With 1 in 285 children diagnosed with cancer before they turn 20 and cancer remaining the number one cause of death by disease for American children, advocating for public policy change to pave the way to new treatments is of utmost importance. PBTF proudly supports the 2021 CureFest to connect with families and the extended community, as well as educate the general public about the need for increased awareness and additional funding for pediatric cancer.

CureFest is an event organized by families and nonprofits that brings together the childhood cancer community, general public, elected leaders, physicians and researchers to speak with one voice about the need to make childhood cancer a national priority. In addition, conversations are held with Capitol Hill lawmakers to advocate for increased funding that will fuel future research discoveries and increase access to the most promising medical treatments across the country.

This year’s CureFest will take place September 23 – 26, 2021, in Washington DC. The event includes an in-person rally, a candlelight vigil, a march to the Capitol, performances, and educational sessions along with an interactive virtual event that will allow families from across the world to hold One Voice Walks and other activities in their communities. With less than one month to go, registered participants represent 50 states and 55 countries! PBTF proudly supports the largest annual weekend-long pediatric cancer advocacy event held in the U.S.

In addition, on Saturday morning, Sep. 25, 2021 as part of CureFest, PBTF will help bring together families, foundations, and clinicians for an educational program as a sponsor of the inaugural Tough2Gether Against DIPG/DMG Breakfast. Here families with children battling DIPG, one of the deadliest cancers, will build relationships as a community and learn from the most promising researchers in the field.

Presentations will educate attendees about current and upcoming trials from Michelle Monje, MD, Ph.D. – the Monje Lab at Stanford University; navigation best practices for patients by Sabine Mueller, MD, Ph.D. – UCSF Benioff Children’s Hospital; updates on legislation by Ellyn Miller – the Smashing Walnuts Foundation; along with special presentations of hope and reflection.

“Few challenges can compare to dealing with the news that a child in your family has a brain tumor,” says Amy Weinstein, PBTF’s National Director of Research Investment and Advocacy. “As one of the most prominent patient advocate non-profit foundations for pediatric brain tumors, it is our duty to support this important event which raises awareness about childhood cancer including brain tumors.”

PBTF sponsors CureFest as part of our mission to make a difference in the lives of children with brain cancer. Show your support for cancer’s youngest warriors by signing the Cancel Childhood Cancer citizen’s petition and using the hashtag #CancelChildhoodCancer on social media to help PBTF let everyone know how important it is to increase funding for childhood cancer research.

You can learn more about CureFest at www.curefestusa.org.

About the Pediatric Brain Tumor FoundationEvery day, 13 children and teens are diagnosed with a brain tumor, the deadliest and most common form of cancer in kids under 15. Every day after, they are in a fight for their life. It’s a fight the Pediatric Brain Tumor Foundation is here to help families win. A leader in the brain tumor and childhood cancer communities, PBTF’s mission of Care. Cure. Thrive. reflects its commitment to curing all pediatric brain tumors and transforming how children and their families are cared for. Since 1991, PBTF has provided strategic leadership and funding to accelerate the number of targeted therapies for children battling brain tumors today, while equipping families with the patient-family education, financial relief, and emotional support they need to navigate their child’s journey. A world without childhood brain tumors is possible when we work together to put kids first. Learn more at www.curethekids.org.

If you or a family you know need support following a child’s brain tumor diagnosis, our team is here for you at 800-253-6530, x 306 and [email protected].