Children's Brain Tumor Project

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Children's Brain Tumor Project

But for families affected by them, every case is one too many. These family foundations and their supporters drive funding, advocacy and awareness for CBTP.

The community of families that participate in the Children's Brain Tumor Project is dedicated to finding new options for treating pediatric brain tumors by supporting research at Weill Cornell Medicine. The families who participate in the Children's Brain Tumor Project (CBTP) are personally invested in finding new treatment options -- and ultimately cures -- for rare and inoperable brain tumors in children and young adults. These tumors, including DIPG, gliomatosis cerebri, and AT/RT, occur so rarely that they do not get the major funding or attention that research scientists need to find a cure. The CBTP is funded in large part by a network of families who have lost loved ones to these terrible tumors, or whose families have been threatened by such a diagnosis. Dr. Mark Souweidane and Dr. Jeffrey Greenfield, Co-Directors of the CBTP at Weill Cornell, have pioneered a neuroscientific paradigm using genomic sequencing and Convection Enhanced Delivery (CED). A Phase I clinical trial is testing the safety of using (CED) to deliver a low-toxicity drug cocktail directly to the tumor site. Bench researchers are using genomic sequencing to identify genetic mutations in each patient's tumor to identify the best drugs to combat them, and investigating new ways to stop tumor progression by blocking signals from bone marrow.

02/18/2026

Behind every breakthrough at the Children’s Brain Tumor Project is a family whose love fuels our mission. 💛

Elizabeth Minter’s incredible circle of support helped launch CBTP in 2012 — a research program dedicated solely to rare and inoperable pediatric brain tumors. Since then, more than 40 families have joined together to raise awareness, strengthen our community, and fund the research major sources overlook.

These families form our CBTP Family Council, coming together each year to learn, connect, and push this work forward with unwavering determination.

💛 Want to learn more about joining the CBTP Family Council? Learn more on our website: https://www.childrensbraintumorproject.org/2020/01/13/meet-the-families/

02/16/2026

Although we only light up the lab once a year, our work doesn’t stop there. Every light in our hallway represents a child who has fought brain cancer — and in this video, we shine a very special light on Cristian Rivera. His story, and the work of the Cristian Rivera Foundation, remind us why we keep pushing for better treatments and brighter futures.

The Cristian Rivera Foundation was born from his family’s love and determination after losing Cristian to a rare brain tumor. Today, CRF funds vital research to find a cure for DIPG, spreads awareness, and supports families facing this devastating diagnosis.

The campaign may have passed, but our research efforts continue — and every gift, no matter the size, brings hope to children and families everywhere. You don’t have to wait — donate today to help save children’s lives: http://lightupthelab.org/

💛 Honor these brave kids and fuel discoveries that matter.

02/11/2026

⏰ Last Chance to Apply!
Applications for the 2026 CBTP Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowship close soon — and we don’t want you to miss this opportunity.

This competitive eight-week program gives two undergraduate students the chance to join the Children’s Brain Tumor Project lab at Weill Cornell Medicine, gain hands-on experience in pediatric neurooncology, and work alongside leading researchers making real progress for children.

If you’re passionate about neuroscience, curious about lab research, or considering a future PhD, this experience can help shape your path. But the window is closing fast.

💛 Apply now through the link below — before the deadline passes.
Your next step in research could start here.

🔗 childrensbraintumorproject.org/summerinternship

02/09/2026

The 2025 No Laughing Matter fundraiser raised more than $750,000 — vital funding that directly supports research for rare pediatric brain tumors, an area where national funding remains dangerously limited.

Events like this are not just evenings of laughter — they are lifelines. They make it possible for researchers to pursue discoveries, accelerate treatments, and bring hope to children who urgently need it. This fundraiser continues to be one of our most important efforts to close the gap and push research forward.

✨ The next No Laughing Matter event takes place Thursday, October 22, 2026 — and we can’t wait to come together again.

You can make an impact today. Support this crucial research on our website: https://www.childrensbraintumorproject.org/2025/11/03/no-laughing-matter-results-2025/

02/06/2026

2025 marked 10 years of the Rudin Fellowship — a milestone for a program that has shaped the next generation of leaders in pediatric neuro-oncology. 🌟

Thanks to the generosity of the Rudin Foundations, one exceptional medical student each year spends a full year immersed in pediatric brain tumor research across Weill Cornell Medicine, MSK, and Rockefeller University.

Over the past decade, ten fellows have contributed to publications, shared findings at major conferences, and pursued careers in neurosurgery and research — strengthening the future of this critically needed field.

As we celebrate this anniversary, we’re committed to expanding the fellowship and opening doors for more emerging clinician-scientists.

✨ Learn more about supporting this program here: https://childrensbraintumorproject.org/impact

02/05/2026

Congratulations to Dr. Mark Souweidane and Dr. Jeffrey Greenfield on being named Castle Connolly 2026 Top Doctors.

Both physicians were recognized among Weill Cornell Medicine’s 460 honored doctors this year — placing them in the top 7% of physicians nationwide through Castle Connolly’s rigorous, peer-nominated selection process.

As co-founders of the Children’s Brain Tumor Project, their leadership continues to drive innovation in pediatric neurosurgery and rare brain tumor research, bringing hope to children and families around the world.

We’re proud to celebrate their excellence, impact, and dedication to advancing care.

✨ Read more: https://weillcornell.org/news/congratulations-to-weill-cornell-medicine-physicians-recognized-as-2026-top-doctors

02/04/2026

Although the "Light up the Lab" campaign only runs once per year, our work doesn’t end there. Every light we hung in our hallway represents a child who has faced brain cancer. This one shines in memory of Lyla, and the loss of beautiful children like her inspires our work every day to find better treatments and brighter futures.

