$195,000 Childhood Cancer Research Grant Awarded To Yale University

Part of $21.2 Million Awarded in New Grants by the St. Baldrick’s Foundation

NEW HAVEN, Conn. (September 16, 2015) – The St. Baldrick’s Foundation, a volunteer-powered and donor-centered charity dedicated to raising money for childhood cancer research, is proud to grant a $195,000 St. Baldrick’s Fellow award to support the work of Juan Vasquez, M.D., a researcher at Yale University.

Dr. Vasquez, named the “Tap Cancer Out St. Baldrick’s Fellow,” is investigating the human immune system’s response to pediatric brain tumors and how it can be manipulated to fight cancer cells. Immune therapies can be highly specific for cancer cells because they target proteins only found on the cancer, while sparing the normal cells. This research is using nanoparticles that contain the target protein, as well as medications that block other cells that dampen the immune system, to increase the immune system’s ability to kill the cancer cells.

“Pediatric brain tumors, in particular highly aggressive tumors, continue to pose a significant therapeutic challenge,” said Dr. Vasquez. “Moreover, children that are cured can experience life-long side effects as a result of current treatments. It is therefore imperative that we develop novel, targeted therapies that improve cure rates and minimize adverse long-term effects.”

This grant recognizes the St. Baldrick’s partnership with Tap Cancer Out, a jiu-jitsu based 501(c)(3) nonprofit raising awareness and funds for cancer fighting organizations on behalf of the grappling community. For the second year in a row, Tap Cancer Out is partnering with the St. Baldrick’s Foundation, and all proceeds from their fundraising tournaments, volunteer-run events, merchandise sales, direct donations and more will go to St. Baldrick’s. To date, their efforts have raised more than $125,000 to support St. Baldrick’s and its mission to conquer childhood cancers.

To learn how you can get involved visit www.StBaldricks.org, and connect with St. Baldrick’s on social media via Facebook, Twitter, YouTube and Vimeo.

About St. Baldrick’s Foundation
The St. Baldrick’s Foundation is a volunteer-powered charity committed to funding the most promising research to find cures for childhood cancers and give survivors long and healthy lives. Since 2005, St. Baldrick’s has awarded more than $176 million to support lifesaving research, making the Foundation the largest private funder of childhood cancer research grants. For more information about the St. Baldrick’s Foundation please call 1.888.899.BALD or visit www.StBaldricks.org.

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