Impact Report 2023
/ a Message from our founder
Oded Grinstein
Dear Supporters and Friends of MyChild’sCancer,
As we reflect on the past year, 2023 stands as a testament to the resilience of our organization and the families we serve. However, it's impossible to overlook the profound impact of October 7th, a day that shook the Jewish nation and reverberated through our community, leaving families within our care grappling with unthinkable loss and upheaval.
In the face of this national tragedy, MyChild’sCancer swiftly mobilized an emergency response program. Our focus shifted towards providing comprehensive support to affected families, offering vital mental, emotional, and logistical assistance while ensuring uninterrupted care for their children battling cancer.
Yet, the aftermath of this crisis has deeply affected our fundraising efforts, redirecting resources understandably towards the urgent needs in Israel. This shift challenges our ongoing activities and growth. We are steadfastly committed to navigating these uncertain waters, safeguarding our services, and ensuring our continued impact throughout 2024.
Reflecting on the months leading up to October 6th, 2023 was a year of remarkable growth for MyChild’sCancer:
- Expanded Team: We bolstered our Personalized Research program with additional case managers, addressing the influx of cases requiring secondary opinions.
- Diverse Expertise: Our International Experts Committees on Brain Tumors, Soft Tissue Tumors, and Neuroblastomas welcomed experts from around the world, amplifying our global reach and knowledge base.
- Enhanced Programs: Strengthening our support for families dealing with pediatric cancers, we broadened our initiatives, providing crucial local and international assistance, with a continued commitment to program development in 2024.
- Inaugural Conference: Our inaugural Experts Conference in Israel featured world-leading experts in brain tumors, empowering oncologists with invaluable insights and tools.
- Fostering Partnerships: MyChild’sCancer in Israel (HaYeled Sheli) solidified partnerships with more oncologists, serving as a conduit to global expertise, ultimately benefiting children and improving oncologists' capabilities.
- Stronger Board: Our board grew stronger with the addition of Ms. Rosa Ailabouni, founder of BuckeyeThon - a student-led organization based on the campus of The Ohio State University that creates awareness and raises funds for children with cancer and blood disorders. Rosa also serves on the Board of Trustees for The Columbus Symphony Orchestra.
- Our Impact: In 2023, we were able to provide life-changing support to nearly 90 children and young adults, all at no cost—a testament to your steadfast support. This year, we reached a milestone, supporting our 1,000th family through our organization!
In 2024, MyChild’sCancer remains committed to standing by families facing unimaginable challenges. A child's life-threatening diagnosis is every parent's nightmare, and we're privileged to alleviate some of that burden. Your continuous support makes this possible.
At the core of MyChild’sCancer’s mission is our Personalized Research program—a beacon of hope for families navigating complex medical situations. Through international expert committees, we strive to offer second opinions and treatment insights, always prioritizing options that eliminate the need for international travel and are free for the families we assist.
Our focus for 2024 centers on strengthening our expert committees and expanding our programs, aiming to empower more families in the Jewish world and beyond and fortify pediatric oncologists in Israel & the US. In May, we will host a seminar featuring world-leading experts on sarcoma cancers (bone & soft tissue), furthering education and collaboration within the pediatric oncology community.
Thank you for being an indispensable part of our journey, empowering us to make a tangible difference in the lives of these courageous families.
May We Always Be On The Giving Side,
Oded Grinstein
Founder, MyChild’sCancer
Save lives and improve quality of life by finding the best treatment for children with cancer.
/our mission
/ Our Team
Oded Grinstein
Founder and Executive Director
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Natalie Refuah
Chairwoman
Varda Shoham
General Manager, MyChild'sCancer Israel
Avital Gaziel, Ph.D.
Board Member and Head of Medical Research
Michael Kasdan
Board Member and Development Chair
Toby Bressler, Ph.D.
Board Member
Robert Winkler,
Ph.D.
