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Press Release

The V Foundation and the St. Baldrick’s Foundation Announce Grant to Support Lifesaving Childhood Cancer Research


September 18, 2014
  • Press Release
  • For Immediate Release
  • Media Contact:
    • Traci Shirk
    • 626.792.8247 ext. 250
    • traci@stbaldricks.org

The V Foundation and the St. Baldrick’s Foundation Announce Grant to Support Lifesaving Childhood Cancer Research

CARY, N.C. (September 18, 2014) – The V Foundation for Cancer Research and the St. Baldrick’s Foundation, two organizations dedicated to funding the best childhood cancer research, have joined together to support the work of Hui Li, Ph.D., a researcher at University of Virginia Children’s Hospital and UVA Cancer Center.

Dr. Li, named the St. Baldrick’s V Scholar, received a three-year grant for a total of $330,000 to support his research project focused on alveolar rhabdomyosarcoma, one of the most common tumors diagnosed in children and adolescents. Despite efforts, this type of cancer remains mysterious, with no effective therapy currently available for advanced staged patients. Dr. Li and his team are looking to discover the point of origin for tumor development and hope that results from the study will lead to a better understanding of the disease and to the development of more effective therapeutic approaches.

“Dr. Li received a V Scholar award from The V Foundation in 2010,” said Susan Braun, Chief Executive Officer of The V Foundation. “We are delighted to co-fund this grant with St. Baldrick’s to extend his important research to save the lives of children with cancer.”

This grant is part of more than $24.7 million awarded by the St. Baldrick’s Foundation to institutions across the country in its 2014 summer grant cycle. Since 2005, St. Baldrick’s has funded more than $152 million to support lifesaving pediatric cancer research. The V Foundation has awarded more than $115 million in grants since 1993.

“We are honored to collaborate with The V Foundation on this important award,” said Kathleen Ruddy, chief executive officer of the St. Baldrick’s Foundation. “Our goal is that this grant will have a positive impact on the kids battling alveolar rhabdomyosarcoma and find better treatment options with less side effects, and ultimately a cure for this horrible disease.”

About The V Foundation for Cancer Research
The V Foundation for Cancer Research was founded in 1993 by ESPN and the late Jim Valvano, legendary North Carolina State basketball coach and ESPN commentator. Since 1993, The Foundation has funded more than $115 million in cancer research grants nationwide. One hundred percent of the net proceeds from events support all the work of The V Foundation. Due to generous donors, the Foundation has an endowment that covers administrative expenses. The Foundation awards peer-reviewed grants through a competitive awards process vetted by a Scientific Advisory Committee. For more information on The V Foundation or to make a donation, please visit www.jimmyv.org.

About St. Baldrick’s Foundation
The St. Baldrick’s Foundation is a volunteer-driven charity committed to funding the most promising research to find cures for childhood cancers and give survivors long and healthy lives. St. Baldrick’s coordinates its signature head-shaving events worldwide where participants collect pledges to shave their heads in solidarity with kids with cancer, raising money to fund research. Since 2005, St. Baldrick’s has awarded more than $152 million to support lifesaving research, making the Foundation the largest private funder of childhood cancer research grants. St. Baldrick’s funds are granted to some of the most brilliant childhood cancer research experts in the world and to younger professionals who will be the experts of tomorrow. Funds awarded also enable hundreds of local institutions to participate in national pediatric cancer clinical trials, and the new International Scholar grants train researchers to work in developing countries. For more information about the St. Baldrick’s Foundation please call 1.888.899.BALD or visit www.StBaldricks.org.

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