Dear Friend of PHBF,

Thank you for helping us reach $325,000 in funded research since we started in 2012. During the past year, we funded the nation’s first machine that genetically classifies brain tumors to personalize treatment strategies for both clinical care and research. We just delivered a check to Cincinnati Children's Hospital in excess of $45,600 to support research by Dr. Rachid Drissi (see details below). We continue as a foundational partner with the DIPG Collaborative. We organized and funded the 5th annual Family Camp Day for neuro-oncology patients and their families, offered financial support to families in need, and supported the Tony Merk Scholarship for the 6th year. We couldn’t do any of this without YOU! We and the families we serve appreciate your generosity thus far. Please keep us in mind with your end-of-the-year giving. We look forward to doing even more in the coming year-bringing continued HOPE to families with a child battling brain cancer. Please go to www.prayhopebelieve.org , or follow us on Facebook or Twitter to learn more about our mission and how you can help! 

Research Grant to Dr. Rachid Drissi of Cincinnati Children’s Hospital
On December 27, 2017, PHBF & the Merk Family delivered a check to Cincinnati Children's in the amount of $45,613.88 to fund Dr. Rachid Drissi's work targeting the BMI-1 pathway. BMI-1 has been implicated in different cancer types and is thought to be responsible for the growth of cancer cells and resistance to cancer treatments. Recent research has implicated BMI-1 as a potential therapeutic target to treat children with DIPG and other brain cancers. Dr. Drissi’s research will help determine to what extent survival, cancer progression and therapy resistance depend on high expression levels of BMI-1. Clinical trials have already been approved to use a BMI-1 inhibitor in the treatment of children with brain cancers. We are thankful for Dr. Drissi’s innovative work and that of his collaborators. Pray~Hope~Believe!
Lives saved at the 9th Annual Tony Merk Blood Drive
Many thanks to the 83 individuals who attended our 9 th annual blood drive on November 25, 2017. Your donations have the potential to save the lives of more than 237 patients. Since the Merk Family and PHBF started coordinating blood drives, about 1327 units of blood have been collected – impacting up to 3900 lives. Wow! We are so thankful for the selfless gift our blood donors have provided and we know the recipients of these blood donations are even more grateful!  

DIPG Collaborative Update
In 2017, PHBF contributed $25,000 to the DIPG Collaborative - continuing as a foundational partner.
The DIPG Collaborative is comprised of more than 20 foundations working together to fund DIPG research throughout the world. PHBF founders, Rick & Lynne Merk, also attended the 4th DIPG Symposium held in Cincinnati, OH in 2017 during which DIPG research updates were shared. Learn more at www.dipg.org .
Please think of PHBF as you make your end-of-the year donations for 2017. PHBF is a 501c3 organization thus making your donation tax-deductible. Thank you!!!


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Thank you for helping us bring HOPE to children with brain cancer!

With HOPE and appreciation,

Rick & Lynne Merk
Co-Founders, Pray~Hope~Believe Foundation
513-304-2388

In loving memory of Tony Merk (2004-2011)

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PHBF is a 501c3 IRS approved nonprofit organization FEIN: 45-3913286
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