Board Member
Rosa Ailabouni
Board Member
Daniel Treitel
Audit committee, MyChild'sCancer Israel
Shay Amar
Audit committee, MyChild'sCancer Israel
Liron Friedman
Programs Director
Mariana Polnauer
Case Manager
Christina Katanov
Case Manager
INBAL TERER
Development Officer
Tali Etra
Operations Manager
Hila Beeri Uliel
Social Media & PR
Yifat Yaron
Family Coordinator
Nitsa Vardy
Family Coordinator
Yael Milfender
Family Coordinator - Israel
Ofra Tendler
Family Coordinator - Israel
Polina WeitzenfeldPh.D.
Chief Cancer Researcher
Hila Barak Ph.D.
Medical Research Advisor
Michal Golomb
Head of Wikicancer initiative
Ronit reitshtein
Graphic Designer
Leah Konstabler-Cluverius
Medical Translator
/How many families we helped
in 2023, mychild'scancer helped 90 families
55
Kids and young adults with brain tumors
22
Kids and young adults with Sarcomas and Soft Tissue tumors
08
Children with Neuroblastoma
05
Children and young adults with other rare types of cancers
53
Families have received second opinions that either altered or confirmed their treatment thanks to our involvement:
31 brain tumors
15 Solid tissue
7 Neuroblastoma
8
Families had to uproot and travel internationally for treatment.
/ Highlights of 2023 Achievements
Team Growth and Global Outreach:
in 2023, MyChild’sCancer achieved significant milestones, marked by strategic team expansion and enhanced global reach. Our dedicated team of case managers grew, allowing us to handle more cases and pursue additional goals. To accommodate our team members situated across different time zones, we implemented new workflows and tools, ensuring time mannered and reliable support in finding life saving information, especially during peaks in incoming cases.
Expert Committee Advancements:
We fortified our position as a hub for pediatric cancer expertise by welcoming world-leading experts to our committees. Building on the success of 2022, we established two new advisory expert committees specializing in neuroblastoma and sarcoma, alongside our existing committee focusing on brain cancers. Now, our three expert committees comprehensively cover all aspects of pediatric cancers—Brain, Soft Tissue, and Neuroblastoma.
Global Expert Network Expansion:
Our network of experts expanded globally, fostering collaborations with renowned hospitals worldwide. The esteemed institutions now part of MyChild’sCancer's extended expert team include:
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Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia CHOP, Philadelphia (USA)
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Children’s Minnesota, Minneapolis (USA)
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Cincinnati Children’s Hospital, Ohio (USA)
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Cleveland Clinic, Ohio (USA)
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El hospital sant Joan de Déu Spain, Barcelona (Spain)
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Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale dei Tumori, Milano (Italy)
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MD Anderson Cancer Center, Texas (USA)
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Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York (USA)
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Montefiore Medical Center, New York (USA)
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Northwell Children's Hospital in Long Island, New York (USA)
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Seattle Children’s Hospital, Washington (USA)
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SickKids, Toronto (Canada)
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St. Louis Children's Hospital, St. Louis (USA)
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Texas Children's Hospital, Baylor University, Houston (USA)
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University of California, Irvine (USA)
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University of Hamburg, Hamburg (Germany)
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University of Würzburg, Wurzburg (Germany)
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Weill Cornell Medical Center, New York (USA)
Strengthened Collaborations with Oncologists:
Our continuous efforts to strengthen relationships with pediatric oncologists resulted in an increased number of cases referred to us by medical professionals. Notably, the majority of the families we assisted were referred by others who had previously benefited from our support.
Impactful Second Opinion Consultations:
In 2023, 53 families received second opinion consultations from our experts, offering a transformative one-hour meeting or a comprehensive written report by a world-renowned specialist. Eight families, guided by our facilitated advice, made life-saving relocations to receive treatments in different countries or states.
Innovative Contributions to Oncology Community:
MyChild’sCancer played a pivotal role in introducing new drugs and clinical studies to the oncology community in Israel. Notably, we presented groundbreaking options, including a trial for a 20-year-old Ewing patient, making them the 8th patient in the U.S and the first from Israel to join this global trial.
