I had the opportunity to visit Dana Farber Cancer Institute for a reception with Team Kermit in the Fall.  We were met in the lobby of the Yawkey Center by Rebecca Shortle, Senior Associate Director, Jimmy Fund, Division of Philanthropy, who escorted us to the main conference center for our reception. Our team captain, Steven was MC and he introduced us to some amazing people: Dr. Susan Chi, Pediatric Neuro Oncologist, Dr. Brian Delaney, Director of the Psychology Fellowship Program in Pediatric Psychosocial Oncology, and Dr. Mimi Bandopadhayay, Pediatric Neuro Oncologist. Mimi introduced her junior medical research staff and presented a detailed, yet down to earth, report on the advancements in research and treatment that our Sunflowers Fund has supported. She spoke of where the state of the art was thirteen years ago; the lack of advanced understanding and differentiation in brain tumors, the limited treatment options and the devastatingly low survival rate of children with brain tumors. 

Today? Brain tumors that were previously lumped together have been individually identified and defined.  Patients are put through extensive genetic testing and analysis to uncover and understand the root causes of their cancer. Immunotherapy-oncology, treatment approaches, using the body's immune system to fight cancer, have been developed. These are examination, treatment methods, regimens and protocols that didn't exist thirteen years ago.  There are thousands of children for whom there is now treatment and who are alive because of what we, Team Kermit, has made happen.  Mimi, Susan, Brian and Rebecca impressed upon us how, especially in light of extremely reduced national funding of cancer research, important, critical and indeed amazing our fundraising has been. Their heartfelt words of appreciation and thanks was felt by all.

Mimi closed her presentation with a quote by Margaret Mead; 

Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed, citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has.

Words cannot even come close to describing our gathering at the DFCI. Many of you have been there supporting my PMC endeavors from the beginning. I can’t thank you enough for all of your support and gratefully appreciate any contribution you can make toward this year’s ride. Let's continue this fight together! Thank you.
With love,
Pam