Childhood Cancer Research Grant Given in Honor of Chicago Child

Chicago, Ill. – The St. Baldrick’s Foundation, the largest private funder of childhood cancer research grants, is proud to announce the Just Do It…and be done with it Hero Fund, created in honor of Sara Martorano from Chicago, Ill., will support lifesaving childhood cancer research at Northwestern University.

Dr. Rintaro Hashizume at Northwestern University, was named the recipient of the “Just Do It…and be done with it St. Baldrick’s Research Grant” and awarded $100,000 to support his research related to atypical teratoid rhabdoid tumor (AT/RT). His research will determine whether a therapeutic combination of targeting two types of histone binding proteins provides an effective treatment for children with AT/RT.

AT/RT is a highly malignant brain tumor that has a very poor prognosis even with aggressive treatment. Dr. Hashizume’s research will determine if combining two histone binding proteins will be beneficial for targeted treatment and will be able to provide information about how to best maximize the clinical potential of combination therapy for effective treatment of children with AT/RT.

Sara was diagnosed with stage IV Wilms tumor in 2008 when she was 4 years old. After three surgeries, 13 radiation treatments and 33 weeks of chemotherapy, Sara is now enjoying being a teenager, who loves the color yellow, watching The Office on repeat, eating Greek food, playing volleyball and laughing with friends. This Hero Fund was created to show gratitude for Sara’s life and scare the pants off cancer.

“Our daughter is alive today after a Stage IV cancer diagnosis because researchers like Dr. Rintaro Hashizume choose to look cancer in the eye every day. We are grateful,” said Erin Martorano, Sara’s mom. “Dr. Hashizume’s research will focus on AT/RT, a rare, fast-growing, highly malignant brain tumor that has a very poor prognosis despite aggressive treatment. Imagine yourself sitting in a hospital room: the sterile smell, beeping monitors, your child laying in a hospital bed holding their favorite blanket or stuffed animal and hearing the words, brain tumor – rare, fast-growing, highly malignant, aggressive treatment, poor prognosis – describing your child’s future. Imagine how that feels. This year we celebrate our daughter, Sara’s 10th year being cancer free! 10 years and still the doctor’s words, ‘Sara has cancer haunt me.’ Thank you, Dr. Hashizume for looking this aggressive cancer in the eye. The St. Baldrick’s Just Do It…and be done with it Hero Fund proudly stands behind you. This commitment echoes Sara’s words throughout her own cancer treatment, Just Do It…and be done with it. We are committed to fund childhood cancer research – together – we’re coming for you cancer!”

Since 2009, the Just Do It…and be done with it Hero Fund has raised more than $810,000 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.

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