Professional Advancements and Collaborative Conferences:
In 2023, a significant milestone was achieved as we hosted our inaugural seminar and conference in Israel dedicated to pediatric brain tumor experts, with a specific focus on Brain tumors. The event featured renowned experts, Prof. Jonathan Finlay from Ohio and Prof. Eric Bouffet from Toronto, who shared insights through seminars and presentations on intriguing case studies and the latest advancements in research within this critical field.
This strengthened the collaboration between Israeli experts and their counterparts in the U.S and Canada, contributing to the continuous progress in the field.
Emergency Response: 10/7 Events and Conflict:
In response to the 10/7 events in Israel and the subsequent conflict, MyChild’sCancer initiated a focused emergency response program. Our efforts prioritize:
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Emotional Support for Parents: Providing crucial emotional support to parents navigating both a national trauma and the personal battle for their child's life.
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Facilitating Treatment Relocation: Streamlining logistics for families relocating for their child's treatment amid the conflict.
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Continuity of Care: Ensuring uninterrupted care, including facilitating overseas treatment when necessary, amidst the challenges posed by the ongoing conflict.
MyChild’sCancer remains committed to supporting families facing pediatric cancer during these challenging times.
As we reflect on these achievements, we remain steadfast in our dedication to providing unparalleled support to families facing pediatric cancers worldwide.
Prof. Jonathan Finlay, Head of MyChild'sCancer Advisory Committee on Brain Tumors,
at our inaugural conference in Israel, June 2023
/ Survey of families
As part of our continuing efforts to improve our services, we surveyed parents and patients we helped in 2023.
This is what we've learned:
Demographics of our Beneficiaries in 2023:
Age of patients we supported in 2023 :
10 months to 29 years old.
MyChild’sCancer provides global support for families from: Israel, the USA (New York, New Jersey, Ohio, Washington) Austria, Switzerland, Australia
/ Mychild'scancer's families received support in:
/ Parents’ Testimonials
‘’We received additional directions of treatment that were not offered in our home country.’’
‘’The meeting with the specialist on your behalf gave us more confidence that the planned treatment is the right one.’’
‘’Thanks to MyChild’sCancer that brought us together with an expert regarding the treatment, it gave us more mental support for the treatment and this is a significant difference if we didn't have the additional support.’’
‘’The medical treatment we received was influenced by the opinion we received from your specialist.’’
‘’You helped us with the information mediation, a better understanding of the options before us, and real support. We felt we were not alone.’’
‘’We received information that alone is not sure we would have reached.’’
‘’You are doing amazing work. Thank you!.’’
A Thank You letter to our amazing program director, Liron Friedman, from the family of a 22-year-old young man with Ewing sarcoma, who receives support from MyChild'sCancer in the USA:
Dear Liron,
We wanted to take this opportunity once again to thank you for the personal support. It would have been incredibly more challenging for us without you.
The language barrier, the unfamiliarity with the medical team, the need for a friendly face. Assistance with medical terminology with the medical staff and mediation on our behalf, providing encouragement and emotional support for our son, not to mention support for us, the parents. High availability at all times, and excellent communication with the professional staff at the hospital.
More than 3 years have passed since our lives were put on hold. We are under intense emotional stress. When we were told at Ichilov that there might with nothing more to be done, we decided not to give up. But a trip to the US?
Such a distant place, a different culture, a different language, far from our family and the children. Taking such a step is so frightening.
You turn the unfamiliar and frightening into something much more
manageable. Where there's a problem, you are always there to help. Always with a smile, radiating calm and tranquility. Always available.
There is undoubtedly a difference in meetings at the hospital with you and without you. We see the appreciation and respect that the medical team holds towards you.
When you are present, we feel more secure.
With much love,
The Goldman Family.
/ Impact Stories
/ We offer optional treatment
D', a resilient 7-year-old facing a rare sarcoma near the eye, encountered a medical challenge not commonly seen in his home country of Israel. The scarcity of such cases in the region prompted MyChild’sCancer's dedicated research team to embark on an extensive quest to find the most qualified expert for a medical consultation.
