Since 1982, individuals, businesses, and other foundations have joined PCRF’s efforts to uphold a good quality of life, a high standard of care, and an enhanced survival rate for children with cancer. So far PCRF has raised over $36 million for research grants to prevent childhood cancers.
PCRF has reached important milestones. For example, a PCRF grant demonstrated that stem cells could be found in umbilical cords, with the potential to bring stem cells to other body tissue. Additionally, PCRF has sponsored several symposia on non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma.
One young girl’s story symbolizes the results of this research. Alexa, 6, was diagnosed with medulloablastoma, a type of brain tumor sometimes found in children. It was surgically removed, and Alexa underwent a regimen of stem cell treatment, as well as chemotherapy and radiation. In seven months, MRIs have showed no cancer returning, permitting Alexa to return to her dance classes and second grade.