CureSearch - Conquering Childhood Cancer

New Movie Creates Childhood Cancer Buzz

2009-06-26T14:25:00.003-04:00

Earlier this week, families impacted by childhood cancer gathered at Reach the Day 2009 to meet with our Congressional leaders to request much needed funding for childhood cancer research. Their personal stories put a face to childhood cancer. Today, the big screen release of the new film “My Sister’s Keeper” spotlights one family’s journey with childhood cancer, creating awareness for this dreaded disease. Visit www.curesearch.org for more information about childhood cancer and facts about childhood cancer.

Reach the Day – A Great Success!

2009-06-26T12:50:00.011-04:00

On Tuesday, June 23, 2009, the childhood cancer community, including families, patients, and friends travelled from 34 states into the heart of DC to raise their voices for all children with cancer and for those who no longer have a voice. The group of 470 registrants met at Capitol Hill for the Ninth Annual CureSearch Reach the Day event. They came to the nation’s capitol to advocate for increased federal funding for childhood cancer research and to raise public awareness for childhood cancer.

Highlights of the event included

240 visits with elected officials to shine a spotlight on childhood cancer issues to congress.
Congressman Joe Sestak (PA) launched the House Pediatric cancer caucus along with Congressman Chris Van Hollen (MD) and Congressman Mike McCaul (TX).

By the end of the day, more than 30 members of the House of Representatives joined this newly-formed caucus.

House and Senate Resolutions were introduced to designate September 12th as Childhood Cancer Awareness Day.

CureSearch would like to thank all involved for their important contributions to a pivotal day in achieving our ultimate goal – conquering childhood cancer.

Learn more here.

Hope Street Kids joins CureSearch

2009-06-21T12:32:00.003-04:00

To conquer childhood cancer, two leading pediatric cancer organizations, Hope Street Kids founded by former U.S. Congresswoman Deborah Pryce and Randy Walker and CureSearch [National Childhood Cancer Foundation (NCCF) and the Children’s Oncology Group (COG)] have joined forces under the umbrella of CureSearch. The announcement was made today at CureSearch’s Reach the Day event on Capitol Hill.

Read the full press release here.

Reach the Day Tweet Up

2009-06-17T09:42:00.003-04:00

At Reach the Day, we want to “broadcast” the event for those not able to make the trip into DC. We’re going to provide updates on Twitter via the username @CureSearch. Tweeting will allow us to provide updates across the web quickly and easily to everyone “tuned in” via Twitter.

If you’re following along on Twitter at home, retweeting our tweets and tweeting “follow @CureSearch” suggestions during our tweet up will be a huge help to our cause.

We’re also hoping our attendees will Tweet from the event. We will then organize all of our tweets under the hashtag #ReachTheDay. This way, anyone on Twitter can see all Reach the Day-related tweets with a simple search. We will also try to have enough #ReachTheDay mentions that we’ll be one of the top 10 topics on Twitter, which will make us visible to every Twitter user online. This is a great opportunity to spread awareness for childhood cancer!

Father discusses childhood cancer

2009-06-08T13:53:00.002-04:00

In an article posted this morning, Dash Wallooppillai voiced his concerns about the lack of funding for childhood cancer research. He knows all too well the hardships caused by this deficiency; his six-year-old daughter Ishanti is now battling Rhabdomyosarcoma for the second time.

Click here to read the full article, including Dash’s encouraging words about how we can spread awareness in order to reach the day when every child can be guaranteed a cure.

MileStones Walk Begins in Omaha

2009-06-05T10:49:00.001-04:00

Today marks the start of our CureSearch MileStones Walk in Omaha, Nebraska. More than 800 caring participants have formed 57 teams to walk towards our ultimate goal: to conquer childhood cancer. We’re already past halfway to our goal of raising $200,000 during this event alone!

At CureSearch, we strive to give every child with cancer a lifetime of milestones ahead to celebrate. To learn more about how you can help in a city near you, visit our MileStones Walk Center.

