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Curing Kids Cancer Teams with Mecum for Special Tour in Houston
Texas Children's Cancer and Hematology Center is the largest pediatric oncology and blood disease center in the United States. It is also recognized as one of the leaders in research and new therapies for children with childhood cancer.
Recently Grainne Owen, Founder of CKC, along with Dana Mecum of Mecum Auctions had the opportunity to tour the advanced facilities and sit down with Dr. David Poplack, Director of Texas Children's Cancer Center, and pediatric oncologist
Dr. Eric Schafer
to learn more about what they are able to do with the money raised by the Mecum/Curing Kids Cancer partnership.
One of the most innovative types of research that is funded by the partnership is based on CAR T-cell therapy. This specific type of therapy is when the CAR T-cells of a child's immune system, which normally fights infections, are taken out of the body and genetically reengineered to fight cancer cells. This type of therapy currently has a 94% success rate in children with leukemia. CKC's Medical Advisory Board awarded a $200,000 grant to Dr. Stephen Gottschalk for his research adapting CAR T-cell therapy to treat brain tumors. Dr. Schafer's training in the pharmacology of oncology was also funded by Curing Kids Cancer. This will enable him to have a deeper understanding of ways that certain types of drugs can benefit children battling cancers.
The visit to Texas Children's Cancer Center was extremely beneficial for all parties involved. It is important for us to know about the most innovative types of research being conducted so that Curing Kids Cancer can ensure its contributions are going to the right sources. This experience allowed Dana Mecum to see, in a tangible way, why funding pediatric cancer research is so vital. If you would like to help us make a difference, donate
here.
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