Latest news with #DiffuseIntrinsicPontineGlioma
Hamilton Spectator
21-05-2025
- Health
- Hamilton Spectator
Brain Cancer Canada Awards $68,000 Research Grant for Clinical Trial of Anti-Cancer Vaccine Targeting DIPG, the Most Aggressive Pediatric Brain Cancer
TORONTO, May 17, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Today, on DIPG Awareness Day, Brain Cancer Canada is pleased to award $68,000 for an innovative research initiative led by Dr. Aru Narendran, MD, PhD, and Dr. Patrick Sipila, PhD, at The University of Calgary and Alberta Children's Hospital. The project, 'Biological Correlative Studies to Improve Current Outcomes of Diffuse Intrinsic Pontine Glioma (DIPG) and High-Risk Brain Tumours with a Neoantigen-Based Anti-Cancer Vaccine in Clinical Trial,' focuses on advancing a novel immunotherapy approach for some of the most aggressive childhood brain cancers. DIPG is a devastating pediatric brain tumour, with fewer than 10% of children surviving two years post-diagnosis. As DIPG progresses, it severely impacts essential brain functions, making it increasingly difficult for children to see, walk, and even breathe. Current treatment options, including radiation therapy and chemotherapy, offer only temporary or limited benefit, and survival rates have remained largely unchanged for decades, despite broader advances in cancer research. In response to this urgent need, Dr. Narendran and Dr. Sipila's team are investigating a new anti-cancer vaccine designed to train a patient's immune system to recognize and eliminate tumour cells. Their research aims to validate the safety, activity, and potential clinical applications of this neoantigen-based immunotherapy. By providing critical biological insights into the vaccine's effectiveness, the project seeks to accelerate the development of promising new treatment options for children affected by DIPG and other high-risk brain tumours. Dr. Narendran explains, 'Every advancement in DIPG research brings renewed hope for the entire brain cancer community. By discovering new and effective treatments, we aim to prove that even the toughest human challenges can be overcome through compassion, collaboration, and innovation. The progress we make today paves the way for tomorrow's cures, where no child's future is cut short by a brain cancer.' This groundbreaking work represents an important step toward improving survival outcomes and offering renewed hope to families impacted by these devastating diagnoses. Brain Cancer Canada acknowledges the tremendous contributions of grassroots fundraisers including Trinity's Army, the $9 Challenge, and Dr. Surya's 8th Charity Raffle that have made this award possible. Immensely grateful for the support, Dr. Narendran explains the critical need for funding, 'Philanthropic organizations such as the Brain Cancer Canada give true hope for children fighting brain cancer, granting the crucial support needed to advance translational research and the preparation of innovative treatment protocols for the future. By funding collaborative efforts and high-risk, high-reward projects, your giving ensures that scientists and physicians continue to work to discover safer, more effective novel treatments for our patients.' In recognition of DIPG Day, Brain Cancer Canada is proud to have The Peace Bridge connecting Canada and the U.S., Cabot Tower on Signal Hill in St. John's, NL, and the CN Tower Toronto, ON, illuminated in yellow. The lighting serves as a powerful symbol of awareness and solidarity in the fight against DIPG. This announcement is part of a series of six grants announced during Brain Cancer Awareness Month. Brain Cancer Canada remains committed to driving forward innovative solutions and pursuing hope for those affected by brain cancer by investing in critically needed research. About Brain Cancer Canada Brain Cancer Canada is a national charity dedicated to improving the lives of those affected by primary malignant brain tumours by funding research, advocating for effective treatment options, and investing in neurosurgical technologies. Since 2015, Brain Cancer Canada has directed more than 2.4 million dollars to brain cancer research, to 25 projects at nine institutions, research centres, and hospitals across Canada. More Information For more detail about this and other research initiatives supported by Brain Cancer Canada, please visit Media Contact: angela@ 1-855-375-1381
Powys County Times
18-05-2025
- Health
- Powys County Times
Herefordshire man raises £6k for children's charity
A Knighton marketing manager has raised more than £6,000 for a children's charity. Chris Butler, who works for Radnor Hills, completed a 177-mile walk along Offa's Dyke in six days. The father of one took on the challenge to raise money for Abbie's Army, a charity that funds medical research into DIPG, a children's brain cancer. The 35-year-old, who lives in Herefordshire, said: "It was an incredible journey, and I'm delighted to have smashed my fundraising target. "I'd like to thank everyone who donated and supported me, including my best mate Michael Cresswell who took time out to tackle a huge chunk of the walk. "Special thanks also go to my dad, Paul, who followed me all the way down the trail keeping me topped up with supplies and kept me going in the heatwave, and to my wife Holly and our son, Arthur, who inspired me to take on this challenge and who have kept my head in the game throughout. "Abbie's Army is a remarkable charity dedicated to funding vital research into this devastating disease and offering support to families facing this life-altering challenge." Abbie Mifsud was just six years old when she died of Diffuse Intrinsic Pontine Glioma (DIPG), an inoperable and incurable cancer in her brainstem. DIPG is a highly aggressive form of cancer with no effective treatment currently available. It almost exclusively affects children under the age of eleven. Abbie died in 2011, just five months after being diagnosed. Mr Butler added: "As the dad of a three-year-old, I can't even begin to imagine what families living with DIPG are going through and I just knew I had to do something to help.