Important Leukemia Discovery

2009-06-02T17:13:00.003-04:00

CureSearch's sole beneficiary, the Children’s Oncology Group (COG), helps find leukemia mutation. Working with researchers at the University of New Mexico’s Cancer Center, COG assisted in the identification of a genetic mutation that could lead to a more effective treatment of one of the most common childhood cancers, acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL).

Read the full article

Exclusive Tickets that Benefit Childhood Cancer Research

2009-05-28T10:07:00.011-04:00

CureSearch benefits from our alliance with Tickets-for-Charity®. Access great seats to see some of the biggest names in entertainment, including Coldplay, Billy Joel, Elton John, Kenny Chesney, Diana Krall, Dane Cook and many more! Your purchases can help support childhood cancer research.

Tickets-for-Charity works with top performing artists to offer fans a convenient way to purchase otherwise unavailable seats to high-demand events while supporting important causes. Seats on Tickets-for-Charity’s website are available at face value plus a separate donation amount that directly benefits participating charities. You must designate CureSearch as your charity for childhood cancer research to reap the benefits. Check it out.

Celebrate Dad

2009-05-27T15:02:00.001-04:00

This Father’s Day, give the gift that gives twice. Shop online with CureSearch, and help raise funds for childhood cancer research. Dad will love the selection and he’ll be happy you are supporting a great cause. Thanks for helping us to Conquer Kids’ Cancer.

Sign Up for Our Newsletter

2009-05-18T17:40:00.003-04:00

Every two months, we at CureSearch like to update our constituents about important efforts throughout the company. Upcoming events, Children’s Oncology Group research, public awareness, outreach and a personal message from our Executive Director are all parts of each newsletter.

Make sure you don’t miss any important childhood cancer news. Subscribe by visiting our homepage, and enter your email address in the “Newsletter Signup” box located in the left-hand navigation column.

New Research Improves Cure Rates in Neuroblastoma Patients

2009-05-15T10:23:00.002-04:00

Researchers from the Children’s Oncology Group (COG), the sole beneficiary of CureSearch fundraising, have demonstrated that a new experimental immunotherapy treatment using the chimeric monoclonal antibody, that targets a specific carbohydrate/lipid molecule which is present on the surface of neuroblastoma tumor cells and cytokines resulted in a 20% improvement in cure rates compared to the standard treatment used in the past.

Read the full article here

Join our Cause!

2009-05-07T17:03:00.001-04:00

It’s not too early to begin to think about September Childhood Cancer Awareness month.

Our Cause on Facebook is growing, but we need your help to reach our goal. We would like to have 50,000 members supporting this cause by the beginning of September. It doesn’t require any financial commitment, just an active Facebook account and a little time. Let’s start now so when September rolls around, we can share our vision: to reach the day when every child with cancer is guaranteed a cure.

To join our cause:

1. Follow this link to our Facebook profile
2. On the bottom left hand side of our profile, locate the box labeled, “Causes.”
3. Within the “Causes” box, click on either “CureSearch” or “View.”
4. On the resulting page, scroll down a bit to find the “Join” button along the left-hand side of the page.

Thank you for your help!

Celebrate Mom with a Gift that Makes a Difference

2009-05-05T15:45:00.004-04:00

Mom might like a special floral arrangement from ProFlowers and special cookie treats from Mrs. Fields. And for each purchase, $10.00 goes back to CureSearch to help fund childhood cancer research.

What about a Spa Basket from Giftback.com? A gift that gives twice with 10% of your purchase coming to us.

Jewelry is always a hit. Get your “eye” bracelet from Deira Rocks? Or send her love and hope every day with a piece from Beads of Hope. Every new Mom needs a Smart Mom Teething Bling^® products are 100% lead-free, non-toxic, phthalate, BPA and PVC free and all pendants come with a breakaway clasp. CE marking approved. Baby will love them and Mom will look great in the latest spring colors.

