CRF Raises $30,000 for pediatric cancer research at CSHL

The Christina Renna Foundation presented $30,000 to Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory at their 8^th annual Angel’s Wish Gala held on January 16, 2015.

These funds will be used to support a new Sarcoma Research Project that will look into a rare and often fatal cancer Rhabdomosarcoma (RMS).

“We are extremely excited to be supporting this cutting edge research into this rare cancer that is often times overlooked. Our Daughter Christina passed away from this rare cancer, which is what lead us to take an active role in finding a cure. We are proud to be a part of this research program”, said Philip Renna Director of the Christina Renna Foundation.

Together with support and funding from the Friends of T.J. Foundation, Michelle Paternoster Foundation for Sarcoma Research and the Clark Gillies Foundation made this research possible.

CSHL Assistant Professor Chris Vakoc is leading the initial research. Using cutting-edge molecular biology, Vakoc’s team will pinpoint genetic weaknesses within RMS cells. His strategy has already been successful in developing a new drug candidate for AML (acute myeloid leukemia), now in clinical trials. CSHL is also collaborating with Dr. Charles Keller, a physician and professor at Oregon Health and Science University, who is one of the world leaders in RMS research. For more about the CSHL Sarcoma Research Project, visit www.cshl.edu/Research/Rhabdomyosarcoma.html