Construction vs. Cancer 2025 – A Day of Hope, Community, and Unbreakable Strength

Photography by KimDung Ho – Las Vegas Event Photographer

Each year, the Construction vs. Cancer event brings together something rare and powerful: the heart of the construction industry, the resilience of young warriors fighting cancer, and the unity of an entire community determined to make a difference. As I returned in 2025 as the official event photographer, I witnessed once again why this gathering has become one of the most meaningful family events in Southern Nevada.

Hosted in partnership with the American Cancer Society (ACS) and championed by my friend Crystal Hirschi, Construction vs. Cancer is a carnival-style celebration with a mission—raising awareness and funding for pediatric cancer research. It is one of the few events where children and adults experience joy, excitement, and hope while standing together for a cause that deeply affects families across our region.

This year’s event was more than just successful. It was a reminder that when a community shows up with intention, generosity, and love, extraordinary things happen.

A Carnival of Joy, Purpose, and Connection

Construction vs. Cancer 2025 transformed the event grounds into a vibrant and family-friendly world of discovery and excitement. The day was filled with:

🚜 Machinery rides and hands-on equipment experiences

Children lined up with wide eyes to climb into real construction machinery—mini excavators, cranes, backhoes, and trucks—donated and operated by industry partners. For many kids, it was their first time sitting in the driver’s seat of heavy equipment, with volunteers cheering them on for every button pressed and bucket lifted.

🎉 Interactive games, food, music, and community booths

Families enjoyed carnival-style stations, games, prizes, and delicious food hosted by sponsors and vendors. This spirit of generosity from construction companies, nonprofits, and volunteers created a warm and welcoming atmosphere for every family attending.

🎤 Live entertainment that lifted the entire event

A standout performer this year was an incredible entertainer whose soulful voice and joyful spirit brought energy and optimism to the crowd. Her live performance became a soundtrack for the day—uplifting, heartfelt, and full of hope.

👷 Community connection through the construction industry

Dozens of companies and volunteers worked behind the scenes for months—designing layouts, securing equipment, building structures, and ensuring the event ran smoothly. The commitment from industry professionals is the backbone of Construction vs. Cancer, and their dedication is visible in every detail.

Honoring Leadership and Community Impact

In 2025, Construction vs. Cancer received meaningful recognition from Nevada leaders who understand the importance of pediatric cancer advocacy.

This year’s honors included:

• A proclamation from Commissioner Michael Naft

• A certificate of recognition from Assemblyman Duy Nguyen

These acknowledgments highlight the profound impact this event has on families across Las Vegas and the construction industry’s commitment to giving back. The support from local government reflects how deeply woven Construction vs. Cancer has become in our community’s culture of compassion and civic responsibility.

The Heart Behind the Event: Crystal Hirschi and a Community United

If you have ever attended Construction vs. Cancer, you know that the event is powered by countless volunteers—but its heartbeat comes from people like Crystal Hirschi and the entire Team Hirschi family.

Crystal’s leadership, passion, and vision continue to elevate this event year after year. In her own words:

“I am incredibly grateful to the construction industry for partnering each year with the American Cancer Society to host Construction vs. Cancer — a lively, carnival-style event that’s free to the public and promotes a vital cause: funding pediatric cancer research and supporting our local warriors and their families.”

Her gratitude reflects the essence of this event: it takes an entire industry, committee, and community to build something that brings hope to families facing the hardest battles of their lives.

Team Hirschi’s dedication

From organizing logistics to fundraising, setting up, volunteering all day, and staying late afterward to clean up, Team Hirschi shows up with heart and purpose. Their leadership is a masterclass in what it means to serve a community and steward an important cause.

Special recognition for the committee

Committee members Matt, Ryan, and the SOUTHWEST JCB team once again brought unmatched talent to designing and constructing the event layout. Their expertise ensures that families have a safe, seamless, and visually impressive experience each year.

Support from Intermountain Health

Intermountain Health was this year’s stage sponsor, and their partnership is significant—especially as the community anticipates the opening of a new pediatric hospital in Southern Nevada. Their continued support strengthens local healthcare resources and directly aligns with the mission behind Construction vs. Cancer.

Why Construction vs. Cancer Matters

Pediatric cancer affects thousands of families every year. Behind every statistic is a child who dreams, a parent who hopes, and a community that can help. Construction vs. Cancer creates a space where:

• Families find support

• Children find joy

• Survivors feel celebrated

• Researchers receive funding

• Volunteers create lasting impact

This event is more than a one-day gathering—it is a movement of compassion, awareness, and action.

The construction industry has long been known for building structures. Through this event, it builds something even greater: hope.

My Role as an Event Photographer: Capturing the Story That Words Cannot Explain

As a Las Vegas event photographer, photographing Construction vs. Cancer is an honor I don’t take lightly. This is one of the few assignments where my lens becomes more than a tool—it becomes a voice.

Capturing courage

Some of the most powerful moments unfold quietly—a child gripping their parent’s hand, families standing together in strength, volunteers comforting a young warrior who pauses between activities.

Preserving joy

The smiles, laughter, and excitement of kids climbing into big machines remind us that joy and healing are deeply connected.

Documenting gratitude

The interactions between sponsors, industry partners, and families reflect what community care truly looks like.

Supporting awareness through imagery

Every photograph becomes part of the legacy of this event. These images go beyond social media—they raise awareness, inspire action, and help generate support for future years.

Photography is one of the ways I contribute to a cause that is bigger than any one person. And every time I photograph this event, I walk away inspired by these families’ strength and the community’s generosity.

Behind the Scenes: A Year of Planning, Dedication, and Heart

While attendees enjoy a beautiful, seamless event, the truth is that Construction vs. Cancer begins long before event day. Planning typically starts in January, with ACS staff, committee members, and volunteers dedicating countless hours to shaping the experience.

This behind-the-scenes work includes:

• Securing corporate sponsors

• Coordinating equipment donations

• Designing the event layout

• Planning entertainment and activities

• Fundraising

• Managing logistics and safety

• Recruiting volunteers

• Preparing recognition for families and local leaders

Because of this team’s dedication, families can enjoy a free, safe, meaningful event where hope shines brighter than fear.

Thank You to the 2025 Partners, Sponsors & Volunteers

Construction vs. Cancer would not be possible without the generosity and hard work of many organizations and individuals.

Special thanks to:

• Intermountain Health

• Hirschi Companies

• Hirschi Masonry

• Hirschi Iron

• HaulCore Transport

• SOUTHWEST JCB

• American Cancer Society staff & volunteers

• Team Hirschi

• Matt, Ryan, and the JCB team

• Commissioner Michael Naft

• Assemblyman Duy Nguyen, MBA, CED

• All construction industry partners, donors, and volunteers

Your work creates real impact for families navigating pediatric cancer and builds a foundation of hope for future generations.

Construction vs. Cancer 2025 was a reminder of what community looks like at its best.

As I walked through the grounds with my camera, seeing families laugh, children explore, volunteers cheer, and leaders acknowledge the cause, I felt grateful to witness this extraordinary day once again. Every year, this event grows in impact, visibility, and purpose, and the strength of our community shines brighter.

I am honored to tell the story through images, images that support advocacy, inspire awareness, and help families feel seen and supported.

Thank you to everyone who showed up, contributed, volunteered, and believed in the mission.
And thank you, Crystal, for trusting me year after year to document this meaningful day.

Photos by Kim Dung Ho – Las Vegas Event Photographer
Capturing leadership, community, and stories that matter.