Childhood Cancer Research Grant Given in Honor of Cicero Child

CICERO, N.Y. (September 9, 2015) – The St. Baldrick’s Foundation, a volunteer-powered and donor-centered charity dedicated to raising money for childhood cancer research, is proud to announce that it has partnered with Griffin’s Guardians in Cicero, N.Y., to support the work of a researcher at University of Michigan, Ann Arbor.

Griffin’s Guardians was created by Erin and Adam Engle in memory of their son, Griffin, who was diagnosed with a rare, untreatable brain tumor the day after his sixth birthday. He underwent surgery to remove as much of the brain tumor as possible, and endured 33 treatments of radiation in combination with chemotherapy. After fighting for more than a year, Griffin passed away.

Griffin’s family never says that he lost his battle with cancer, instead, because of his strength and bravery, they say he won…he won the hearts of many. He taught people the true meaning of strength, how to never give up, how to keep smiling through difficult times, and most importantly, he taught his family how to love. Griffin’s family created the organization to honor his infectious spirit, to provide support and financial assistance to children battling cancer in Central New York, to raise awareness about pediatric cancer and to provide funding for critical research.

“We believe children are our future, not just the future of our local community but for our nation as a whole,” said Erin Engle. “We believe through our partnership with St. Baldrick’s we will make a difference. As mothers, fathers, grandparents and friends we are standing up for the children and for their right to live long, healthy lives. Working with St Baldrick’s is a beautiful opportunity to truly make a difference in the world of pediatric cancer.”

This year, Griffin’s Guardians helped support a $330,000 St. Baldrick’s Scholar award to Dr. Beata Chertok at University of Michigan, Ann Arbor. Dr. Chertok hopes to empower the immune system to fight brain tumors by delivering agents that alter immune system activities. This approach could lead to safe and effective therapies for children with brain cancer.

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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