Enter Professor Dominik Schneider, the distinguished head of the European Committee for Rare Tumors in Children, hailing from Germany. His extensive experience included the successful treatment of cases akin to D's, making him the ideal specialist for this unique situation.
MyChild’sCancer, driven by their commitment to providing the best care, successfully engaged Prof. Schneider. The collaboration led to a pivotal consultation where he shared invaluable insights with D's family regarding the optimal approach to surgery and radiation.
As of now, the family is actively undergoing radiation therapy, guided by the expert advice of Prof. Schneider. This collaborative effort not only showcases the global reach and effectiveness of MyChild’sCancer's research team but also highlights the positive impact of connecting families with world-class experts like Prof. Schneider, bringing hope and specialized care to children like D facing exceptionally rare medical challenges.
7.5-year-old R’ has shown incredible resilience in his battle against ependymoma, a challenging and persistent adversary. Despite enduring numerous rounds of surgery and treatment, the relentless disease resurfaced, prompting his treating physician to advocate for a consultation with MyChild’sCancer’s Advisory Committee.
Enter Professor Eric Bouffet, a luminary in the field of ependymoma and a distinguished member of our Advisory Committee. In a crucial meeting with R’s family and his treating physician, Professor Bouffet brought his wealth of expertise to the table. His insightful advice included a recommendation to temporarily halt a specific medication and proposed a series of post-operative tests. These tests were designed to unravel critical insights into the aftermath of the impending surgery, charting a course for the subsequent steps in R’s treatment.
The personalized consultation with Professor Bouffet not only offered a tailored approach to R’s unique case but also delivered a beacon of hope to his family. The expert guidance provided a roadmap for navigating the complexities of post-surgery care and treatment. In the face of adversity, Professor Bouffet's expertise has become an invaluable asset in R's family's ongoing struggle against their son’s ependymoma, illuminating a path forward in their challenging journey.
/ We offer a better chance
/ pillars of service
Personalized Treatment Research
MyChild’sCancer’s team of cancer experts and researchers provides situational, personalized treatment research to connect families with the right course of treatment for their child. MyChild’sCancer empowers families to be proactive about the treatment course for their child’s cancer, significantly improving their child’s chances of survival.
MyChild’sCancer formed international committees of experts worldwide to cover every aspect of a specific type of pediatric cancer (i.e., Brain Tumor Committee, Solid Tumor Committee, Neuroblastoma Committee). These experts offer families and local doctors second opinions, sharing the most up-to-date treatment options and best practices. Prior to these consultations, MyChild’sCancer assists families in collecting and translating medical documents in preparation for these meetings.
"We’d like to thank MyChildsCancer for the professional support since our son, Y, was diagnosed with cancer. Thanks to MyChild’sCancer, we gained access to up-to-date medical information and the opportunity to consult with world-leading experts in our field.
A special thanks to Prof. Eric Bouffet, who specifically designed a treatment plan for our son. Thank you for being available for questions and clarifications and for being willing to assist us in making complex decisions at every stage of the journey.
All of this has had a significant impact on the treatment our son has received."
Y’s family has been accompanied by Prof. Eric Bouffet throughout their son's treatment, and they even had a personal meeting with Prof. Bouffet and Prof. Jonathan Finlay during their visit to Israel in June 2023.
LOCAL SUPPORT
MyChild’sCancer extends vital support services encompassing emotional assistance, logistics coordination, relocation aid, and community support for families undertaking international journeys for treatment. Our dedicated Family Coordinators collaborate closely with families, addressing a spectrum of needs—from securing housing and transportation to facilitating school transitions. We accompany them to medical appointments, ensuring seamless integration with hospital care, and guide them through the nuances of unfamiliar healthcare systems and cultures.
Our work enables families fighting childhood cancer to feel supported to allow them to focus on the needs of their children.
