PCRF Stories of Hope
From stories of children overcoming odds and the families who support them to incredible accounts of people coming together to raise money and awareness for pediatric cancer research, these stories will inspire you and help envision a future free from childhood cancer. Learn more about the obstacles our cancer heroes are overcoming and how the community is helping researchers find a cure. Have a story of your own? Please contact us at PCRF so we can share the HOPE.
Learn more about our cancer warriors and how they are inspiring support for cancer research through their stories of bravery and triumph. Your support can make a difference in the lives of children and families just like these.
Just one person can make a difference. Read the inspiring stories of individuals, companies and other groups who have helped give hope by supporting pediatric cancer research. You can make a difference too.
Meet the researchers who are behind the scenes working hard to change the face of childhood cancer every day. It’s their hard work, innovation, and dedication to the cause that makes all the difference.
Recent News
Battling for Brynn
Meet Brynn, an 8-year-old, fierce warrior of Ewing Sarcoma (EWS). After experiencing a mild cough for a week and fast, labored breathing, Brynn's parents took her to the ER in December 2018 where doctors
Pediatric Cancer Research Foundation Funds 6 New Research Grants in 2020
Press Release - IRVINE, CA (January 20, 2020) - The Pediatric Cancer Research Foundation (PCRF) is proud to award 6 new grants with a total of 18 grants in 2020. These new grants are comprised
Meet Katie Hawley
Meet Katie Hawley, a six-time cancer fighter. "At the age of nine, my life was turned upside down when my parents told me I had cancer. Those first fourteen months were horrendous. I endured
Brandon Story: A New Normal as a Cancer Survivor
Meet Brandon Staple, a survivor of ALL who is studying to one day deliver the next generation of medication, therapies, and surgeries for kids just like him. Survivors of pediatric cancer overcome seemingly insurmountable
Jon Lester “Never Quits” for Pediatric Cancer Research
Jon Lester "Never Quits" for Pediatric Cancer Research Never quit! That’s a rallying cry World Series Champion pitcher and cancer survivor, Jon Lester has demonstrated time and again. Many know him as a three-time
Jake the Recycling Hero
Meet Jake the Recycling Hero When individuals advocate to support lifesaving research, every donation or effort, both big and small, makes a world of difference in saving lives. At PCRF, we believe one person
2nd Annual Will Irwin Golf Tournament, Another Success for Research
The 2nd Annual Will Irwin Memorial Charity Golf Event was another success in raising the necessary funds to move research forward. Since its inception, this event has raised over $560,000 for leading-edge research. Proceeds
Behind the Science Q & A with Dr. Eugenie Kleinerman
We'd like you to meet Dr. Eugenie Kleinerman, Basic Science Grant Recipient from The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center. These types of grants fund work that is the basis for childhood cancer research,
Behind the Science Q & A with Dr. Jenna Sopfe
Funding Lifesaving Research with Dr. Jenna Sopfe We’d like you to meet Dr. Jenna Sopfe, Emerging Research Grant recipient from the University of Colorado, Denver. These types of grants encourage and cultivate the best and
Behind the Science Q & A with Dr. Michael Hogarty
Funding Lifesaving Research with Dr. Michael Hogarty We’d like you to meet Dr. Michael Hogarty, Basic Science Research Grant recipient from Children's Hospital of Philadelphia. These types of grants fund work that is the basis
Behind the Science Q & A with Dr. Leo Wang
Funding Lifesaving Research with Dr. Leo Wang We’d like you to meet Dr. Leo Wang, Translational Research Grant recipient from Beckman Research Institute of the City of Hope. These type grants fund new research protocols
Katie’s Story: Patient to Doctorate
Survivors of pediatric cancer overcome seemingly insurmountable obstacles in order to fight their cancer, regain their health, and live a normal childhood. That’s why PCRF is committed to improving the quality of life for
Behind the Science Q & A with Dr. Jana Ellegast
Funding Lifesaving Research with Dr. Jana Ellegast We’d like you to meet Dr. Jana Ellegast, Emerging Research Grant recipient from Dana-Farber Cancer Institute. These grants encourage and cultivate the best and brightest researchers of the future and
Cancer Mom’s Quest for a Cure
We are inspired daily by the kids and families who battle pediatric cancer every day without losing hope or optimism. Karla, a cancer mom, and pediatric cancer advocate tells us about her son, Ezekiel,
Partners in Hope: PowerStone Property Management
The Pediatric Cancer Research Foundation (PCRF) values its partnerships with companies that not only want to make a difference in a child’s life today, but are committed to investing in promising research that helps children
PCRF Giveback Partners – Easy Ways Anyone Can Support Research
Every day, 43 kids are diagnosed with cancer. We’ve partnered with businesses to help support our mission of funding leading edge research offering the best hope for a cure of childhood cancer. Make a difference,
Reaching for the Cure Continues to Hit Milestones
Named the #1 Best Race of Orange County by OC Register, the 22nd annual “Reaching for the Cure Half Marathon, 10K, 5K, Kids Run” event is set for March 22, 2020, at Irvine Valley
PCRF Appoints New Chairman, Welcomes New Board Member in the Fight Against Pediatric Cancer
Press Release - IRVINE, CA (January 28, 2020) – The Pediatric Cancer Research Foundation (PCRF), an independent, nonprofit organization, wholly dedicated to funding leading-edge pediatric cancer research nationwide, appoints Steve Giusto as Chairman of the
Father of Two Committed to Run 2 Marathons in 6 Days for Kids Fighting Cancer
Meet Casey Baker, a 37-year-old Southern California family man and father of two who is taking on a big challenge. He has committed to running two marathons in 6 days - all in the
Todd’s Legacy
Todd was diagnosed with Ewing's Sarcoma in his junior year of high school. He fought bravely and continued to battle the disease every day. He graduated from high school, was accepted into UC Berkeley
Will’s Legacy
In part two of our Valentine’s Day blog series, we are honoring Will Irwin. Will was described by his friends and family as a happy, little boy who brought so much joy and laughter to
Carter’s Legacy of Strength, Kindness and Love
At PCRF, we love celebrating survivors every chance we get. But we also celebrate the bravest warriors of them all, and their courageous fight in the battle against cancer. Every day, we hear stories
In Honor Women in Science Day: Women Curing Cancer
In honor of Women in Science Day, the Pediatric Cancer Research Foundation proudly recognizes some of the brilliant women funded by PCRF. They are leading the way in their fields and working to cure pediatric
Partners in Hope: Jessica
Teams are the most integral parts of PCRF's annual Reaching for the Cure event. To put it all into perspective, 118 teams with over 2,000 team members raised over $200,000 in 2019 – that’s
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