Strength in every step: The Rally Foundation’s mission to cure childhood cancer

Jason Futch news@greenepublishing.com In 2005, a 17-year-old boy, named William, was fighting a brain tumor for the second time in two years. The Rally Foundation for Childhood Cancer Research Founder and CEO, Dean Crowe, asked a simple question: “What can I do to help? And, I will not make you dinner. This situation is so past dinner.” William’s mother replied, “Raise money for childhood cancer research and fund the best research wherever it may be.” The mission of the Rally Foundation for Childhood Cancer Research was born that day. The Rally Foundation for Childhood Cancer Research helps fund research dedicated to finding better treatments with few side effects and, ultimately, a cure for children who have cancer. It also goes above and beyond to make sure everything can be done to help them. According to its website, every day, 47 children in the United States are diagnosed with some form of cancer, which is the leading disease-related killer among them. The organization also emphasized less than eight percent of the National Institutes of Health’s budget supports pediatric cancer research. Since its founding, the Rally Foundation for Childhood Cancer Research has awarded over $40 million in grants for childhood cancer research to 51 cities nationwide, as well as 16 cities internationally, spanning from Europe to Africa. Each grant issued is heavily scrutinized and peer-reviewed by a medical advisory board, which includes some of the nation’s leading pediatric oncologists in North America. The review ensures each dollar raised through donations is allocated to the most effective research, which will have the most significant impact. The organization also lobbies Congress to fund childhood cancer research, with representatives making their voices heard annually, in September, to urge Congress to help children with cancer. Due to their efforts, the Rally Foundation for Childhood Cancer Research leads the charge for funding from the Department of Defense's Congressionally Directed Medical Research Program. In eight years, the organization secured $317.5 million for cancers that affect children, adolescents and young adults, resulting in 269 new federally funded research projects. The Rally Foundation continues to advocate for children who are going through a rough time as they battle cancer, hoping future developments in medicine will help children more significantly. Through their efforts, they have established other locations, including Rally Gulf Coast, located in Pensacola. To learn more about the work the Rally Foundation for Childhood Cancer Research does and its mission, visit www.rallyfoundation.org.