Childhood Cancer Awareness Month
This September, the V Foundation recognizes Childhood Cancer Awareness Month. There are more than 15,000 children and adolescents diagnosed with cancer each year. With minimal federal funding, private funding provides critical support for pediatric research. For children faced with cancer, achieving Victory Over Cancer® takes a village.
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“Osteosarcoma is one of those cancers that have been heavily researched. The method they use is pretty old because it works really well. It’s evidence of past research. It’s something that we need to develop for every cancer – so I’m not just the only fortunate one.”
– Ben Robinette, Childhood Cancer Thriver
in brain, central nervous system, and nerve tumor research
in blood cancer research
in soft tissue and bone cancer research
in other pediatric cancer research and $752,715 across 2 liver cancer research grants
A bright and fun spirit, Nora Bunn shared her light to everyone she came in contact with in her short seven years on Earth. She filled others with joy. And she never lost that trait, even throughout her journey with Diffuse Intrinsic Pontine Glioma (DIPG), a rare form of pediatric brain cancer. Nora’s parents did everything they could to seek treatment, meeting with doctors from around the world. Despite every effort, they were left with no options and Nora passed away in early 2025.
Now, Nora’s parents are proudly honoring her legacy, advocating for further pediatric cancer research and services for patients. Hear directly from Nora’s mom on Nora’s journey and their hope.
Boston College redshirt senior linebacker Bryce Steele is defying the odds each time he steps onto the field. After a four-year long journey with thymoma, a rare form of cancer, that started in high school, Bryce’s doctors told him he may never be able to play football again. But, yielding a “Don’t Ever Give Up!” spirit, Bryce is proving himself right and advocating for game-changing research.
“We have extremely smart scientists and doctors doing a lot of research on forms of cancer, but people are dying every day from the lack of opportunities and lack of research. Having a foundation that donates 100% of their [direct donations] to help finding cures for cancer, it means a lot just being able to save as many lives as you can.”
V Foundation Funded Researchers Making a Difference
V Foundation grantee Joelle Straehla, M.D., is pioneering new ways to get lifesaving medication to the hardest to reach tumors in children’s brains. As a pediatric oncologist in the Brain Tumor Program at Seattle Children’s Research Institute, she saw firsthand the urgent need for more effective drug delivery systems. With her background in engineering, Dr. Straehla is determined to bridge the gap between current therapies and future possibilities, turning inspiration from her patients into a dedicated research lab of her own.
“There’s no way I’d have a lab if I didn’t see patients,” she says. “It’s what brings me into the lab every day. My patients are what drive me.”
“These children inspire me each and every day, and they need our support. I am always deeply grateful for the tremendous generosity from our donors coming together throughout the year and at the gala. They step up more and more each and every year.”
Partner since 2016
The V Foundation and WWE have joined together to fight pediatric cancer! This partnership supports cancer research nationally through funds raised by Connor’s Cure, which was established by WWE at Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh Foundation.
Connor’s Cure was created in honor of 8-year-old WWE fan Connor Michalek, who battled medulloblastoma, a rare tumor that affects the brain and spinal cord. Connor’s Cure has helped raise nearly $4.5 million.
As a result of the partnership, funds raised by WWE will support Connor’s Cure through the V Foundation’s grant-making process. The V Foundation’s Scientific Advisory Committee, comprised of world-class physicians and research scientists, vets and awards top-rated grant proposals from the nation’s leading medical facilities. In addition, funding will continue to support the research being done at Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh of UPMC.
Partner since 2022
To fund life-saving research and give every kid the chance to help another battling cancer, First Watch donates a portion from the sale of every kid’s meal at its locations nationwide to the V Foundation’s Dick Vitale Fund for Pediatric Cancer. 100% of these donations go toward pediatric cancer research and programs.
First Watch is also proud to continue its ongoing sponsorship of Dick Vitale’s annual gala, hosted in Sarasota, FL. Since 2006, ESPN analyst and V Foundation board member, Dick Vitale has hosted an event in Sarasota, FL to raise money for pediatric cancer research and the V Foundation.
The V Foundation for Cancer Research and Pediatric Cancer Research Foundation are uniting with men’s and women’s basketball teams across the country to end childhood cancer. Individuals, families, clubs, businesses, and sports teams can dribble through short on-campus courses and engage in other activities with their favorite college athletes while raising funds and awareness for research through the Dick Vitale Fund for Pediatric Cancer.
The Delta Chi Fraternity recognizes the prevalence of cancer among its own communities and has partnered with the V Foundation for Cancer Research as their International Philanthropy partner.
Delta Chi has more than 130 chapters, and over 80% are involved in fundraising. This has led to more than $2 million raised for the V Foundation.
The Horn Funding Group has partnered with the V Foundation to help raise funds for pediatric cancer research. For every closed loan, The Horn Funding Group will donate $100 to pediatric cancer research.