Some crazy stuff going on this week – meeting two new kids, and seeing a pajama walk and… a man’s chest getting waxed for charity?!?!

Here’s this week’s links…

Kids – Why We Fight

Braiden Prescott

Three-year-old Braiden is undergoing his second round of chemo after a few minor set backs. His parents delayed his treatment twice, since Braiden was suffering from some pretty bad side effects of the chemo, but they’ve decided that chemotherapy is best for him right now. So far, he’s handling treatment pretty well this go around. His fighting spirit also inspired his cousin, Natalie Prescott, to run her first half marathon in his honor. wigantoday.net.

Amelia-Mae

Amelia-Mae is two years old, and she’s fighting for her life. She’s been diagnosed with stage 4 high-risk neuroblastoma, and a recent MRI revealed several lesions and an inoperable tumor on the back of her brain. Amelia-Mae’s parents fear that they may lose her if they do not raise the £250,000 needed for immunotherapy treatment in the US. They are making a desperate appeal to all businesses and individuals to aid in their fight against NB. dailypost.co.uk.

Non-Profits / Events / News

Annual Neuroblastoma Handbag Sale

Inspired by a family member with neuroblastoma, a group of four women are coming together once again to host their annual Handbag Sale for Neuroblastoma. Last year’s efforts raised $8,332 and this year they’re looking to raise much more. Donations of new or gently used handbags are still being gathered. There will also be a raffle that includes two tickets to an appearance by Oprah Winfrey! Good luck ladies! paherald.sk.ca.

Genetic Biomarker May Help Identify Neuroblastomas Vulnerable to New Drugs

BET bromodomain inhibitors are a new class of drugs that researchers are hoping may offer new treatment options for patients with certain cancers. An irregularity found in many NB cells may help indicate if a neuroblastoma tumor will respond the the new anti-cancer drugs. If successful, the BET bromodomain inhibitors could have anti-tumor effects and prolong survival for patients. medicalxpress.com.

Man Gets Waxed for Neuroblastoma

Daniel Sumner is waxing his chest in attempts to raise money for Sam Shaw. Sam, who is four-years-old, is batting neuroblastoma and currently undergoing treatment. Becky Sumner, Daniel’s wife, follows Sam’s story closely. She is hosting the chest waxing event at her salon. lancashiretelegraph.co.uk.

Pajama Walk for Sam

It is inspiring to see all of the love and support surrounding Sam Shaw (who we mentioned in the above link). Sam’s cousin, Chloe Kenyon, just completed a walk to Darwen Tower in her pajamas to raise money for more vital treatments for Sam. Chloe recently went through her own surgery in January to have metal bars inserted in her spine to straighten it. Although the walk took a toll her on own strength, she completed it for Sam, raising almost £1,000. Congratulations, Chloe! lancashiretelegraph.co.uk.

Car Boot Sale for Sam

We told you Sam was feeling the love!! Saturday, April 28th, a car boot sale will take place in Pole Lane. Crystal Maitz, who is hosting the event, hopes that they will raise a nice chunk of money to donate towards Sam’s immunotherapy treatments, which could raise his survival rate by 20%. lancashiretelegraph.co.uk.

Neuroblastoma Expert to Lead Pediatric Dream Team

Dr. John M. Maris, MD is proud to co-chair the SU2C-St. Baldrick’s Foundation Immunogenetics Dream Team. Dr. Maris has had an interest in neuroblastoma since before he started medical school, and since starting his career, has been dedicated to finding a cure. Dr. Maris has led a team of scientists and clinicians since 2007 as the director of the Center for Childhood Cancer Research at Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia. Now, as the co-leader of the Pediatric Cancer Dream Team, Dr. Maris is hoping to discover new ways to help children with cancer fight back against the disease. The Dream Team is slated to start their first clinical trials in 2014. stbaldricks.org.

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