Press Releases


Press Release

Childhood Cancer Research Grant Given in Memory of Simi Valley Child


August 10, 2018
    • Press Release
    • For Immediate Release

 

  • Media Contact:
    • Traci Johnson
    • 626.792.8247 ext. 250
    • traci@stbaldricks.org

Childhood Cancer Research Grant Given in Memory of Simi Valley Child

Los Angeles, Calif. – The St. Baldrick’s Foundation, the largest private funder of childhood cancer research grants, is proud to announce the Hope with Hazel St. Baldrick’s Hero Fund, created in honor of Hazel Hammersley from Simi Valley, Calif., will support lifesaving childhood cancer research at the University of California, Berkeley.

Named the “Hope with Hazel St. Baldrick’s Scholar,” Dr. Michael DuPage at UC Berkeley was awarded $330,000 to support his research focused on understanding how cells from our immune system interact with tumor cells.

The immune system is capable of fighting cancer cells with extreme precision and researchers are now looking to train the immune system to target and kill cancer cells – a method called immunotherapy. Dr. DuPage believes that kids who are battling cancer would greatly benefit from this treatment because their young and healthy immune systems are perfectly suited to be trained to fight cancer, removing the need for procedures that can manifest dangerous side effects in adulthood.

Hazel was diagnosed with stage III neuroblastoma at 2 years old in April 2013. She had been complaining of pain in her belly, was extremely lethargic and wouldn’t eat. After an ultrasound scan in the emergency room, it was discovered that she had a tumor in her abdomen. Hazel once said, “we have to stick together, not stick apart,” and if there is anything that Hazel’s 5-year battle with neuroblastoma has taught anyone, is that no one can fight pediatric cancer alone. Sadly, Hazel passed away at the age of 7, but her memory continues to live on through the Hope with Hazel Hero Fund and annual Ever After Ball.

Since 2014, the Hope with Hazel St. Baldrick’s Hero Fund has raised more than $176,000 to support the most promising childhood cancer research. 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.

###