St. Baldrick’s Foundation Thanks Pediatric Oncology Nurses Who Are Heroes to Kids’ Fighting Cancer

LOS ANGELES (May 21, 2010) – May is Oncology Nurse Month and the St. Baldrick’s Foundation, a nonprofit organization dedicated to raising money to fund pediatric cancer research, thanks all of the amazing pediatric oncology nurses for their dedication to being heroes to kids with cancer. Pediatric oncology nurses truly embody the spirit of St. Baldrick’s – striving everyday to conquer kids’ cancer. 



“We would like to express our heartfelt gratitude to pediatric oncology nurses for their tireless efforts,” says Kathleen Ruddy, executive director for the St. Baldrick’s Foundation. “Each day these incredible men and women provide treatment, counsel, and support for families and children battling cancer. Their work helps manage cancer symptoms and the side effects of treatment, and focuses on improving the quality of life of patients and survivors. St. Baldrick’s is proud to include new Supportive Care Research Grants as a part of our 2010 grants.”



This year for Oncology Nurse Month, the St. Baldrick’s Foundation recognizes Kathy Ruccione, R.N., M.P.H., of Children’s Hospital of Los Angeles (CHLA), for her commitment to bettering the supportive care that kids receive while undergoing treatment. Ruccione represented pediatric oncology nurses at the inaugural 2010 St. Baldrick’s Foundation Research Summit to help determine needs in cancer research and funding.



As a result of the Research Priorities Summit, this year the St. Baldrick’s Foundation began funding Supportive Care Research Grants. These studies will focus on improving the management of symptoms, quality of life, health communications, psychosocial support and more for children and teens fighting cancer.



“I am thrilled that the St. Baldrick’s Foundation will be funding this type of research,” Ruccione said. “We’d all like to put ourselves out of business – no one should have to have cancer. But while we’re still dealing with treating cancer, our ability to improve life for patients and their families as they go through this and afterwards is so important. Nurses, and everyone involved in supportive care are such close partners with patients and families, so we’re all very excited about this new funding.”



This year is a landmark year for St. Baldrick’s in its efforts to fund cures for childhood cancer. The Foundation has already raised more than $19.3 million in 2010 – surpassing its best year of fundraising, and looks forward to funding more research than ever before! Since 2000,



St. Baldrick’s has raised more than $87 million for childhood cancer research by shaving more than 145,000 heads – including more than 12,000 women and 28,500 children – at more than 3,200 events worldwide.



Do your part! To locate or organize an event in your community, pledge to shave or donate money, visit StBaldricks.org. You can also become a fan on Facebook, follow St. Baldrick’s on Twitter and visit the St. Baldrick’s YouTube channel to see what others are doing.



About the St. Baldrick’s Foundation

The St. Baldrick’s Foundation makes grants to research institutions to find new cures for childhood cancer, and to find treatments to ensure a better quality of life for patients and survivors. The Foundation funds research projects conducted by established pediatric cancer experts, as well as younger professionals who will be the experts of tomorrow. Funds also enable hundreds of local institutions to participate in national pediatric cancer clinical trials, offering the best available care for every child. The St. Baldrick’s Foundation is grateful to its many volunteers (bald or not!), donors and sponsors, including Allied World, Barbicide, Dowling & Partners, elope and PartnerRe. For more information about St. Baldrick’s, please call 1-888-899-BALD or visit www.StBaldricks.org.