memorial sloan kettering fundraising partners

Today I had the opportunity to join a meeting held for a select group of MSK fundraising partners led by Dr. Modak, Chief of Neuroblastoma Services at Memorial Sloan Kettering. The meeting was held to to show how fundraising efforts have propelled groundbreaking work in Neuroblastoma. I learned far too much to share in this post, but what I will share is that most research and advancements, like the groundbreaking immunotherapy-vaccine trial that we have donated our funds to, is dependent on donors like you…. The 4% or less through government funding, spread between over 200 subtypes of childhood cancer is not enough. We, you and I, along with others like us, are funding these trials; we are helping with these advancements. We are making miracles happen my friends, and I can’t thank you all enough...

I learned that more funding and more pharmaceutical involvement and support is needed. Sadly, pharmaceutical companies are focused on adults; not children.

I learned that MSK is working hard to reduce adverse effects of radiation and chemotherapy. They are focusing on immunotherapy and using antibodies, vaccines and cells for this neuroblastoma therapy. They discussed T-Cells, protein engineering, custom antibodies, cellular molecules and liquid biopsies ~ far too many things that were above my level of education and understanding… But what I did understand was their expertise and their drive and mission to help… to treat … and to cure. My friends, we are on the right path, we are making progress and forward motion. We are making miracles happen. I truly feel that in my lifetime, we will find a treatment and cure for all pediatric cancers. Together, with combined funding and their expertise, we will find a way.

To learn more about Dr. Modak and MSK’s groundbreaking trials, click on the links below.
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https://www.mskcc.org/.../cancer-immunotherapy-vaccines
https://www.mskcc.org/cancer-care/doctors/shakeel-modak

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