Research Update #1 (don’t cringe :)
Research
When Chris, Ali, and I started The Andrew McDonough B+ Foundation in 2007, we felt that it was important to be both reactive to the emergency financial needs of families of kids with cancer and proactive in the funding of cutting-edge childhood cancer research. While many people tend to think that someone ‘out there’ (I.e. the government, pharmaceutical companies) is funding the research, that’s not totally true in pediatric oncology. The government does fund a good deal of research through the NCI (and we are very grateful), but because of the relatively small number of childhood cancer patients vs adult patients (I.e. breast cancer, prostate cancer, ED drugs, blood pressure, etc.), pharmaceutical companies don’t tend to invest (willingly) in childhood cancer research due to profit reasons. While that is frustrating, coming from working in for-profit companies most of my life before Andrew’s diagnosis, I get it.
For the next two updates, I’m going to share with you some exciting investments that we are making in childhood cancer research.
As you may recall, back in October, I visited Europe’s largest pediatric oncology center, the Princess Maxima Center in Utrecht, The Netherlands. I was very impressed with the facility and the investigators that I met with. Following my visit, we reviewed several projects of theirs and have agreed to invest $300,000 in the four projects listed below.
Using Artificial Intelligence to Improve Radiation Therapy for Kidney Tumors in Children
Pulmonary Complications in Children with Solid Tumors
Comprehensive Molecular Profiling of Pediatric Adrenal Tumors
Clinical Dinutuximab PET Imaging to Determine GD2 Expression in Neuroblastoma Patients
In my next update, I will share the results of our latest grant cycle of 10 awards that resulted from a rigorous peer review of our world-class Scientific Advisory Board.
I am VERY confident that we ARE changing the landscape of childhood cancer. Thank you very much for your support.
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B+ Hero Megan
Megan has the same type of cancer that Andrew had and, unfortunately, the same rare fungal infection. Please keep this little warrior in your prayers.
“Thank you so very much Joe! This helps Megan and I more than you can imagine.
I am so very sorry to hear about the loss of your son to this terrible disease.
We entered the PICU inn early March. We spent 57 days there - 30 of which she was intubated with massive organ failure. The longest I'd ever gone without hearing the word mommy. Meg was diagnosed out of nowhere with Acute Myeloid Leukemia. Before this she was a perfectly healthy 7 year old.
I am happy to report that we check in to CHOP today for our 5th and final round of Chemo. After 57 days in the PICU, a month in rehab at the seashore house, then 4 rounds of intense Chemotherapy coupled with a life-threatening fusarium infection in her lungs / skin / brain. This child is a Superstar. She has kept her positive outlook and sunshine the entire process.”