Fifteen-year-old Ilay was bravely facing the challenges of brain cancer, when his family reached out to MyChild’sCancer for assistance with finding the best treatment option. Following the recommendation of our expert committee and Ilay’s medical team, the family chose to pursue treatment in New Jersey.
Our dedicated volunteers warmly embraced Ilay and his family, extending support for their logistical, medical, and social-emotional needs, even ensuring their refrigerator was stocked with goodies.
MyChild’sCancer’s volunteer support team went a step further, creating an unforgettable experiences for Ilay, an avid car and sports enthusiast. This included an exclusive visit to a luxury car club and tickets to an NBA game, adding moments of joy to his challenging journey.
Education Initiatives
Our ongoing efforts include hosting specialized seminars and conferences for Israeli pediatric brain tumor experts, focusing on the intricacies of brain tumors. Notably, we've featured renowned experts such as Prof. Jonathan Finelay from Ohio and Prof. Eric Bouffet from Toronto, who have shared invaluable insights through seminars and presentations, delving into intriguing case studies and the latest developments in this vital field.
Furthermore, our commitment to knowledge dissemination extends to the continuous evolution of our WikiCancer platform. As the largest pediatric oncology database, it serves as a comprehensive resource containing up-to-date medical knowledge and personal testimonials from parents. This initiative empowers parents and caregivers, offering access to potentially life-saving information that may not be readily available through conventional channels. WikiCancer stands as a pivotal tool, enabling parents to advocate for their children, make informed decisions, and actively engage in discussions, ultimately contributing to enhanced outcomes for children facing cancer.
/ MyChild’sCancer world-experts advisory committees
Since 2021, we have formed three international committees of subject matter experts and leading pediatric oncologists from 18 Cancer Centers from around the world to cover every aspect of pediatric cancer (i.e., Brain Tumor Committee, Solid Tumor Committee, Neuroblastoma Committee). After reviewing each case thoroughly and providing their second opinion, these experts join an online conference with the child's parents and local doctors to review best practices and discuss treatment options.
During these online conferences, unpublished research data is shared, new connections to experts are made, and the most current discoveries are shared with local medical practitioners.
Our recent survey shows that, in the past year, 100% of cases brought to our committees, mostly rare and complicated or 'hopeless' situations, were positively influenced by the treatment options proposed by the committees’ experts. This means every time we brought a case to the committee, the treatment was modified according to the recommendation made by it, or at least everyone agreed the current course of treatment was the best one.
8-year-old A. was diagnosed with glioma in the beginning of 2023. During the course of his treatment, the family approached MyChild’sCancer to seek a second opinion from a specialist.
We provided them a consultation with Prof. Erik Bouffet, a world-class brain cancer expert and a member of MyChild’scancer’s Advisory Committee on Brain Tumors, who recommended an additional MRI and a change in the treatment approach.
The family included the treating doctor in Israel and had the additional test, leading to a decision to change the treatment approach - as suggested by our specialist.
Currently, A is undergoing radiation therapy in New Jersey, as a result.
/ 2024 Strategic Goals
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Enhance Second Opinion Program: augment our international experts roster. Refine internal procedures and workflows for increased family support.
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Introduce New Drugs and Trials in Israel: work on including novel treatments for rare pediatric cancers in the Israeli health basket.
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Fundraising Resilience: increase fundraising efforts, particularly during times of conflict impacting our donors directly.
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Long-Term Patient Follow-Up: continue mapping the evolving needs of patients in remission for a comprehensive long-term follow-up program.
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Board of Directors Expertise: expand and deepen the expertise of our board of directors.
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Medical Education Initiatives: organize a solid tumors conference in Israel (May 2024) to offer education opportunities to doctors.
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Global Parental Education: broaden parental education globally through our Wikicancer platform.
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Enhanced Family Support: improve support offerings for families in Israel and those coming to the U.S for treatment.
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Implement our local support initiative in Israel and the U.S.
These strategic goals align with our mission to provide comprehensive support, enhance medical knowledge, and ensure sustained assistance for families facing pediatric cancer.