St. Baldrick’s Foundation
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Since 2006, the Department of Pediatrics at UI Health has received over $2 million in support from the St. Baldrick’s Foundation, the largest charity funder of childhood cancer research grants in the U.S. These funds directly support pediatric clinical studies and provide critical resources for children, adolescents, and young adults battling cancer, leukemia, sickle cell disease, hemophilia, and other blood disorders.
The UIC/Rush/Stroger COG Clinical Trials Program has made remarkable progress since its inception, thanks to the generous support of the St. Baldrick’s Foundation. Prior to the COG merger of UIC/Rush/Stroger in 2008, clinical trial opportunities were minimal, with only 26 protocols available at UIC, 5 at Rush, and none at Stroger. Today, the tri-institutional program enrolls patients in 18 groundbreaking studies. This progress, however, has not been without its challenges, as the program continues to address barriers such as financial constraints, patient accessibility issues, and the need for provider oversight.
This year, UI Health has once again been honored with a St. Baldrick’s Foundation Infrastructure Grant, made possible by the generous Cairo Family of La Grange, Illinois, through the “Do It for Dominic” fund. This fund, created in memory of Anna and Ernie Cairo’s son Dominic, who tragically passed away from Non-Hodgkin lymphoma in 2011, helps ensure continued progress in the fight against childhood cancer. The grant also supports the UIC Children’s Oncology Group, a consortium enrolling patients in 18 cutting-edge clinical studies.
Together, we can give childhood cancer survivors long, healthy lives.
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St. Baldrick’s Live: UIH In Action Heading link
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- Attend Our Events: The Division of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology at the Children’s Hospital University of Illinois (UI Health) is proud to host its annual head-shaving event to raise funds for the St. Baldrick’s Foundation. This heartwarming tradition brings together doctors, nurses, patients, families, and community members—all united in support of lifesaving research to find cures for childhood cancers. View moments from past head-shaving events and join us this year in making a difference!