Forbes
30-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Forbes
Melissa Rauch On Leadership, Legacy And Letting Kindness Lead The Way
NIGHT COURT — "Pilot" Episode 101 — Pictured: Melissa Rauch as Abby Stone — (Photo by: Jordin ... More Althaus/NBC/Warner Bros. Television via Getty Images) From captivating audiences as Bernadette on The Big Bang Theory to reimagining a classic with Night Court, Melissa Rauch's career is nothing short of dynamic. But her most enduring role may be the one she's crafted offscreen: a purpose-driven leader channeling fame into meaningful impact. Through Rauch's nonprofit Oscar's Kids, she, along with her husband, Winston, and Yavanna and Lar Keogh, created the organization to honor the late Oscar Keogh, who passed away at the age of five from a rare form of pediatric cancer, Diffuse Intrinsic Pontine Glioma. Launched in 2020, the organization continues raising funding and bringing magical moments to children and families affected by pediatric cancer. 'One of the accomplishments I'm really proud of,' Rauch shares during a phone interview, 'is something we started called Oscar's Magic Moments. We connect children facing terminal diagnoses with their favorite actor, singer or athlete—sometimes over FaceTime or in-person—to bring them light through an incredibly dark time.' DIPG makes up approximately 10 to 15% of childhood brain tumors and claims 150 to 300 children's lives each year in the U.S. alone. Fewer than 10% survive even two years after diagnosis. This aggressive tumor affects the brainstem—responsible for vital functions like breathing and heart rate—and is now the leading cause of cancer-related deaths in children. Rauch has rallied major corporate partners, including Pepsi, Quaker, Samsung and Warner Bros., to financially support the initiative. There is also a momentum of support from individual donors and charitable foundations like The V Foundation. Oscar's Kids also funds clinical trials led by Stanford's Dr. Michelle Monje, one of the world's foremost experts in pediatric neuro-oncology. 'Launching just before Covid hit presented a lot of headwinds,' Rauch admits. 'But thankfully, we've been able to continue raising meaningful funds through a lot of different avenues.' Beyond fundraising, the work has given Rauch a profound perspective: The world needs more charitable activism and consistent philanthropic support from all who are in a position to do so. The producer states, 'On a personal level, being in the orbit of children and families who are facing the unimaginable gives you a perspective on what is really important.' Rauch's work with Oscar's Kids reflects the leadership values she brings to her productions. Purpose drives her, and collaboration defines her. Central to everything the actress does is a commitment to creating environments where everyone can thrive. Yavanna, Oscar and Lar Keogh on Oscar's 4th Birthday. Oscar's Kids was created to to help support ... More and enrich the lives of children and families who are navigating pediatric cancer and other childhood diseases. Melissa Rauch and the Keogh's formed the organization to continue and honor Oscar's legacy. Though she holds an executive producer title on NBC's hit comedy Night Court, Rauch doesn't believe in traditional hierarchies. Her leadership style is rooted in shared creativity and respect. 'What I've learned about my leadership style as an executive producer is that positive collaboration is critical,' she says. 'I'm a big believer in a best-idea-wins approach—and getting egos out of the way in the interest of making the best episode of television.' Rauch prioritizes creating a team environment rather than a top-down structure. She makes it a point to make people feel they are working with her rather than for her. That people-first mindset shows up in how she manages time and delegates responsibilities. As a mother of two and full-time creative, she's learned to juggle calendars with color-coded precision and lean on her partners, like the Entertainment Industry Foundation, which fiscally sponsors Oscar's Kids. 'I'm not good at asking for help,' Rauch admits. 'But it's something I'm trying to get better at. Delegating what's outside our domain has been essential to the charity's success.' Above all, she fosters a safe space where creativity can thrive. 'We have a no-jerks policy on our sets,' she laughs. 'Kindness, empathy and compassion are essential.' Long before leading productions and nonprofits, Rauch was an actress navigating the painful cycles of auditions and rejections. 'It felt very personal,' she recalls. 'It's also the heartbreak of not getting to do what feeds your soul.' To stay grounded, she started writing and doing stand-up. This served as an outlet to help her deal with rejection. She could continue doing what brought her fulfillment. Her commitment to her goal became her launchpad to her ideal career position. Today, she approaches success with tempered optimism. 'When we launched Night Court, I knew it was good, but I didn't know if it would land,' she says. 