Attending two pediatric cancer conferences in Washington, D.C., was an inspiring reminder of the good in the world. It’s truly hopeful to see 800 medical professionals from all over the world dedicated to stopping the suffering and loss caused by childhood cancer.
At the Advances in Neuroblastoma Research Association (ANRA) conference, researchers presented groundbreaking work. We’re especially proud of our medical advisory board members, Dr. Shakeel Modak and Dr. Paul Sondel, who shared some of the most critical research as usual. Dr. Sondel announced that the research you helped support will be published in a peer-reviewed medical journal – soon.
The keynote speaker was Nobel Laureate Dr. Drew Weissman, who co-developed the mRNA technology used in the Moderna and Pfizer COVID-19 vaccines. He highlighted the revolutionary and extremely versatile potential of this mRNA approach to create vaccines for countless diseases and cancers, especially in the pediatric field. mRNA would immediately reduce the cost per child by $500,000 in administering T-Cell treatments for neuroblastoma and other childhood cancers.
The COVID-19 mRNA vaccine uses messenger mRNA to instruct your body’s cells to produce a specific part of the virus: the spike protein. This protein triggers an immune response, teaching your immune system to identify and neutralize the virus in the future. The vaccine is safe because it only contains a portion of the virus and not the whole virus. The day after Dr. Weissman gave his talk, the Federal Government announced that it was cutting further mRNA research, but by nearly $700 million, which was earmarked for developing mRNA flu vaccines at Moderna Pharmaceutical Company. One of the first announcements from the NIH was a $299 million cut to pediatric cancer research.
Moreover, the Health and Human Services on 8/7/2025 terminated funding for 22 mRNA flu vaccine projects. These actions coincide with a proposed 40% budget cut to the NIH, which already allocates only 4% of its funds to pediatric cancer research. Cuts to social programs and regulatory agencies further weaken our ability to protect public health, which impacts children the most.
At our core, we believe that knowledge is the most potent weapon against childhood illness, especially now. Our research has revealed that many children are dying needlessly because parents and even their doctors are
unaware of the most effective treatments. That’s why we created the cancer guide to help families get the most effective care regardless of income.
1. Developing New Treatments: We continue to support some of the world’s most advanced cancer research, focusing on critical and promising new areas like bispecific antibodies, cancer vaccines, T-Cell, NK-Cell, stem cell, liquid, biopsy, and the microbiome with great success. We believe these fields have the potential for a massive impact on pediatric cancer. Still, we also recognize that their full impact is limited if doctors and parents are not aware that these new treatments are available.
2. Providing Knowledge And Resources: Our guide shows families how to navigate the healthcare system, find the latest and most effective treatments, and access free resources if necessary to acquire life-saving therapies for their child. This guide earned us an invitation to the White House to represent pediatric cancer research at the Cancer Moonshots Summit. The guide needs to be updated and we will be conducting research to make sure it improves its effectiveness by resonating more effectively with young parents with a child fighting cancer.
3. Prevention: Our prevention initiative was inspired by the heartbreaking realization that our own daughter’s cancer, and that of millions of other children, might have been preventable with the right knowledge. We’re now working to help families avoid these diseases by providing crucial information, with the help of Dr. Philip Landrigan. His groundbreaking work in the 1970s prompted the EPA to remove lead from household paint and gasoline, and he is considered the world’s leading authority on the relationship between toxic chemicals and children.
OUR GOALS – A HEALTHY AND HAPPY KID AND PARENTS
Hello Frank,
I am honored to share my deep appreciation for Frank Kalman and the incredible work of the End Kids Cancer Organization. Frank’s unwavering dedication, compassion, and relentless advocacy have made a profound impact in the fight against childhood cancer. I am so honored to know him. Frank has helped my family and I
through very tough times. He gave my family and I hope when my daughter (Alyssa) was going through tough cancer treatments.
Through his leadership, End Kids Cancer has become more than just a nonprofit—it has become a beacon of hope for families navigating one of the most difficult journeys imaginable. Frank’s ability to combine heart and strategy has resulted in real progress: increased awareness, meaningful support for research, and tangible help for children and their families. My family and I can testify to this.
What sets Frank apart is not only his drive but his personal commitment. He listens, he acts, and he makes sure no child’s story goes unheard. The passion he brings to this mission is inspiring and deeply needed in a world where too many pediatric cancers still lack adequate funding and attention.
Thanks to Frank and End Kids Cancer Organization more people are paying attention. More resources are being directed where they’re desperately needed. And most importantly, more children have a fighting chance.
With deep gratitude and admiration,
Roy B.
Friend to an inspiring man Frank Kalman and to an amazing organization.
