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Press Release

Childhood Cancer Research Grant Given in Honor of St. John Child


October 11, 2018
    • Press Release
    • For Immediate Release

 

  • Media Contact:
    • Michele Franco
    • 626.792.8247 ext. 264
    • michele.franco@stbaldricks.org

Childhood Cancer Research Grant Given in Honor of St. John Child

St. John, Fla. – The St. Baldrick’s Foundation, the largest private funder of childhood cancer research grants, is proud to announce the Rally for Ryan St. Baldrick’s Hero Fund, created in honor of Ryan Campanaro from St. John, Fla., will support lifesaving childhood cancer research at NYU School of Medicine.

Dr. Aristotelis Tsirigos at NYU School of Medicine was named the Rally for Ryan St. Baldrick’s Scholar and awarded $330,000 to support his research focused on finding targeted therapies for acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) patients.

Cure rates for ALL patients who relapse on therapy is approximately 20 percent and currently there are no targeted therapies. Dr. Tsirigos’ goal is to address this significant clinical need by studying how our DNA is organized inside the nucleus of the cells.

“It is such an honor to have a grant named after our son Ryan, who throughout his own treatment journey, has been focused on helping other kids with cancer,” said Kelly Campanaro, Ryan’s mom. “St. Baldrick’s has made an incredible impact in our lives, everything from funding grants to creating life long memories and friendships within our community. We appreciate the recognition for our son and his efforts in his personal battles with childhood cancer and the opportunity to contribute in some way to finding a cure for this horrible disease.”

Ryan was diagnosed with ALL in September 2012 at 7-years-old. Ryan endured three and half years of treatment when he was first diagnosed. It was in January 2016 he took his last chemotherapy pill, but unfortunately relapsed at the end of that same year. Ryan is back in treatment but continues to stay brave in the face of cancer. The Rally for Ryan St. Baldrick’s Hero Fund honors Ryan’s bravery and has raised more than $280,000 since 2013.

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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