Childhood Cancer Research Grant Given in Honor of Easton Child

St. Baldrick’s Foundation grant created in memory of child funds lifesaving research

EASTON, Pa. (September 14, 2017) – The St. Baldrick’s Foundation, the largest private funder of childhood cancer research grants, is proud to announce that a St. Baldrick’s Hero Fund created in memory of David Heard, forever 10 years old, from Easton, Penn., will support lifesaving childhood cancer research.

This year, the David’s Warriors Hero Fund helped to fund a St. Baldrick’s Scholar Grant for Dr. Saurabh Agarwal, instructor of pediatrics-oncology, at Baylor College of Medicine in Houston, Texas. The $199,955 grant will support Dr. Agarwal’s research focused on neuroblastoma, the same type of cancer that David had.

Current therapy for high-risk neuroblastoma includes high-dose chemotherapy and radiation, causing long-term side effects for children that undergo this type of treatment. Despite these intensive therapies, it is common for children diagnosed with neuroblastoma to relapse. Dr. Agarwal is focusing his research on developing effective therapeutic approaches to target those tumor cells which escape initial treatment and regenerate drug-resistant disease.

“Our family is lucky to have so many friends, neighbors and family members who believe in David’s final wish and are helping make it come true,” said Susan, David’s mom. “The fundraising efforts and many ways that David is remembered here in Easton continue to ripple out and ensure the very best pediatric cancer research is funded no matter where it takes place.”

David was only 8 years old when he was diagnosed with neuroblastoma. Before David died, he created a list of things that his family would need to complete in his absence. The list has become the driving force behind his family’s commitment to St. Baldrick’s and the David’s Warriors Hero Fund. Their commitment to raise money for the Foundation has even included his mother, Susan, shaving 14 times in his honor at signature St. Baldrick’s head-shaving events. This year, his parents also participated in the United NYC Half Marathon and set up a St. Baldrick’s fundraising page where people could donate to their run.

Since 2011, the David’s Warriors Hero Fund has raised more than $500,000 and supported two different grants. David’s family and their community will continue to raise funds until a cure is found for all childhood cancers.

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

About St. Baldrick’s Foundation
As the largest private funder of childhood cancer research grants, the St. Baldrick’s Foundation believes that kids are special and deserve to be treated that way. St. Baldrick’s is leading the charge to take childhood back from cancer by funding 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 cancer treatments for kids.

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