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Press Release

Childhood Cancer Research Grant Given in Honor of San Antonio Child


August 8, 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 San Antonio Child

San Antonio, Texas – The St. Baldrick’s Foundation, the largest private funder of childhood cancer research grants, is proud to announce the Alan’s Sarcoma Research Fund, created in honor of Alan Sanders from San Antonio, Texas, will support lifesaving childhood cancer research at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center.

Cristina Antonescu, MD, Director of Bone and Soft Tissue Pathology at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center was granted a $100,000 award that is being named the Alan’s Sarcoma Research Fund St. Baldrick’s Research Grant. Dr. Antonescu will use this funding to apply state of the art genomic methods to create detailed genetic characterization in orphan cancers called undifferentiated sarcomas.

Pediatric undifferentiated sarcomas are highly aggressive cancers that typically affect soft tissues. Because of their uncertain classification and lack of molecular signature, there is no standard criteria for diagnosis or treatment. Dr. Antonescu’s research will establish an objective classification of these tumors based on their genetic abnormalities and provide potential therapeutic targets.

“We are so pleased to partner with the St. Baldrick’s Foundation again to fund vitally needed childhood cancer research,” said Harold and Judy Sanders, Alan’s parents. “Alan’s life and potential was cut short because his treatment team, despite all efforts and dedication, did not have enough answers for his rare condition. While we were blessed with Alan’s one-of-a-kind smile and spirit, having a unique cancer was a massive disadvantage to his treatment. We are therefore especially excited to support Dr. Antonescu’s work to shine a light on this area.

Alan’s Sarcoma Research Fund was created in memory of Alan who was diagnosed with a rare sarcoma in his hip at 17 months. He had an indomitable spirit and throughout his four and a half year battle with cancer, he was joyful, upbeat and pressed on courageously despite surgery and treatments. Fighting cancer was all Alan knew from an early age and his rallying cry became “Fight’s on!” Today his family and friends carry on his legacy in the fight against childhood cancer by funding sarcoma research.

Since 2012, the Alan’s Sarcoma Research Fund has raised nearly $200,000 to support the most promising childhood cancer research and 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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