My Why: Devon Eret
Find out moreProtected: Jeff Gordon Children’s Foundation
Dr. Zhu joined a Zoom call thinking she would be asked about her research proposal. Instead, Dr. Zhu was surprised by members of the V Foundation and Jeff Gordon Children’s Foundation as they announced that she was awarded a Pediatric All-Star Grant co-funded by the organizations.
Cancer is the leading cause of death by disease among children, but the good news is research is helping to save lives.
More than 15,000 children ages 0-19 are diagnosed with cancer each year in the United States. The need for pediatric cancer research is great as it receives minimal federal funding. Private support through organizations like the V Foundation and the Jeff Gordon Children’s Foundation is a critical component of pediatric research support.
84.7%
The 5-year survival rate for children (0-14) has increased from 58% to 84.7% from the mid-1970s to 2017.
85.8%
For adolescents (15-19) it has increased from 68% to 85.8% during that same time period.
“I’ve learned from my years in auto racing that the way you go and attack a problem, and solve that problem, is to do it as a team. We believe our collaboration with the V Foundation has the power to truly catapult discoveries in the treatment of childhood cancer.” – Jeff Gordon
About Jeff Gordon Children’s Foundation
Founded in 1999, JGCF is laser-focused on improving outcomes for kids fighting cancer. Ever since Gordon’s rookie season in NASCAR’s Cup Series when his crew chief’s infant son was diagnosed with leukemia, Gordon has pursued pediatric cancer with the same trademark intensity as he pursued opponents on the track. To date, JGCF has funded more than $25 million in research grants to identify less toxic, more effective treatments for childhood cancer.
Megan McNerney, MD, PhD
University of Chicago Medicine Comprehensive Cancer Center
Restoring CUX1 levels in myeloid malignancies of childhood, 2023
Christopher R. Vakoc, MD, PhD
Cold Springs Harbor Laboratory
High-resolution functional mapping and in vitro reconstitution of the PAX3-FOXO1 fusion oncoprotein complex, 2023
Shizhen (Jane) Zhu, MD, PhD
Mayo Clinic Children’s Research Center (Minnesota)
Developing innovative anti-GD2 CAR-Macrophages for the treatment of high-risk neuroblastoma, 2023
Dr. Zhu joined a Zoom call thinking she would be asked about her research proposal. Instead, Dr. Zhu was surprised by members of the V Foundation and Jeff Gordon Children’s Foundation as they announced that she was awarded a Pediatric All-Star Grant co-funded by the organizations.
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