SOUTH BRUNSWICK — Sherrie and Michael Wells fully understand the need to support pediatric cancer research. Their son, Brady Michael, died in July 2010, just three weeks shy of his second birthday, from acute undifferentiated leukemia.
As founders of the Hugs for Brady Foundation, the Kendall Park residents recently decided to commit $100,000 to fund the Hugs for Brady Young Investigator Award in pediatric hematology/oncology at The Cancer Institute of New Jersey (CINJ).
CINJ is a Center of Excellence of the University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey-RobertWood Johnson Medical School. According to a press release, the award will provide a two-year grant to a young academic physician or scientist who shows exceptional ability and promise for doing innovative pediatric cancer research.
“Funding a young investigator helps foster creativity and a passion for the research at hand,” said CINJ interim Chief of Pediatric Hematology/Oncology Richard Drachtman. “It also allows for a certain level of continuity, as an investigator who becomes involved with a certain facet of scientific exploration early on in his or her career is more likely to remain devoted to that particular area of research, thus helping to bring about significant advances.”
Drachtman served as Brady’s doctor during his battle with leukemia. In his short life, Brady underwent both chemotherapy and a peripheral blood stem cell transplant. His parents now try to help ease the pain that many children and families experience with a cancer diagnosis and provide resources to help advance pediatric cancer research.
“While Hugs for Brady is continually active in providing some of the comforts of home to pediatric cancer patients while they are undergoing treatment, we felt it was important to address behind-the-scenes needs as well,” Sherrie said. “What better way to make a difference than to directly provide scientists with the tools they need to bring us closer to a cure.”
With more than 300 volunteers, the foundation remains dedicated to its mission of spreading awareness about pediatric cancer and providing such amenities as toys, televisions, food and other comforts of home to pediatric patients treated at CINJ, the Bristol-Myers Squibb Children’s Hospital at Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital and other area hospitals in central New Jersey.
Hugs for Brady is currently preparing for its second annual Twilight 5K and Family Fun Run on April 28. There will be live music, food and raffles from 3 p.m. to 8 p.m. at South Brunswick High School. The Kids Fun Run starts at 5:30 p.m. and the 5K run begins at 6 p.m. Tickets are $20 for children and $25 for adults, and proceeds will support the Young Investigator Award at CINJ.
“This support serves an investment both in the youngsters being treated today and in the children of tomorrow, who Michael and I hope never have to endure what Brady and so many other children and their families have,” Sherrie said.
CINJ is the state’s first and only National Cancer Institute-designated Comprehensive Cancer Center dedicated to improving the detection, treatment and care of patients with cancer and serving as an education resource for cancer prevention. To make a tax-deductible gift to support CINJ, call 732-235-8614 or visit www.cinjfoundation.org.
For more information about Hugs for Brady, visit www.hugsforbrady.org or contact Sherrie at [email protected].