$144,129 Childhood Cancer Research Grant Awarded to University of Michigan Scientist

Part of More Than $24.7 Million Awarded in New Grants by the St. Baldrick’s Foundation

ANN ARBOR, Mich. (August 13, 2014) – The St. Baldrick’s Foundation, a volunteer-driven and donor-centered charity dedicated to raising money for childhood cancer research, is proud to grant a two-year, $144,129, St. Baldrick’s Fellow award to Carl Koschmann, M.D., at the University of Michigan.

Dr. Koschmann is a Pediatric Neuro-Oncology Fellow working in the laboratory of Drs. Pedro Lowenstein and Maria Castro. The team is studying pediatric glioblastoma (GBM), a type of brain tumor. Through discovery, researchers have found that adolescents with GBM often have a specific gene mutation. Along with other members of their lab, Dr. Koschmann is looking for ways to target this mutation to develop more personalized treatment.

“In an era with reduction in federal research funding, researchers need the assistance of philanthropic foundations,” said Dr. Koschmann. “We are hopeful that if we can learn more about this specific gene in glioblastoma, we can find some weaknesses in the tumor that will allow us to study new targeted treatments. We are hopeful that we can make a big impact on the survival of young adults with this type of brain tumor.”

Through the vigorous efforts of volunteers and supporters in the U.S. and around the world, the Foundation is not only honored to award this local grant, but will fund a total of more than $24.7 million to institutions across the country in its 2014 summer grant cycle.

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-driven 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 $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. For more information about the St. Baldrick’s Foundation please call 1.888.899.BALD or visit www.StBaldricks.org.

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