Childhood Cancer Research Grant Given in Honor of Indiana Child

Carmel, Ind. – The St. Baldrick’s Foundation, the largest private funder of childhood cancer research grants, is proud to announce the Be Brooks Brave St. Baldrick’s Hero Fund, created in honor of 2018 St. Baldrick’s Ambassador Brooks Blackmore from Carmel, Ind., will support lifesaving childhood cancer research at Stanford University.

Dr. Robbie Majzner at Stanford University was named the “Be Brooks Brave Fund St. Baldrick’s Scholar” and awarded $330,000 to support his research on high grade gliomas. Dr. Majzner is working to create T cells that can recognize up to four protein targets found in brain tumors to create new therapeutic options for kids with high grade gliomas.

CAR T cells recognize specific protein targets on cancer cells and kill those cells; however, there are many brain tumors that are not effectively treated with CAR T cells. Dr. Majzner is working to have T cells recognize up to four protein targets so kids with high grade gliomas have more options for treatment.

“Our son Brooks has inspired us to ‘Be Bigger than Brave’ and create the Be Brooks Brave Hero Fund with St. Baldrick’s that will not only honor his short life but will help save the lives of those children fighting against these nasty brain tumors,” said Josh and Tracey Blackmore, Brooks’ parents. “We felt so alone during Brooks’ fight because there was no cure and we are now determined to change that outcome for other families. That is why we are so honored to have our first grant from the Be Brooks Brave Hero Fund go toward Dr. Majzner’s promising research for pediatric high grade gliomas at Stanford University. We are so thankful to St. Baldrick’s and to all the Be Brooks Brave supporters who have helped create this lasting legacy in honor of our son.”

The Be Brooks Brave St. Baldrick’s Hero Fund was created in memory of 6-year-old Brooks who was diagnosed with two, inoperable brain tumors when he was 5. After 6 weeks of radiation and chemotherapy the tumors shrunk, but in March 2016 a new tumor had appeared and was more aggressive and resistant to treatment. Brooks passed away in May 2016. This Hero Fund honors Brooks’ bravery, faith and love through funding research and has raised more than $132,000 to date.

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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