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Press Release

Childhood Cancer Research Grant Given in Honor of Aurora Child


August 7, 2018
    • Press Release
    • For Immediate Release

 

  • Media Contact:
    • Traci Johnson
    • 626.792.8247 ext. 250
    • traci@stbaldricks.org

Childhood Cancer Research Grant Given in Honor of Aurora Child

Aurora, Colo. – The St. Baldrick’s Foundation, the largest private funder of childhood cancer research grants, is proud to announce the Hope for Daisy Research Fund for Pediatric Brain Tumors, created in honor of Daisy Walsh from Aurora, Colo., will support lifesaving childhood cancer research at the University of Michigan.

The “Hope for Daisy Research Fund for Pediatric Brain Tumors St. Baldrick’s Research Grant,” for $100,000, was awarded to Dr. Jean-Francois Rual at the University of Michigan to support his research focused on medulloblastoma. Dr. Rual is looking to better understand the molecular mechanisms that control Notch signals in brain cells, a pathway that governs rapid reproduction of cells. He hypothesizes that the deletion of a gene that is a new modulator of Notch signals in medulloblastoma patients results in the support of tumor production.

Every day millions of cells are formed in the developing brain of children and it is during this time that medulloblastoma can develop, which occurs when the proliferation of cells becomes uncontrolled. By better understanding the Notch pathway, a key mechanism that governs cell proliferation, Dr. Rual and his team are hoping to define better treatments for medulloblastoma patients.

“While our care team was telling us there was little they could do, we started Daisy’s Hero Fund as a way to do something; find a cure for our daughter,” said Don and Natalie Walsh, Daisy’s parents. “While we know this particular research grant may not help her, we pray for the children diagnosed every year with this heartbreaking disease, and that one day our efforts will be rewarded with a cure. We are so proud and honored to be a small part of the work St. Baldricks has done, making a substantial difference in the lives of children throughout the world.”

Daisy was 6 years old when she was initially diagnosed with medulloblastoma in April 2013. Throughout her treatments she continues to radiate joy, laughter and strength despite all that she has had to endure, even amidst her most recent relapse in April 2017. When Daisy was at a doctor’s appointment receiving treatment, she was still in good spirits and even shared a few laughs with the hospital staff. This Hero Fund honors Daisy’s strong, joyous and contagious laughter by supporting the most promising research focused on increasing survival rates and giving hope to children battling cancer. To date, the Hero Fund has raised more than $118,000.

St. Baldrick’s Hero Funds are an ongoing way for friends, family members and groups to donate or raise funds to honor a loved one. To learn more about the program visit the St. Baldrick’s Hero Fund page.

About St. Baldrick’s Foundation
As the largest private funder of childhood cancer research grants, the St. Baldrick’s Foundation is leading the charge to take childhood back from cancer. St. Baldrick’s funds some of the most brilliant childhood cancer research experts who are working to find cures and better treatments for all childhood cancers. Kids need treatments as unique as they are – and that starts with funding research just for them. Join us at StBaldricks.org  to help support the best childhood cancer research, no matter where it takes place.

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