Still looking? Check out our own products from the Young Artist collection. “Hope Comes in Many Colors” tote bag teamed with a CureSearch baseball cap. Perfect for the pool or baseball game.

Emails, Facebook and Twitter are great new ways to communicate. But every now and then, Mom will need to write an “old-fashioned” note. We have quite a collection of beautiful note cards featuring the masterpieces of our Young Artists.

Many more gifts are available in our Gift Shop. Help us Conquer Childhood Cancer. Don’t forget order now so Mom has that very special gift on Mother’s Day.
Shop CureSearch!

Public Awareness Campaign

2009-04-27T16:53:00.002-04:00

CureSearch is pleased to announce our new multi-media awareness campaign. We are hopeful that these efforts will result in increased funding for the world’s premiere pediatric cancer collaborative – the Children’s Oncology Group as well as childhood cancer.

Our new :30 TV spot has been shipped to 200 outlets across the U.S. Most of our spots will begin to air in May. We are happy to provide an advance screening to you. Please click on the videos on the top right hand side of this page.

We have also launched a print campaign that will be posted in airports across the country. We are currently in Omaha, NB; Ontario, CA; and JFK, New York.

Check out the New CureSearch Banner Ads!

2009-02-26T14:25:00.005-05:00

At CureSearch, we are always looking for new and innovative ways to spread the word about conquering childhood cancer. One such way is through our new banner ads, which are available for posting on corporate websites, social sites or TV/radio station websites.

Check out the new banner ads here. And, if you work for a corporation, have contacts at a news station, or have other ideas for banner ad placements, let us know; we want to hear from you!

Together we can reach the day with every child with cancer is guaranteed a cure.

News Coverage of the Feb. 28 Des Moines MileStones Walk

2009-02-20T13:51:00.003-05:00

CureSearch is grateful for the amazing show of support for the Inaugural Des Moines MileStones Walk to Cure Kids Cancer, set for Feburary 28th. Already nearly 1,000 supporters of pediatric cancer research have registered to be part of this great event.

News coverage in Iowa has been outstanding too. Check out this news story from CBS affiliate KCCI, Des Moines, in which reporter Emily Price discusses not only the walk itself, but also the life-saving impact of the collaborative work of the Children's Oncology Group, to find more cures - and better cures - for children.

If you are not located near Des Moines, but would still like to support this event, you can register as a virtual walker here.

Additional Research Funding Approved

2009-02-19T14:14:00.003-05:00

Today’s blog is a follow-up to the previous one,when we laid out how the politics of the stimulus plan could have a big effect on future funding for the National Institutes of Health (NIH), and its National Cancer Institute.

Today we are pleased to tell you that as of now (and things can always change in the world of politics), the NIH has been granted an additional $10 billion in funding. This is a 34 percent increase in funding in the health agency’s budget, after several years with a flat budget. We hope and expect that part of this increase will benefit the research of the Children’s Oncology Group. This increase is due in large part to the work of Sen. Arlen Specter (R-PA).

You can read an interesting New York Times article here that reveals how the politics of the stimulus plan worked. Also, check out the headline on the People Against Childhood Cancer site, supporting the Senator’s actions on behalf of increased funding health research.

At CureSearch, we know that cancer is not a Democrat or Republican issue; it is a national health crisis for our children that must be solved.

And our platform is simple: conquer childhood cancer.

Congress Considers NIH Funding Boost for Research

2009-02-11T18:17:00.002-05:00

We wanted you to know that right now, Congress is negotiating and debating the size of an increase in funding for the National Institutes of Health (NIH). We urge you to keep an eye on this important debate; it could affect medical research funding – and particularly pediatric cancer funding - in the months and years ahead.

There is no doubt that our country is in critical need of a solution to its worst economic crisis in recent history. Congress is currently debating how - and how much - to spend to stimulate our economy and start us on the road to recovery.

