Funding Hope: How CancerFree KIDS Is Powering Pediatric Cancer Breakthroughs

In this special episode, host Jeremy Schrand sits down with Jill Brinck, Executive Director of CancerFree KIDS, and Dr. Genevieve Kendall, a CancerFree KIDS grant recipient and pediatric cancer researcher at Baylor College of Medicine. 

Together, they explore the power of early-stage research funding, the challenges and breakthroughs in treating childhood cancers, and the inspiring mission behind CancerFree KIDS. Dr. Kendall shares insights into her lab’s work on fusion-driven rhabdomyosarcoma and how innovative models like transgenic zebrafish are helping uncover new therapeutic targets. 

Whether you're a parent, a scientist, or someone passionate about making a difference, this episode offers a compelling look at how collaboration and curiosity are driving real change in pediatric oncology. 

Learn more - CancerFree KIDS home page 

Learn more about Dr Kendall’s research - Kendall Lab | Nationwide Children's Hospital 

Learn more about CTI - CTI - CRO Specializing In Clinical Research And Consulting 

02:03 Jill Brink shares her personal and professional journey that led her to become Executive Director of CancerFree KIDS.  

04:02 Why funding early-stage, high-risk research is essential for pediatric cancer, highlighting the lack of profitability and federal support in this space. 

05:46 Securing funding for early-stage research presents major challenges, including the need for collaboration between scientists and business leaders.  

07:06 How CancerFree KIDS selects research projects, outlining the role of their Scientific Advisory Council and the grant scoring process. 

09:26 Success stories driven by CancerFree KIDS funding, including early support for clinical trials and advancements in flash proton therapy. 

11:22 Dr. Genevieve Kendall explains the nature of fusion-driven rhabdomyosarcoma and why its aggressive behavior and lack of targeted therapies make it difficult to treat. 

13:51 How the CancerFree KIDS grant supported a new partnership and provided seed funding to test a promising research idea. 

14:50 The significance of identifying HAS3 as a novel target and how it opens new possibilities for treating rhabdomyosarcoma. 

16:35 Dr. Kendall describes the role of transgenic zebrafish in her research and how they help uncover therapeutic targets through comparative oncology. 

19:33 Both guests share what excites them most about the future of pediatric cancer research, including innovations in CRISPR and immunotherapy. 

22:32 How CancerFree KIDS measures the long-term impact of its grants, citing follow-up funding, startup companies, and FDA projects. 

24:19 Jill highlights impactful partnerships and community initiatives, such as Jersey Mike’s Day of Giving and the 100-Mile Challenge. 

26:15 Details about the 100-Mile Challenge, including its structure and supporting events throughout September. 

27:51 How CancerFree KIDS engages with families affected by cancer, ranging from support programs to events that honor children and their journeys. 

29:51 The future direction of CancerFree KIDS, including expansion, collaboration, and advocacy efforts with the state of Ohio.