FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Kelley LaFontaine
U Can-Cer Vive Foundation
248-887-4747
Highland, MI – December 6, 2016 – U Can-Cer Vive Foundation is presenting its first contribution as a 501c3 to the Children’s Hospital of Michigan Foundation on December 7th at 11:00 am at a check signing at the Children’s Hospital of Michigan.
The $172,000 contribution will provide funding for two research grants that will develop new treatments for acute myeloid leukemia (AML) and Neuroblastoma, two difficult to treat childhood cancers. AML represents 20% of pediatric leukemias and 80% of acute adult leukemias. It is responsible for 50% of leukemia deaths of American children each year despite intensive therapies and stem cell transplants. Neuroblastoma is the most common non-brain solid tumor in children, and frequently recurs after treatment.
The first funded grant is Novel Hybrid Drugs for the treatment of AML and Neuroblastoma. This grant will help develop new synthetic dual-acting drugs which will work as hybrids to help treat AML and Neuroblastoma more effectively.* The second funded grant is Novel Immunotherapy for the Treatment of AML. This grant will help develop a new approach to harness a patient’s immune system to attack AML cells.
U Can-Cer Vive is co-chaired by Ryan LaFontaine and Kelley LaFontaine, and is officially a 501c3 foundation since May 2016. The LaFontaine’s created the foundation so they could insure that 100% of the donations have immediate impact on research and treatment efforts that provide relief and comfort to those affected by cancer. The mission of U Can-Cer Vive is “To provide vital funding for cancer research to create a cancer free world.”
U Can-Cer Vive Foundation is looking forward to continuing to make a strong impact in our local community by supporting future research grants.
About the Children’s Hospital of Michigan Foundation
Established in 2003, the Foundation is dedicated to advancing the health and healthcare of the children of Michigan. This is accomplished through philanthropic support for pediatric medical education, research, and community benefit programs. The Foundation granted $5.4 million in 2015 for vital pediatric health initiatives. The Foundation is an independent public charity governed by a community board of 29 directors, and is a 501c3 charitable organization. Learn more at www.chmfoundation.org.
About the Children’s Hospital of Michigan www.childrensdmc.org
For nearly 130 years, the Children’s Hospital of Michigan has been dedicated to providing high quality care to children and adolescents in a caring, efficient and family-centered environment. With more than 40 pediatric medical and surgical specialty services, the hospital draws patients from nearly every Michigan County, 39 additional states, and 22 countries, annually and provides the highest level of pediatric specialty care available for children. The hospital is a national leader in cardiology and heart surgery, neurology and neurosurgery, nephrology, and orthopedics. It is ranked as one of America’s best hospitals for children and sees more children than any hospital in the state. Children’s Hospital of Michigan is one of eight hospitals operated by the Detroit Medical Center (DMC).
About U Can-Cer Vive Foundation
www.ucancervive.com
Established officially by Ryan and Kelley LaFontaine in May of 2016 as a 501c3 U Can-Cer Vive is a foundation with the mission to provide vital funding for cancer research to create a cancer free world. We are 100% volunteer driven group with passion to continue to support cancer research and raise awareness towards the fight against cancer. The proceeds raised to support U Can-Cer Vive and its mission are dedicated 100% to this cause.
*Learn more information about these two grants on our website, https://ucancervive.com
Connect with U Can-Cer Vive
Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/ucancervivepoweredbyteamlafontaine/
Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/ucancervive/
