Children's Brain Tumor Project

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.
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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.

When a child is diagnosed with a brain tumor, families are suddenly asked to navigate an unfamiliar and complex world. M...
03/17/2026

When a child is diagnosed with a brain tumor, families are suddenly asked to navigate an unfamiliar and complex world. Medical decisions, treatment plans, and the emotional weight of it all can feel overwhelming.

At Children’s Brain Tumor Project, we believe families deserve clear, accessible information as they move through this journey. Through conversations with our Family Council, we heard directly from patient families about the need for resources that help explain diagnoses, treatment options, and what day to day life may look like after diagnosis.

That is why we are sharing trusted resources created by experts, including a comprehensive pediatric brain tumor overview from the team at Weill Cornell Medicine. If you are looking for reliable information about specific diagnoses or want to better understand pediatric brain tumors, this guide is a great place to start.

Explore the resource through our website: https://www.childrensbraintumorproject.org/family-resources/

💛 Love4Lucas Continues to Support the CBTP Lab 💛At the start of 2026, the Love4Lucas Foundation made its fourth consecut...
03/16/2026

💛 Love4Lucas Continues to Support the CBTP Lab 💛

At the start of 2026, the Love4Lucas Foundation made its fourth consecutive donation of $50,000 to the Children’s Brain Tumor Project at Weill Cornell Medicine, supporting critical research in memory of Lucas Harashima.

This sustained funding plays a meaningful role in advancing the work of Dr. Mark Souweidane and collaborators, focusing on Diffuse Intrinsic Pontine Glioma (DIPG) and other pediatric brain tumors. Over the years, Love4Lucas support has contributed to:
🧬 Pre-clinical investigations of novel drug delivery methods
🔬 Safety evaluations of emerging technologies
💡 Advanced biological and computational analyses to better understand these aggressive tumors

“Progress in rare pediatric brain tumors depends on sustained, long-term investment,” says Dr. Souweidane. “The continued support from Love4Lucas has enabled us to pursue innovative approaches that would not be possible without consistent philanthropic partnership.”

The Love4Lucas Foundation, established in memory of Lucas, strategically directs funding to translational research programs with the potential to improve outcomes for children diagnosed with rare and aggressive brain tumors.

We are incredibly grateful to Love4Lucas, their family, and their community for their dedication to advancing pediatric brain tumor research. 💛

Learn more about the foundation: https://www.childrensbraintumorproject.org/2026/02/04/love4lucas-2026-donation/

03/15/2026

Closing in on the finish line!

Running for a cause bigger than yourself. 💛 This weekend, Team CBTP runners are funding critical research for children w...
03/15/2026

Running for a cause bigger than yourself. 💛 This weekend, Team CBTP runners are funding critical research for children with brain tumors while experiencing the thrill of the NYC Half Marathon. Every step helps bring hope to families and supports life-saving discoveries.

We can't wait to cheer them on! GO TEAM CBTP!

It's not too late to donate to the team. Check out the Team CBTP's donation page here: https://cbtpfoundation.org/campaign/united-airlines-2026/donate/

When you support Children’s Brain Tumor Project, your donation does more than raise awareness. It directly fuels progres...
03/13/2026

When you support Children’s Brain Tumor Project, your donation does more than raise awareness. It directly fuels progress for children and families facing pediatric brain tumors.

Your generosity helps make possible:

🧠 Critical Research
Funding innovative research that advances treatments and moves us closer to a cure.

💛 Family Support
Providing resources and support for families navigating diagnosis, treatment, and survivorship.

🤝 Collaboration with Leading Experts
Partnering with physicians and researchers dedicated to improving outcomes for children with brain tumors.

Every gift plays a role in building a future with better treatments, stronger support systems, and more hope for families.

Thank you for being part of that impact: https://engage.weill.cornell.edu/childrens-brain-tumor-project

Tori and Rob Dauksza are going the distance—literally—for their daughter, Lily, who is battling DIPG. From the 2025 NYC ...
03/10/2026

Tori and Rob Dauksza are going the distance—literally—for their daughter, Lily, who is battling DIPG. From the 2025 NYC Half Marathon to the TCS New York City Marathon, and now training again for the 2026 NYC Half, every mile they run raises awareness and support for pediatric brain tumor research.

At Team CBTP, we are inspired by families like the Daukszas—turning love for a child into action that helps advance life-saving research. Their dedication fuels hope for children fighting rare brain tumors and reminds us that every step matters.

💛 Support Tori and Rob’s 2026 fundraiser and help move pediatric brain tumor research forward: https://www.childrensbraintumorproject.org/2026/02/05/do-something-dauska/

We’re thrilled to announce Hailey Reisert as the 2026–27 recipient of the Rudin Fellowship Award in Pediatric Neuro-Onco...
03/09/2026

We’re thrilled to announce Hailey Reisert as the 2026–27 recipient of the Rudin Fellowship Award in Pediatric Neuro-Oncology!

Hailey’s project focuses on developing a minimally invasive, blood-based approach to monitor medulloblastoma, one of the most common malignant brain tumors in children. By studying extracellular vesicles and exploring advanced detection techniques, her work aims to support earlier diagnosis, better risk stratification, and improved outcomes for young patients.

