CURE Childhood Cancer Annual Report 2013-2014

c u r e ch i l d h o o d ca n c e r 2013-2014 a n n ua l r e p o r t
Th e S a m Robb F u n d
The Sam Robb Fund was created in 2007 to honor the life and legacy of Sam Robb, who lost
his valiant fight with cancer on June 25, 2007. The fund has raised more than $430,000 to
train young pediatric oncologists through the funding of the Sam Robb Fellow at the Aflac
Cancer and Blood Disorders Center of Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta and Emory University
School of Medicine. Sam’s bravery, spirit and determination live on, and he continues to inspire
other childhood cancer patients with his mantra, “Fightin Till the Last Breath.” Proceeds from
The Sam Robb Fund were used to fund the Sam Robb Fellow at Emory University School of
Medicine. The Fund also supports CURE’s Open Arms Program, which was very meaningful
when Sam was battling cancer. The Sam Robb Fund hosted golf and basketball tournaments,
fun runs and other events to raise more than $82,000.
Th e Cat i e Wi l k i n s M e m or i a l F u n d
The Catie Wilkins Memorial Fund continues in memory of Catie Wilkins, who was diagnosed
on her first birthday with pediatric brain cancer. She fought courageously until a virus took
her life at age four. The Fund’s primary purpose is to support clinical research which evaluates
and treats the side effects of treatment for childhood cancers, as well as other research for more
effective and less toxic treatments. The Catie Wilkins Fund raised money through two sold out
“Sisters on a Journey” dinners held in remembrance of Catie’s loving spirit and determination.
With the $98,000 raised, the Fund supported brain tumor research conducted at the Aflac
Cancer and Blood Disorders Center of Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta.
Th e M a d d i e Br i s c oe R e s e a rch F u n d
In honor of Maddie Briscoe, this fund supports neuroblastoma research. In 2010, Maddie was
diagnosed with stage IV, high-risk neuroblastoma, at age seven. Maddie’s fighting spirit and
courage inspired her. Maddie’s fight rallied the Briscoe family to create this fund to raise money
and hope for the many children and families who will encounter their own difficult journey
with cancer. Hopefully inspired by Maddie’s determined survival. And the power of research.
Th e Wi l l A be r n at h y M e m or i a l F u n d
This fund honors the beautifully brave life of Will Abernathy, who lost his battle with stage
IV neuroblastoma in July 2013, at age five. Will was two and one-half years when he was
diagnosed. His playful, perfect little life was starkly interrupted by emergency trips around the
country for grueling treatments to save his life. Through it all, it was Will’s beautiful spirit and
winning attitude that could not be taken away by this disease. It is the spirit of Will, and his
new fund, that will live on. Supporting the life-saving research that will help give futures to
other children.
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