The Carson Leslie Foundation Joins the Children's Brain Tumor Network To Drive Data-Driven Progress Toward Cures
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The fight against pediatric brain cancer is a marathon, not a sprint: every advancement and every new partnership fuels our journey toward a future free from these devastating diseases. Today, the Children's Brain Tumor Network (CBTN) announces a deepened alliance in the search for cures and treatments for deadly pediatric diseases. Since 2021, the Carson Leslie Foundation has donated over $387,000 to fund three CBTN projects. The medulloblastoma liquid biopsy project offers a less invasive way to track treatment progress for this aggressive disease. While its focus has been on medulloblastoma research, the Carson Leslie Foundation now supports astrocytoma, ATRT, PNeT, DIPG, and glioma projects. In addition, this impactful ally has joined the CBTN Executive Council.
This is more than just an addition to our roster; it's a significant joining of forces that promise to accelerate research and bring renewed hope to families facing the unimaginable. The Carson Leslie Foundation, born from the heartbreaking loss of young Carson to medulloblastoma, has become a driving force in the fight against this disease.
“We are excited to add the Carson Leslie Foundation to our growing network of powerful voices in the search for therapies and cures for pediatric diseases,” said Gerri Trooskin, Director of Partnerships & Outreach at the Children's Brain Tumor Network. “Their unwavering dedication to funding leading-edge research aligns perfectly with the mission to improve the lives of children diagnosed with brain tumors.”
Carson Leslie was 14 at diagnosis and 17 when he passed away from medulloblastoma. In the end, the words he whispered to his mother, Annette Leslie, became the driving force of the foundation. "He said, 'Make sure they study those tumors in my brain because those tumors could someday help some kids not die from cancer like I am," Carson’s mother and Carson Leslie Foundation Co-Founder, Annette Leslie, shared. Ripley Martin, Board Member of the Carson Leslie Foundation, exemplifies the organization's dedication to the collaborative spirit championed by CBTN.
"The Carson Leslie Foundation's participation in the executive council is rooted in our deep belief that pediatric brain tumor organizations MUST work together to progress in each of our respective areas of clinical focus," Ripley shared. "CBTN allows us to root this collaboration in a shared infrastructure of data and logistics that works across researchers and treating institutions."
This collaborative spirit resonates deeply with everyone at CBTN, and each new partnership builds upon the idea that teamwork is essential to unraveling the complexities of these diseases and developing more effective treatments. Ripley explained, "There is no room for a 'go it alone' approach in the pediatric brain tumor ecosystem."
The Carson Leslie Foundation brings invaluable research funding and advocacy expertise to the CBTN Executive Council. Their specific focus on medulloblastoma, a particularly challenging form of pediatric brain cancer, will significantly strengthen our efforts in this critical area. Envision the potential impact of combining the foundation's targeted funding with CBTN's extensive network of leading researchers and clinicians – a powerful synergy poised to transform the landscape of pediatric brain cancer treatment.
Ripley's personal experience as a father to a child diagnosed with medulloblastoma, who is now in remission, provides a unique and vital perspective. “Most importantly, I'm the dad of a Medulloblastoma patient who has lived the patient journey,” Ripley shared. He brings over 20 years of experience in the healthcare and public health sectors that span various areas, including precision medicine and patient engagement, offering invaluable insight to the council.
Ripley also shared the foundation's perspective on the current landscape of childhood brain tumor research and advocacy, highlighting the need for more differentiated standards of care, an increased focus on drug repurposing and targeted therapies, and a stronger emphasis on in-clinic results.
Adding the Carson Leslie Foundation to the CBTN Executive Council is another positive step toward curing pediatric brain tumors. CBTN is honored to expand collaboration with this energizing foundation and anticipates incredible things that can be accomplished together.