'And when it became the number one comedy premiere that season, I was over the moon. But I try not to forecast success. That fall can be harder than the rejection.' Her perspective remains rooted in gratitude, especially with Oscar's Kids. Her perspective on life and the entertainment industry has forever shifted. She's grateful that her kids are safe and healthy, and she can do what she's always wanted to: play make-believe for work. NIGHT COURT — "Mayim Worst Enemy" Episode 312 — Pictured: (l-r) Mayim Bialik as Herself, Melissa ... More Rauch as Abby Stone, Wendie Malick as Julianne Walters — (Photo by: Nicole Weingart/NBC via Getty Images) Rauch continues expanding her creative leadership through After January Productions, which holds a first-look deal at Warner Bros. She and her team are focusing on scripted and unscripted TV projects with a strong foundation in multi-cam sitcoms, game shows and scripted drama. On the film side, her team is collaborating with Higher Ground and Forest Whitaker's Significant Productions on an upcoming feature-length drama intended for Netflix. Meanwhile, she's still having fun. 'We really wanted to end our third season of Night Court with a huge reason for people to come back,' she teases. 'Our finale uncorks a shocker no one will see coming—and features an homage to the Michael J. Fox episode from the original series. That episode made me fall in love with Night Court in the first place.' For Rauch, leadership isn't about control. It's about contribution. 'Oscar's Kids reminds me daily that we all have the ability to make a difference,' she concludes. 'It doesn't have to be big. Just kind.'
BBC News
29-04-2025
- Entertainment
- BBC News
Garden built in memory of boy, 5, who died from rare brain tumour
A school is fundraising for a sensory garden in memory of their pupil Elias, who died from a rare brain tumour in March, one day after his fifth Mary's Church of England Primary School in Writhlington, near Radstock, is holding a penalty shootout fundraiser on Tuesday to contribute towards the cost of the pupils at the school were set to dress up in red and blue, a nod to Elias' love for Hearne, Elias' dad, said: "He had quite a big impact on a lot of people. Since he's left us he's continued to have an impact. He was a special little boy and brought people together." Abbie Petteford, Elias' mum, added: "Elias is a character. He's funny, he's got the kindest nature about him. He loves monster trucks and Spiderman, he's the most perfect little boy."She said they first noticed something was wrong when Elias bumped the back of his head and "it looked like he had a stroke"."We were going back and forth to the doctor for about three weeks until they finally listened and said they'd do a CT scan," Abbie said."They found an abnormality on his brain."Elias was diagnosed with Diffuse Intrinsic Pontine Glioma in April last year, a rare brain tumor that mainly affects died a year parents have been fundraising, hoping to be able to keep Elias' memory alive."We've done a few walks, a fun day, we've done quite a lot," Abbie said."We want to try and set up a charity in Elisa's name. Our hope is to help parents who have gone through the same."Elias' school is organising a penalty shoot out on Tuesday, for the pupils to take part Sinclair from the Bristol Rovers will be visiting them to support the money raised will go to a sensory garden in Elias' name at the school.
Powys County Times
25-04-2025
- Health
- Powys County Times
Powys worker raises £2,600 for children's brain cancer fund
A marketing manager is training for a 177-mile charity walk. Chris Butler, who works for Radnor Hills, is preparing to walk the length of Offa's Dyke over the course of six days. The award-winning Powys-based soft drinks producer employee is hoping to raise money for Abbie's Army, a brain cancer charity which funds medical research to give hope to families. Abbie Mifsud was only six years old when she died from diffuse intrinsic pontine glioma (DIPG), an inoperable and incurable cancer in the brainstem. DIPG is a highly aggressive form of cancer that primarily affects children under the age of 11 and currently has no effective treatment options. Abbie passed away in 2011, just five months after being diagnosed. Mr Butler,35, will set off from Prestatyn on the North Wales coast on Tuesday, April 29, and is expecting to arrive in the south at Sedbury Cliffs on the Severn Estuary on Sunday. He said, "The average survival time from diagnosis for a child with Diffuse Intrinsic Pontine Glioma remains staggeringly low at just 9-12 months, and heartbreaking,gly families are forced to watch as their child loses their vital functions and abilities before their eyes. "Abbie's Army is an amazing charity that raises funds to support crucial research into this cruel disease and supports families going through this horrific, life-changing ordeal. "I'm a lucky father to my three-year-old son Arthur, and I've been following the stories of families affected by DIPG for a while. "I can't imagine the suffering such young children that are affected have to go through and the distress this causes their loved ones. "Inspired by the stories on @abbies_army's page, I decided to take on this challenge to raise money. "I've been training for it since November with lots of 28 mile plus walks in mid Wales." Mr Butler has already raised more than £2,600 for the charity.
