CureSearch Research Funding Drives
New Brain Cancer Treatments

May is National Brain Tumor Awareness Month, highlighting a critical topic in the childhood cancer community as brain cancers account for 25% of all childhood and adolescent cancer diagnoses.

Brain tumor types include medulloblastoma (the most common), high- and low-grade glioma, Primitive Neuro-Ectodermal Tumor (PNET), and ependymoma. At CureSearch, we’re dedicated to supporting families affected by brain cancer and to funding the most promising research to address a lack of effective treatments for many tumor types.  

With advances in treatment for many central nervous system (brain and spinal cord) tumors, overall survival has increased to nearly 75%. However, for many types of brain cancer, treatment options remain inadequate and, in some cases, nonexistent. Even with successful treatment, the vast majority of children who survive will experience serious side effects in adulthood due to their treatment.

“The lack of safe and effective treatments for mosttypesof pediatric brain tumor is unacceptableand addressing this type of critical unmet need isacentral focus of our research strategy,” said Dr. Caitlyn Barrett, CureSearch National Director of Research & Programs. “In fact, through our CureSearch Catapult Awards, we’re currently funding three clinical trials testing potentially groundbreakingnew pediatric brain cancer treatmentsat institutions across the county.”  

CureSearch-funded brain cancer research projects include: 

This National Brain Tumor Awareness month, we thank the researchers, donors, volunteers and patient families who, together, are making an impact for over 4,000 children diagnosed with a brain cancer each year. 

A resource for families and caregivers, our website contains a wealth of information about brain tumors in children, including types of brain tumors, symptoms, diagnosis, treatment and life after treatment. Learn more by clicking here.

CureSearch is committed to driving the strongest research and delivering treatments to children, faster. Get involved or give today so children can live longer, healthier lives tomorrow. Donate Now

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The post CureSearch Research Addresses Critical Unmet Need For Safe, Effective Pediatric Brain Cancer Treatments appeared first on CureSearch for Children's Cancer.

43 Miles in 43 Days for the 43 Children Diagnosed Each Day

Challenge 43, CureSearch’s new virtual event, unites families, friends, and athletes from across the nation when we can’t all be together in person! Starting May 19, 2020 we will take on a 43 day, 43 mile challenge where every step brings us closer to cures for children’s cancer! 

“This challenge came at the perfect time because I have been in the house too long and it’s time to get moving!” said author and CureSearch supporter, Jennifer Smith. The Florida-based author also emphasized the importance of this fun and innovative alternative to in-person walks with the reminder “more money need to be directed to childhood cancer research to find better safer treatments.”  

Choose your own adventure! You can run, walk, hike, or even multi-task and watch your favorite movie on a cardio machine – any method of logging miles works. Be sure to join us for our virtual kickoff party on May 18th and start your challenge! We’ll provide fun and inspiration over the 43 days and celebrate your accomplishments at our virtual finish line on June 30. Submit your final results to receive your finisher’s shirt, medal, and any prizes you’ve picked up along the way.

Challenge 43 can also be a jumping off point for you own personal challenge! Inspire yourself to be the fastest finisher or log the most “extra miles for cures!” If you’re missing the camaraderie of your gym or running group, invite your running buddies, hiking club, extended family or high school track team to complete the miles together virtually. Want to get the kids moving? Take on this challenge as a family to stay active and give back together!

Interested in becoming a part of Challenge 43? Visit us here for more information, or contact brecka.putnam@curesearch.org.

The post Challenge 43 appeared first on CureSearch for Children's Cancer.

Dear CureSearch Supporter,

Today is #GivingTuesdayNow, a global day of giving and an opportunity for all of us to come together in support of the causes that are closest to our hearts. As the father of a childhood cancer survivor and a member of the CureSearch Board of Directors, I invite you to participate in this special day in support of CureSearch and childhood cancer families everywhere.

While the COVID-19 virus has altered so many aspects of our everyday lives, one area that remains unchanged is the desperate need to find cures and treatments for children diagnosed with cancer.  While the world is justifiably consumed with COVID-19 issues, 43 children are still being diagnosed with cancer every day. 

Cancer doesn’t care that COVID-19 has taken over our headlines; cancer is relentless in its efforts to consume our children’s lives. But just as cancer is relentless, we too, as parents, grandparents, and as a caring and compassionate society, must also be relentless in continuing to seek the cures and treatments that can end the scourge of pediatric cancer.

When my daughter, Amy, was diagnosed with leukemia in 1996 at age 15, I opened an old cancer textbook and the section on leukemia began with these ominous words: “Leukemia is an almost always fatal blood disease.” Fortunately, progress had already been made and despite the pneumonias, fevers as high as 106.6, surgeries and stroke, Amy weathered it all to become the woman she is today.

Today, that same textbook likely begins with the statement: “Leukemia is a blood disease with survival rates of over 90% for some types.” That is the result of research that is only made possible by the support of so many of us around the world. Now, we have the opportunity to make sure treatments for all types of childhood cancer progress in the same way.  Our kids are counting on us.  

We must not allow COVID-19 to alter our steadfast resolve to eradicate pediatric cancer.  Research must continue and our support is even more meaningful today, as children face the ordeal of dealing with pediatric cancer in a world consumed by COVID-19.

I hope that you’ll join me in supporting CureSearch this #GivingTuesdayNow. We can all make a difference in our own way, whether it is by making a donation, volunteering, or sharing our stories. Even in challenging times, I know that together we can deliver new and better treatments for the 43 children diagnosed with cancer each day and for the many thousands who are living through their cancer ordeal and who must face life and death challenges at far too young an age.

With hope and gratitude,

Father, Advocate & CureSearch Board Member

The post Let’s come together today for the kids who need us appeared first on CureSearch for Children's Cancer.