Although cancer in children is considered rare, it is the leading cause of death by disease among children in the USA. Pediatric cancer differs significantly from adultcancers, both in physiology and mutations. However, the vast majority of drugs administered to children with cancer have been designed for adults. This could explain why current therapies fail in children and adolescents, being either ineffective or highly toxic.
Oncoheroes Biosciences is delighted to announce the investment of Arms Wide Open Childhood Cancer Foundation (AWOCCF), a non-profit headquartered in New Jersey. Since 2009, AWOCCF has funded over 80 research grants around the country, some of which have led to life-saving clinical trials, and has given over $1.2 million in family support, helping thousands of families.
“We are encouraged by the essential and critical work of Oncoheroes, and look forward to the future as we change the paradigm of childhood cancer TOGETHER!” said Dena Sherwood, Founder and President of AWOCCF. Dena Sherwood’s 13-month-old son Billy, Jr. was diagnosed with Stage IV high-risk neuroblastoma and is now a two-time cancer survivor.
Arms Wide Open Childhood Cancer Foundation is committed to funding pediatric cancer research, supporting families who are suffering hardship due to their child’s cancer diagnosis both financially and emotionally, educating the general public, raising awareness globally, and uniting the childhood cancer community. Moreover, under Dena’s leadership, Arms Wide Open is helping transform the childhood cancer landscape through their many initiatives, such as their Emmy-Award winning documentaries and awareness campaign, The Truth 365, which gives all children with cancer a voice, and by hosting, CureFest, an annual event in Washington, DC, that brings foundations and advocates together to speak as one voice on behalf of all children fighting cancer.
“Thank you, Arms Wide Open Childhood Cancer Foundation, for your trust and willingness to adopt a new approach to bring safer and more effective treatments for children,” said Ricardo Garcia, co-founder, and CEO of Oncoheroes Biosciences. “We believe that building partnerships within childhood cancer stakeholders is a fantastic way to honor children and families affected by pediatric cancer this month and through the year.”
