Childhood Cancer Research Grant Given in Honor of Beloit Child

Beloit, Ohio – The St. Baldrick’s Foundation, the largest private funder of childhood cancer research grants, is proud to announce that the Friends for Hope St. Baldrick’s Hero Fund, created in honor of Morgan Loudon, from Beloit, Ohio, will support lifesaving childhood cancer research at St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.

The “Friends for Hope St. Baldrick’s Scholar,” Dr. Nickhill Bhakta at St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital in Memphis, was awarded $330,000 to support his research focused on producing global childhood cancer disease burden estimates by using data available from cancer registries and childhood cancer survivorship cohorts.

Dr. Bhakta and other researchers will be able to provide global stakeholders and policymakers more information to inform countries’ understanding of childhood cancer-related disease burden and ultimately improve the survival rates of children diagnosed with cancer in areas with limited resources.

Morgan was only 8 years old when she was diagnosed with a rare rhabdoid tumor. Morgan had the tumor removed, completed 28 radiation treatments and had her final course of chemotherapy in June 2013. Morgan, like many others who survive their cancer diagnosis, deals with side effects that come from the very treatment that saved her life. While Morgan has adjusted to her new normal, she and her family are dedicated to supporting organizations like St. Baldrick’s in an effort to find better ways to treat children’s cancers.

“It has been a way for all of us to turn negative emotion into positive action and raise, not only awareness, but much needed funding,” said Scott and Melissa Loudon, Morgan’s parents. “This has been a privilege for all of us and we couldn’t do it without some very special people.”

The Friends for Hope Hero Fund was created to honor all kids and families impacted by childhood cancer. Being a Friend for Hope is about stimulating change, as well as celebrating the strength and determination of the community in the search for a cure and better treatments.

Since 2013, this Hero Fund has raised more than $290,000 to support the most promising childhood cancer research and aims to give survivors long and healthy lives. 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.

###