Solving Kids' Cancer invests in SickKids researchers to support Neuroblastoma Drug Discovery Group

    TORONTO, Dec. 16 /CNW/ - On a mission to improve survivorship rates,
Solving Kids' Cancer has invested in some of the world's leading paediatric
cancer researchers to support innovative approaches to research and patient
therapies. The team at Solving Kids' Cancer in New York City is supporting the
Neuroblastoma Drug Discovery Group at SickKids Research Institute with a
$400,000 gift inspired by The James Fund at SickKids Foundation. This is the
largest single gift associated with The James Fund and it acknowledges the
innovative research and leadership of the Drug Discovery Group.
    The Neuroblastoma Drug Discovery Group is led by Dr. David Kaplan, senior
scientist, and Dr. Sylvain Baruchel, paediatric oncologist and associate
scientist, and includes the laboratories of Meredith Irwin, Paul Thorner,
Herman Yeger and Maria Zielenska. The Drug Discovery Group, a team of
paediatric health researchers, is housed at The James Birrell Laboratories,
named after an eight-year-old boy who lost his battle with neuroblastoma, a
cancer of the nervous system. Neuroblastoma accounts for nearly 10 per cent of
all childhood cancers and is the most common tumour in babies under one year.
    "We are convinced that we need to produce a new generation of effective
anti-cancer drugs for children and our drug discovery endeavours to find those
that will be effective against patients' cancer stem cells," says Dr. Kaplan.
"Opportunities like this to conduct further research enhance our ability to
bring new drugs to children with cancer."
    The goal of The James Birrell Laboratories team is to determine why
neuroblastoma arises and becomes resistant to conventional cancer drugs, and
to discover new and effective anti-cancer agents for this type of tumour.
These scientists have made several important discoveries in the past year,
including identifying cancer stem cells that might be responsible for why
neuroblastoma relapses and returns following chemotherapy treatments. They
have also identified these cells in the bone marrow of neuroblastoma patients
in remission.
    "The Neuroblastoma Drug Discovery Group is a perfect match for us," says
Scott Kennedy, executive director, Solving Kids' Cancer, who, along with John
London, founded the organization. "We are extremely excited to collaborate
with Dr. Kaplan and Dr. Baruchel in what we believe will be a significant
breakthrough discovery program that can make important inroads towards
improving survivorship for children with neuroblastoma."
    "It is philanthropy like that of Solving Kids Cancer and their belief in
the power of paediatric health research that allows us to continue to invest
in the future of our children," says Michael O'Mahoney, president, SickKids
Foundation. "The James Birrell Laboratories scientists have made some
significant inroads that would not have occurred without the generosity of the
community."About Solving Kids' Cancer
    --------------------------Solving Kids' Cancer is a non-profit therapeutic development venture
whose mission is to extend life for children with the deadliest forms of
childhood cancer today while improving survivorship to 75 per cent or greater
by 2015. Based in New York City, the organization invests in aggressive and
innovative research undertaken by leading paediatric researchers in North
America. Solving Kids' Cancer brings together, leads and manages the efforts
of visionary scientists, forward-thinking industry professionals and
impassioned parents to help solve kids' cancer. For more information visit
www.kidcancer.org.About The James Fund
    --------------------In an effort to beat the clock and find an effective treatment and cure
for their son James, Syd and Pam Birrell established The James Fund for
Neuroblastoma Research at SickKids. They have rallied the community and
families from around the world, raising $2.7 million in seven years and
translating donor dollars into high impact research. To date, there are 10
research projects underway, five full-time research salaries funded and 17
peer reviewed articles published. Dr. Kaplan's lab was named The James Birrell
Laboratories at SickKids Research Institute in November 2007, recognizing the
impact of James and the Birrell family on neuroblastoma research.About SickKids Foundation
    -------------------------SickKids Foundation is the largest non-governmental granting agency in
children's health in Canada. Since 1972, the Foundation has generated more
than a billion dollars towards children's health care and has granted more
than $70 million to researchers across the country. Our mission is to inspire
our communities to invest in health and scientific advances to improve the
health of children in Canada and around the world. Our vision is, "Healthier
Children. A Better World."
    In September 2005, SickKids Foundation launched the largest fundraising
campaign for a hospital in Canada. The SickKids Believe fundraising campaign
has a goal of $500 million to be reached by 2011. For more information visit
www.sickkidsfoundation.com.

For further information: Scott Kennedy, Executive Director, Solving
Kids' Cancer, p: [phone], e: [e-mail]; Sandra Chiovitti,
Public Affairs, SickKids Foundation, p: [phone], e:
[e-mail]