children’s House CEO Shekinah Eliassen joined Alex Savidge on KTVU FOX 2’s The Four for a heartfelt conversation about pediatric palliative care, the families George Mark serves, and the personal connection Miguel and his wife, Kelly, have to the mission.
During the interview, Miguel spoke movingly about his daughter, Adelaide, who lived with severe epilepsy before her death in 2019. He reflected especially on the enormous responsibility carried by parents and caregivers of children with serious medical conditions.
“Caregivers… they are heroic,” Miguel shared, recalling how Kelly managed Adelaide’s medications, therapies and daily care while he was performing onstage in Hamilton. He and Kelly have since channeled their grief into supporting organizations that care for children and families facing similar journeys.
Shekinah shared how meaningful it was to welcome Miguel and Kelly into the George Mark community, including having children from George Mark share the stage with Miguel as part of the organization’s annual fundraising gala, An Evening of Love & Lyrics.
“We have two children from George Mark performing with Miguel,” she said. “It’s going to be a life-changing experience for them and for our whole community.”
The conversation also highlighted the essential role philanthropy plays at George Mark. As the first pediatric palliative care center of its kind in the country, George Mark provides respite and end-of-life care while ensuring that families never receive a bill for services.
For Miguel, the opportunity was ultimately about putting the children in the spotlight. Asked about performing alongside George Mark patients, he playfully borrowed a line familiar to Hamilton fans: “I am not throwing away my shot.”
“I’m happy to take a back seat to these stars of the show,” Miguel said.
Perhaps the most powerful moment of the conversation came as Miguel described what palliative and respite care can give families: the chance to temporarily set aside the schedules, medications and constant responsibilities of caregiving and simply be together.
“You get to step back away from that role and be mom again, and be dad again, and be a parent, and just hold your child,” he said.
This year’s An Evening of Love & Lyrics is sold out, but the opportunity to support the children and families of George Mark Children’s House continues.
Even if you can’t join us in person, you can still be part of the evening’s purpose by making a donation in support of the compassionate care we provide to families at no cost.
