Rockstar Researcher Uses Lasers to Fight Childhood Cancers
It might seem that Department of Defense technology that’s used to detect explosives might not have any use in diagnosing childhood cancers. But, if you ask St. Baldrick’s Foundation “Rockstar Researcher” Dr. Bruce Shiramizu, this technology has real potential to help patients, parents, caregivers, and the cancer community.
It’s why this Hawaii-based doctor, who has worked on the mainland at the University of California San Francisco and at the National Institutes of Health, is so passionate about his research work and what it might be able to do for children throughout the world. This veteran researcher has shaved his head multiple times for St. Baldrick’s – that’s one definition of a “Rockstar Researcher” – and his body of work speaks volumes.
When Life Got Tough for Alyssa, She Dreamed Big — And Gave Back
Alyssa takes a selfie before shaving her head for childhood cancer research.
When Honored Kid Alyssa Greenwell says she’s a medical mystery, she’s not kidding.
“I really am a medical mystery,” she said. “My legs are in a medical journal.”
Why?
Surviving After Five Years: The Secret Truth of Long-Term Survivorship
Alyson Weissman is a dedicated St. Baldrick’s shavee℠, a member of the 46 Mommas and the founder of a St. Baldrick’s Hero Fund which raises crucial funds for lifesaving research. Why does she do so much? Because Alyson is also the parent of a cancer survivor. Read on for more about what being a survivor really means, how she conquers fear and why she works so hard to fund kids’ cancer research.
Alyson shaves her head with St. Baldrick’s as her son holds her hand.
My son Jared was diagnosed with Hodgkin lymphoma in 2007. This year, in July, he will be a nine-year cancer survivor.
Out of Treatment and Back to School: Two First-Graders Find Acceptance in the Classroom
To most parents, the first day of school is a big deal in a good way. For the parents of kids fighting cancer, however, the first day of school can be the start of one more scary, uncharted journey. But it doesn’t have to be. Read on for the story of two cancer fighter classmates who were embraced by their school, where their cancer journeys became a valuable lesson in acceptance and the realities of childhood cancer.
Alex and Scott sit together during a meeting at the clinic.
Every day, the first-graders at Triangle Math and Science Academy used to break out the Clorox wipes to clean their desks. The scrubbing of their workplaces became so routine that it’s now second nature to some of the kids who attend this charter school in North Carolina.
But to Liz Ferm and Nancy Lenfestey, it means the world.
That’s because both of their sons were in that class, and their classmates started the routine to keep them safe.
Childhood Cancer Stories: My Day With Chase L. [PHOTO ESSAY]
For many kids with cancer, their lives are full of hospital visits, tests and needle pokes — even after treatment ends. Our social media specialist, Alison Sutton, joined Honored Kid Chase L. and his parents at his latest checkup. She recounts their day below.
At 8 years old, you’re supposed to be learning multiplication, mastering your states and capitals, and locking down your best friend.
For Chase, he was learning what being diagnosed with non-Hodgkin lymphoma meant.
Cheyenne’s 11th Birthday: A Time to Celebrate Life
Birthdays are a time of celebration for most kids — a big party with presents, cake and balloons. But for Ambassador Cheyenne and her family, her upcoming birthday holds much more meaning. Read on to see what Cheyenne’s mom, Amy, is reflecting on this year.
I’ve always thought of birthdays as a momentous occasion to celebrate life. With Cheyenne’s 11th birthday coming up, a little more than one year after her childhood cancer diagnosis, this celebration of life is taking on an entirely new meaning.
From Clinic Visits to College Visits: Aaron’s Mom Looks Back on 2015
Last month, Ambassador Aaron finished his first semester at college and came home for a clinic visit to make sure he was still in remission. His mom, Dana, shares their good news and her hopes for 2016.
Aaron with his parents, Dana and Greg.
NEW VIDEO: Cheyenne’s Childhood Cancer Story
On January 30, one week before her 10th birthday, Cheyenne was having trouble breathing. After a trip to the local ER, she was air lifted to Children’s Hospital Colorado in Denver.
Her doctors discovered a large, life-threatening tumor blocking her airway. Soon after, Cheyenne was diagnosed with T cell lymphoblastic lymphoma.
Cancer to College: A New Chapter Begins for Aaron
Two and a half years ago, Ambassador Aaron was just finishing treatment for non-Hodgkin lymphoma. He’s still in remission, and this week he’s starting his freshman year of college over 300 miles away from home. He shares this quick update.
Aaron stands with his family at his high school graduation ceremony.
Losing His Hair by Choice: Aaron Shaves for the First Time Since His Diagnosis
Ambassador Aaron is shaving tomorrow for the first time since he was diagnosed with childhood cancer. Now in remission, he reflects on what braving the shave means to him now.
After shaving his head for St. Baldrick’s four years in a row, Aaron was diagnosed with Burkitt non-Hodgkin lymphoma in 2012. He’s now in remission.
After taking a year off from shaving my head, I’ve decided to brave the shave again!
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