CERN Foundation
Image of Johannes Gojo in his lab coat.

New Grant Aims to Jumpstart Treatment Development for Patients with Rare Pediatric Ependymal Tumors

National Brain Tumor Society (NBTS) recently announced that Johannes Gojo, MD, PhD, of the Medical University of Vienna (Medizinischen Universität Wien), is the recipient of the first-ever CERN PFA Ependymoma Translational Research Award. Dr. Gojo will lead a renowned, interdisciplinary team of pediatric brain cancer experts on a project titled “Targeting DNA damage response to eradicate ependymoma persister cells (DEEpend).” With the overall aim of translating promising research into the clinic for a particularly aggressive type of pediatric brain tumor, the group will receive $450,000 over three years.

“With great intentionality, we launched this grant because of the clear, unmet need for research in posterior fossa ependymoma (PFA), an underserved cancer that is devastating for the children and families in our community,” said Kimberly Wallgren, executive director of the CERN Foundation, a program of the National Brain Tumor Society. “PFA ependymoma is a difficult disease to research, and there are few laboratories or life science companies dedicated to this tumor type. Our hope with this award is to accelerate scientific findings through Dr. Gojo’s translational research plan and to further stimulate additional and subsequent efforts to change the outcome for children diagnosed with this disease.”

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SAVE THE DATE

Ependymoma Awareness Day 2024

Image of a little girl standing in front of the side of a building with a large butterfly painted on it.

Patients, care partners, and medical professionals from around the world dedicate May 5, 2024, as the 13th annual international Ependymoma Awareness Day!

On Ependymoma Awareness Day, butterflies around the world are released to honor loved ones with ependymoma, recognize care partners and medical workers, and support ependymoma research efforts. The delicate and beautiful butterfly was chosen to represent the spirit of the ependymoma community as a symbol of hope through change. This year, Ependymoma Awareness Day will be held on May 5 in coordination with Race for Hope DC and Head to the Hill.

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CERN COMMUNITY

Inspiration Story:
Fortitude and Acceptance

Image of Jon, who is featured as this month's community story.

John, a professional writer, describes his personal story with an ependymoma diagnosis, treatment, and survivorship. He shares “I learned the only miracle in life is the fortitude to face and accept things, and I already have that.”

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A little boy holds a butterfly, a symbol of hope for brain tumor survivors.

Support the Ependymoma Fund for Research and Education

With your generous support, we will continue to expand our efforts to improve the care and outcome of people with ependymoma.

MAKE A GIFT
 
CERN Foundation Logo.

The CERN Foundation and the National Brain Tumor Society have joined forces to help people with ependymoma and advance ependymoma research toward the development of new and better treatments through the creation of the Ependymoma Fund for Research and Education. Today, the CERN Foundation is officially a designated program of the National Brain Tumor Society. Donations to the Ependymoma Fund for Research and Education will be made on the NBTS website and used to support research efforts that will benefit both ependymoma patients and research through CERN. Emphasis will be placed on CERN’s historical model of supporting work that translates basic science into clinical practice. The Fund will also address overcoming barriers to clinical trial accrual and the development of new clinical studies for ependymoma patients. Additional funds will be used to support educational efforts through print, media, and awareness events. The new collaborative Ependymoma Fund will continue CERN’s practice and tradition of involving and collaborating with other scientists, medical providers, foundations and supporters of ependymoma research.

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National Brain Tumor Society unrelentingly invests in, mobilizes, and unites our community to discover a cure, deliver effective treatments, and advocate for patients and care partners. Our vision is to conquer and cure brain tumors—once and for all.

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