Philadelphia, PA — April 1, 2026 — The Children’s Brain Tumor Network (CBTN) today announced the integration of Bridge To A Cure Foundation into its global research network, uniting a decade of philanthropic leadership with one of the world’s most powerful engines for collaborative pediatric brain tumor discovery.
The announcement comes as Bridge To A Cure marks its 10th anniversary and takes a decisive step toward advancing its founding mission: accelerating cures by strengthening the infrastructure that enables discovery.
The move formalizes a five-year partnership. Bridge To A Cure has served on CBTN’s Executive Council, helping guide strategy while contributing $675,000 to support operations and high-impact scientific initiatives across the network.
Bridge To A Cure also established the CBTN–Bridge To A Cure Fund at the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia Foundation in memory of founder and president Robert (Bob) Martin’s granddaughter, Clara Ely, who passed away from a brain tumor in 2017 at age six. The fund ensures long-term investment in the research powering future breakthroughs.
“Bridge To A Cure has long recognized that data sharing and collaboration are the fastest paths to progress,” said CBTN Executive Director Jena Lilly. “Its leadership and commitment have strengthened this network. Integrating our efforts builds on years of partnership and expands what we can achieve together.”
For Bridge To A Cure, the integration represents a defining milestone, embedding its advocacy and philanthropy directly within the global research ecosystem it has helped champion.
“This is the evolution of the work we began a decade ago,” shared Bob Martin. “Our mission has always been to unite the research community and accelerate cures for children with brain tumors. Joining CBTN advances that mission at a greater scale and urgency.”
Martin will continue to advise and advocate for CBTN in the coming year.
This integration enhances CBTN’s ability to:
- Advance open science at a global scale
- Accelerate data-driven discovery and technology innovation
- Support high-impact research initiatives
- Engage families, advocates, and philanthropic partners
Together, CBTN and Bridge To A Cure are reinforcing a shared commitment to move discoveries faster toward better outcomes for children and families.
About the Children’s Brain Tumor Network
The Children’s Brain Tumor Network (CBTN) is a global research initiative that accelerates discovery and improves outcomes for children with brain tumors. By uniting leading institutions, researchers, clinicians, and patient families, CBTN has built the world’s largest pediatric brain tumor data and biospecimen resource. Through open science and collaboration, CBTN is changing how pediatric brain tumors are understood and treated. Learn more at cbtn.org.
About Bridge To A Cure
Bridge To A Cure Foundation accelerates childhood cancer research breakthroughs by championing data integration, collaboration, and innovation. Breaking down silos and investing in platforms that connect researchers, clinicians, and families, the foundation strives to ensure that every child and family can benefit from the full power of science, technology, and shared knowledge. To learn more, visit BridgeToACure.org.
