Power Of One

Asher’s Bash and Rainbow Dash to Beat Childhood Cancer

Asher’s Bash & Rainbow Dash took place on June 18, 2022, in Hermosa Beach, CA. It was an event that captured the fun and lightheartedness that childhood should have. The event was hosted by Northwestern Mutual and brought in employees from across the country to donate, participate and volunteer for this event. The Johnston family saw their community come out in full force to honor Asher on what would have been his 1st birthday making it an emotional occasion.

Reaching for the Cure- a symbol of community and compassion.

This event is more than just a race – it is PCRF’s largest awareness event, drawing thousands of community members to shine a light on the importance of childhood cancer research. And boy – did our community show up for these kids!!

LaCROSSe Out Cancer is #AllinforHadley

Jake, Brett, and Colin Riley from Arlington Youth Lacrosse also participated in the LaCROSSe Out Cancer Challenge raising an amazing $611! To Jake, Brett, and Colin, the cause had special meaning as they accepted the challenge in honor of their youngest cousin Hadley who is almost 3 years old and was diagnosed with neuroblastoma as a newborn. They were #ALLINFORHADLEY while completing their reps each day!

LaCROSSe Out Cancer with PCRF!

Mass Bay Youth Lacrosse League is joining forces with the Pediatric Cancer Research Foundation to address an urgent need to fund childhood cancer research. 47 children are diagnosed each day with cancer in the US and only 4% of federal funding is dedicated to lifesaving treatments these kids need to beat their disease. It is up to communities like ours to fill the gap and show these families that they are worth more than 4. Join us in accepting the Lacrosse Out Cancer Challenge!

A Mother’s Intuition

A mother fighting for her child’s life brings together mothers from every corner of the world and from that bond comes to support, insight, and information. What I’ve learned from these mothers could fill a much longer article but, suffice to say, a mother’s intuition played a large part in getting many children diagnosed.

Pediatric Cancer Research Foundation’s “Reaching for the Cure” Half Marathon, 10k, 5k, 1k Kids Run Returns at Full Scale on Sunday, March 27, 2022

The Pediatric Cancer Research Foundation (PCRF) today announced the highly anticipated return of its “Reaching for the Cure” Half Marathon, 10K, 5K, 1K Kids Run on Sunday, March 27, 2022, after being canceled in 2020 and held only virtually in 2021 due to the pandemic. The race will return as a hybrid event, with a full-scale in-person field, plus virtual participants from across the US and Mexico, and a brand new presenting sponsor, AutoNation Toyota Irvine.

Stand with us in the Fight Against Childhood Cancer

We must dive into the community and stand with the children and families that are going through some of the hardest days of their lives. I know that I will continue to fight for these kids and support them in any way that I can. I hope that you can join me on this journey and help me give these kids their childhood back.

PCRF Survivors Scholarship

In 2017, PCRF started a PCRF Survivor’s Scholarship fund to help these warriors through a period of academic, social, physical, and financial challenge – College! The PCRF Survivor’s Scholarship eases the struggle survivors face as they transition into what should be “normal” adulthood. Scholarships help with the financial strain, but beyond that, it gives a vote of confidence that their future is reachable and they can accomplish their dreams.

The Urgent Need for Research

While cancer in children is considered rare, it is the leading cause of death by disease among children in the USA. In the last 20 years, only four new drugs have been approved specifically for children. Some would say this is a start, but these children deserve more momentum, and that is contingent on investments. In 2021 our open grant cycle gleaned 42 letters of request. Only 7 were funded, leaving 35 research projects unfunded.

The Power of Volunteers

Volunteering at PCRF enables us to help carry out both small and large events to raise money funding top research institutions across the country.
One of the first volunteers I was introduced to was a long-time pediatric cancer warrior Terry Shephard. Terry volunteers year-round and leads her fundraising team “Running with Todd” at our Reaching for the Cure run/walk each year in memory of her son Todd. She became involved with PCRF in 1996 and has been pivotal since.

Team Building + Giving Back is the Combination for Success

Building strong morale in the workplace is hugely beneficial to thriving businesses. Experts agree that when morale is high, there is a direct correlation to increased productivity, efficiencies, and retention. While there are many ways company execs look to boost morale, team-building activities can be the source of fostering meaningful and open communication among peers, supports problem-solving, and keep those creative juices flowing!

Dribble for Victory Over Cancer

For the past 15 years, PCRF has produced a tried-and-true event called Dribble for the Cure with UCLA and St. John’s basketball teams. This year we partnered with the V Foundation, rebranded the event “Dribble for Victory Over Cancer”, and we are looking to expand to other teams across the country. We are also looking for national and local partners to support these great events.

A Look Back on Cancer Research Funding

Fifty years ago last month, President Nixon signed the National Cancer Act. Because of that law, the U.S. government has now invested far more money into fighting cancer than any other disease. Mary Lasker, Philanthropist and Activist, was the muscle behind the scene pushing this initiative.