Part of the debate includes funds to support critically needed medical research. The debate includes two separate proposals; a bill passed by the House of Representatives, which includes $3.5 billion for NIH, and a bill approved in the Senate that could provide $10 billion for NIH. Negotiations to reconcile these two competing proposals are now underway in committee.

The increased funding for NIH would not only make lifesaving medical discoveries possible, it would provide thousands of jobs nationwide. Spread the word that you would like to see this NIH funding passed soon, to hasten the day when more children with cancer can be guaranteed the gift of a long and happy life.

It's Not Too Late: Shop CureSearch for Valentine's Day!

2009-02-10T11:25:00.003-05:00

Valentine’s Day is just around the corner. If you’re stuck for a gift, or if you’d like to give a gift that benefits kids with cancer, visit our special Young Artists’ Gift Shop Valentine’s page.

Whether it’s a bouquet from ProFlowers, delicious cookies from Mrs. Fields, jewelry from Beads of Hope or even an organic onesie for baby from Dilly Dally, there’s a lot to choose from.

Don’t see what you like in our Valentine’s Day gallery? Check out the full range of items in the full Gift Shop. There’s sure to be a present here that shows how much you care.

A Great Site To Learn More About Pediatric Clinical Trials

2009-02-06T11:18:00.006-05:00

Today we wanted to recommend to you to a terrific website hosted by the National Institutes of Health (NIH), specifically for parents of children who are participating in clinical trials.

Although the information presented is not limited to pediatric cancer clinical trials, the site is packed with valuable information regarding the trials process; families within the childhood cancer community will find this information to be timely and helpful.

Among other things, you can learn more about:

- the importance of clinical trials in children,

- your rights while part of a trial,

- what to expect moving forward,

- where to find answers to questions you might have.

CureSearch recognizes and honors the thousands of children and their families, who, as participants in the clinical trials of the Children's Oncology Group, are invaluable research partners in advancing the science that will benefit them, and generations to follow.

Team Leaders Wrap Up Successful DC Session

2009-02-05T08:55:00.003-05:00

CureSearch was honored to host several dozen volunteer leaders in Washington, DC on Monday and Tuesday of this week, for the annual Team Leader meetings session on Capitol Hill.

Together, several dozen advocates made an incredible 250 Hill visits. In all, they raised the issue of appropriately funding childhood cancer research to more than one-half of the entire United States Congress. This was a record number of visits, exceeding even the number achieved during Reach the Day in 2008, just before passage of the Caroline Pryce Walker Childhood Cancer Act.

CureSearch is deeply indebted to these parents – those who are bereaved and those who battled successfully – survivors, healthcare professionals, and others who commit such time and energy to appeal to our Nation’s Leadership to do more.

They are enabling CureSearch to take the next important steps to secure the vital childhood cancer research funding that will enable the Children’s Oncology Group to find more cures.

Shop CureSearch for Valentine's Day

2009-02-04T10:51:00.003-05:00

Don’t look now, but Valentine’s Day is less than two weeks away! This year, show someone you care and help to conquer childhood cancer at the same time.

In our Young Artists’ Gift Shop, CureSearch’s retail partners offer a number of terrific Valentine’s ideas that are sure to please that special person in your life!

ProFlowers - Who doesn’t love to receive flowers – especially on Valentine’s Day? Pick her favorite or send roses to say “I love you”. Our kids will love you too! Click here to place an order; ProFlowers donates $10.00 from each order to support childhood cancer research.

Mrs. Fields’ Cookies - For Valentine’s Day, birthdays and for all special occasions - chocolate chip, peanut butter, cookie bouquets are a perfect gift idea. Mrs. Fields is always a big hit, and what’s even better - $10.00 of your purchase supports CureSearch.