Every gift, no matter the size, makes an impact in the lives of children diagnosed with brain tumors. You don’t have to wait until December to make a difference—donate today to help save children’s lives: https://www.childrensbraintumorproject.org/

💛 Honor these brave kids and fuel discoveries that matter.

02/03/2026

As we look ahead to the Berlin Marathon, we’re excited to introduce one of our dedicated runners, Paula Yanes-Lukin, whose story and motivation embody the true spirit of Team CBTP. 💛

Here’s why Paula says she’s running for the Children’s Brain Tumor Project: “I’m a mom of three living in New Jersey, and I work as a Clinical Psychologist and Associate Professor at Columbia University. A few years ago, I discovered running and endurance sports — and since then, I’ve completed marathons, trail ultramarathons, triathlons, and even Spartan races.

I couldn’t do any of it without the support of my husband, whose history of pediatric osteosarcoma is the reason I chose to join Team CBTP. His strength and determination have humbled and inspired me for years. Running Berlin is my way of honoring him — and representing all cancer survivors — as I work toward completing the world major marathons.

I’m proud to support the Children’s Brain Tumor Project and the vital research they’re doing for children and families facing devastating diagnoses. Every mile I run is dedicated to them.”

Paula, thank you for turning your miles into meaning and carrying this mission with you every step of the way. 💛

If you’d like to support Paula’s Berlin Marathon run and help advance this research, visit the link our website: https://cbtpfoundation.org/run-the-2026/

02/02/2026

At the Children’s Brain Tumor Project, we believe that accelerating cures starts with understanding the full story of the disease. That’s why our team uses a multi-directional, four-pillar research approach — the only one of its kind focused solely on rare and inoperable pediatric brain tumors.

By uniting Precision Medicine, Immunotherapy, Drug Delivery, and Developmental Biology under one roof, our researchers explore these tumors from every angle, uncovering insights that drive new and more effective treatment strategies.

✨ Curious how this approach is shaping the future of pediatric brain tumor care?

Learn more on our website: https://www.childrensbraintumorproject.org/our-approach/

01/30/2026

At the Children’s Brain Tumor Project, every discovery begins with a simple belief: when a child’s life is in danger, you do something.
Our team is relentlessly focused on the rarest and most devastating pediatric brain tumors — the diagnoses that receive the least attention but need the most answers.

Through groundbreaking research, global collaborations, and the commitment of families and partners, progress is happening every day. But we can’t do it alone.

DDB Health is doing something.
Our researchers are doing something.
And you can do something, too.
Your support fuels the science that brings hope to children and families who need it most.

🔗 https://www.childrensbraintumorproject.org/portfolio-items/do-something/

01/29/2026

2025 was a year filled with momentum, innovation, and meaningful collaboration for the Children’s Brain Tumor Project. From international conferences to specialty forums and major annual meetings, our team was invited to present groundbreaking research, share clinical insights, and contribute to conversations shaping the future of pediatric brain tumor care. 🎗️

These moments of recognition reflect the strength of our research community — and the collective commitment to improving outcomes for children and families facing rare and aggressive brain tumors.

As we look ahead to 2026, we’re excited to continue building on this progress, expanding collaborations, and sharing new discoveries with you.

✨ Want to stay informed about research updates, conference highlights, and Foundation news? Join our newsletter today: https://www.childrensbraintumorproject.org/portfolio-items/newsletters/

01/28/2026

We are proud to celebrate our Weill Cornell Medicine neurological surgeons named to the Castle Connolly 2026 Top Doctors list, a recognition reserved for physicians who exemplify excellence in clinical care, leadership and patient outcomes.

This year’s honorees represent the full strength of our department across brain, blood vessels, spine, pediatric and complex neurosurgical care:
• Dr. J Mocco
• Dr. Philip E. Stieg
• Dr. John Park
• Dr. Jeffrey Greenfield
• Dr. Michael G. Kaplitt
• Dr. Roger Härtl
• Dr. Mark M. Souweidane

We also congratulate our Weill Cornell Medicine colleagues recognized in other specialties:
• Dr. Georgiana Dobri – Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism
• Dr. Daniel Riew – Orthopedics
• Dr. Y. Pierre Gobin – Neuroradiology

Each of these physicians has earned Castle Connolly recognition over multiple years, reflecting their commitment to advancing neurosurgical innovation, delivering exceptional patient care and shaping the future of neuroscience through research and education.

Join us in celebrating these remarkable leaders and the impact they make on patients and families across New York and beyond.

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The families who participate in the Children's Brain Tumor Project (CBTP) are personally invested in finding new treatment options -- and ultimately cures -- for rare and inoperable brain tumors in children and young adults. These tumors, including DIPG, gliomatosis cerebri, and AT/RT, occur so rarely that they do not get the major funding or attention that research scientists need to find a cure. But for families affected by them, every case is one too many. The CBTP is funded in large part by a network of families who have lost loved ones to these terrible tumors, or whose families have been threatened by such a diagnosis. These family foundations and their supporters drive funding, advocacy and awareness for CBTP. Dr. Mark Souweidane and Dr. Jeffrey Greenfield, Co-Directors of the CBTP at Weill Cornell, have pioneered a neuroscientific paradigm using genomic sequencing and Convection Enhanced Delivery (CED). A Phase I clinical trial is testing the safety of using (CED) to deliver a low-toxicity drug cocktail directly to the tumor site. Bench researchers are using genomic sequencing to identify genetic mutations in each patient's tumor to identify the best drugs to combat them, and investigating new ways to stop tumor progression by blocking signals from bone marrow.