Hailey is a third-year medical student at Albert Einstein College of Medicine, with a background in neuroscience from Duke University and translational research at Yale University. She’s passionate about pediatric neuro-oncology, combining clinical and research experience to make a meaningful impact for children facing brain tumors.

✨ “I am incredibly honored to be selected for this fellowship and grateful for the mentorship at the Children’s Brain Tumor Project. I can’t wait to get started!”

Read more: https://www.childrensbraintumorproject.org/2026/02/24/welcome-hailey/

Every mile carries Chase’s legacy forward. 🧡Julie Balay, MS, RD, CSSD, is a Registered Dietitian and Board-Certified Spo...
03/06/2026

Every mile carries Chase’s legacy forward. 🧡

Julie Balay, MS, RD, CSSD, is a Registered Dietitian and Board-Certified Sports Dietitian, and a competitive athlete with four Ironmans under her belt, including an Age-Group Championship. She has led the Athletic Committee at the Children’s Brain Tumor Project Foundation since 2021, serving as trainer and dietitian for athletes running with Team CBTP. Her detailed training protocols and nutritional guidelines help athletes cross the finish line strong, and she’s available for one-on-one consults at any time.

“I specialize in performance nutrition for endurance athletes — helping runners and triathletes fuel with intention, train with strength, and compete at their highest level. Strategy matters. So does resilience. I bring both to every athlete I coach,” Julie says.

For Julie, the work is more than professional — it’s personal. She lost her son, Chase, to an incurable brain tumor. In his honor, she proudly shares her expertise to support the Children’s Brain Tumor Project Foundation.

✨ When you join one of our race teams, you get the added bonus of consulting with Julie to help you train and race with purpose. Ready to join? Learn more on our website: https://cbtpfoundation.org/2026-tcs-nyc-marathon/

Didn’t get into the lottery for the New York City Marathon? You still have a chance to run 26.2 miles through NYC and ma...
03/05/2026

Didn’t get into the lottery for the New York City Marathon? You still have a chance to run 26.2 miles through NYC and make every step count. 🏃‍♀️

As an official charity partner for the 2026 race, Children’s Brain Tumor Project has a limited number of spots available on Team CBTP.

When you run with CBTP, you are helping fund critical pediatric brain tumor research and provide support for families navigating diagnosis, treatment, and survivorship.

If running the New York City Marathon has always been on your bucket list, this is a chance to turn that goal into meaningful impact.

Apply to join Team CBTP and run for something bigger than yourself. 💛

🔗 https://cbtpfoundation.org/2026-tcs-nyc-marathon/

03/03/2026

We’re proud to share that Dr. Mark Souweidane has been appointed the inaugural Surgeon-in-Chief at NewYork-Presbyterian Komansky Children’s Hospital of Children’s Hospital of New York.

A world-renowned leader in pediatric neurosurgery, Dr. Souweidane has dedicated his career to advancing care for children with complex neurological conditions, from innovative brain tumor research and minimally invasive techniques to compassionate, family-centered care.

This new role reflects his extraordinary leadership, his vision for the future of children’s health and his decades-long commitment to improving outcomes for the youngest and most vulnerable patients.

Congratulations, Dr. Souweidane!

Call us to book your appointment with Dr. Souweidane | 866-426-7787

Great News for Kids Fighting Cancer!We’re still celebrating the Mikaela Naylon Give Kids a Chance Act being signed into ...
03/03/2026

Great News for Kids Fighting Cancer!

We’re still celebrating the Mikaela Naylon Give Kids a Chance Act being signed into law on February 3! It was a difficult road to get here, but the advocates in our childhood cancer community, led by goodman, proved they are in it for the long haul!

This historic legislation expands pediatric cancer research, encourages new treatments, and honors the bravery of Mikaela Naylon, a true young hero who inspired change.

This law brings hope to children and families across the country by supporting research, combination therapy trials, and rare disease treatment development. Every step forward means more chances for life-saving breakthroughs.

Let’s honor Mikaela’s legacy by continuing the fight for cures. Together, we can give kids a chance. 💛

A cancer researcher in the making 💛When Kai Harashima was nine, his younger brother Lucas was diagnosed with DIPG. That ...
03/02/2026

A cancer researcher in the making 💛

When Kai Harashima was nine, his younger brother Lucas was diagnosed with DIPG. That moment sparked a question that stayed with him for years: Why can the immune system fight infections, but not cancer?

Years later, Kai joined the Children’s Brain Tumor Project lab at Weill Cornell Medicine, working alongside researchers like Dr. Nadia Dahmane. He explored how brain tumors evade the immune system, building the foundation for his senior thesis “Strategy, Subterfuge, and Deception: How Cancer Cells Hide from the Body’s Natural Defenses” and earning his school’s Junior Thesis Award in STEM.

By nurturing curiosity and providing mentorship, CBTP helps train the next generation of scientists and clinicians—pushing research forward and bringing hope to children like Lucas who face rare and deadly brain tumors.

Learn more: https://www.childrensbraintumorproject.org/2026/02/05/do-something-kai/

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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.