Beads of Hope - Founded by Staci Tubbs, in honor of her son, who was diagnosed with ALL on his 3rd birthday, Beads of Hope are designs from the heart, with her unique jewelry designs that helps us “Conquer Kids’ Cancer”. This new retail partner donates 15% of your purchase back to CureSearch. Wear your support for children with cancer. Order through our gift shop to ensure that CureSearch benefits.

Dilly Dally - Do you know a little one who is “Powered by Giggles & Smiles?” Celebrate baby’s first Valentine’s Day, and pick up a 100% organic onesie by Dilly Dally. Fun colors and sayings help support CureSearch.

In Memory of Mark Bartlett

2009-01-29T15:47:00.002-05:00

Today CureSearch mourns the loss of a great champion in the fight to conquer childhood cancer, who passed away suddenly last week. He was a humble man who had a great vision for conquering childhood cancer.

Mark Bartlett came to know about childhood cancer not through a personal experience or one within his own family, but through another family, the Keziah family of Monroe, NC.

Mark's experience of hearing the Keziah's story about losing their son Sam to a Wilms Tumor changed him forever. Through his position at Adams Outdoor advertisting, Mark arranged for a series of "Conquer Childhood Cancer" billboards to appear on interstates and along roadsides.

First one billboard appreared, then several, then many throughout the Charlotte area. All with a touching photo of young Sam Keziah, urging people to "Never Stop Looking" for a cure. Finding a cure for childhood cancer spoke to Mark's heart.

But Mark didn't stop there. His dream was to see these CureSearch billboards appear all across the country, to raise awareness and raise funds for research, to cure the the #1 cause of death by disease in America's children.

Tragically, on the very day that new billboards appeared in Chicago and Champaign, IL, Mark died in a helicopter crash near Charlotte. But his dream is being fulfilled, and his mission will be accomplished.

You can click here to leave a message of condolence to Mark's family. Or, please check out this news story from WBTV Charlotte regarding this great man and his tremendous legacy.

It now rests with us to carry Mark's legacy forward. Together, we will reach the day when every child with cancer can be guaranteed a cure.

CureSearch Team Leader Training Set for Next Week

2009-01-28T16:55:00.001-05:00

Next Monday and Tuesday mark the start of our 2009 Advocacy efforts for CureSearch. Team Leaders from across the country will converge in the nation’s capital for our annual Winter Training meeting.

Team leaders will learn about the status of Federal funding for childhood cancer research and will meet with Members of the new Congress, as well as key Congressional staff, to educate our nation’s leaders about childhood cancer and the urgent need for congressionally appropriated funds.

This meeting holds special importance because 2009 brings a new administration and a new Congress. Last year’s passage of the Caroline Pryce Walker Conquer Childhood Cancer Act positions CureSearch to secure needed funds for the Children’s Oncology Group (COG).

Our team leaders will urge this new Congress to keep the promise made to children diagnosed with cancer and their families. The new administration offers CureSearch an opportunity to further raise awareness about the #1 cause of death from disease in children, and the urgent need to adequately fund the life-saving research of the COG.

Look for further updates on the CureSearch blog next week, and a full report in next month’s CancerLine, as well as on http://host.curesearch.org/site/R?i=JeA2fIXfROrkRS5mL7KAXg...

Don't Forget Claimjumper Today!

2009-01-20T11:24:00.000-05:00

Amidst all the excitement of today's inauguration of President Obama, we wanted to remind our friends in the childhood cancer community who are in the West Coast, Northwest, Desert Southwest and Rocky Mountain regions that, all day today, Claim Jumper restaurants are sponsoring a fundraiser in conjunction with CureSearch, to fund the lifesaving research of the Children's Oncology Group. Today, 10% of all restaurant sales will be donated to CureSearch.

Click here to see all of the ClaimJumper locations. Remember, you must present this form when you dine.

CureSearch thanks partner restaurant ClaimJumper for today's wonderful event.

Enjoy the Inauguration, everybody!