In partnership with The ChadTough Foundation’s extraordinary efforts to fund the development of a world-class pediatric brain tumor research and treatment center in our home state of Michigan, Courage for Cures will add the Michigan Medicine Pediatric Brain Tumor Initiative as one of its beneficiaries of our upcoming 7th Brave Knight benefit.

Announced earlier this year, The Michigan Medicine Pediatric Brain Tumor Initiative is working to raise $50 million for the research and development of new therapies for childhood brain cancer. Just this month, University of Michigan researchers announced that by analyzing the donation of Chad Carr’s tumor cells, they discovered a genetic mutation called PTEN that drove the growth of his cancer. The Detroit Free Press​ reported that, “The revelation carries hope for an effective treatment for some of the roughly 300 children who get the same terminal diagnosis each year in the U.S.” 

Since our first Brave Knight event in 2011, Courage for Cures has funded $330,000 in research grants around the world approved by The DIPG Collaborative’s Medical Advisory Council and $150,000 in research and patient programs at St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. 

Julian was treated at both St. Jude in Memphis and U-M Mott Children’s Hospital closer to home during his 7-month battle with an aggressive brain stem glioma. 

The 7th Brave Knight benefit will be held on Friday, Nov. 10 at Pine Lake Country Club. Tickets are now on sale.

Thank you to Chrissie Wywrot and The ChadTough Foundation for talking with us for this story about the importance of awareness on the first DIPG Awareness Day in Michigan and several other states.  Courage for Cures is extremely grateful for their incredible partnership in our shared mission to defeat DIPG.

Read the full story here:

http://www.chadtough.org/features/awareness-not-just-buzz-word/

​The fall 2015 fundraising season leading up to our 5th Annual Brave Knight benefit was our busiest yet! Beginning with our first GiveDetroit competition with HOUR Magazine in October and culminating with the 5th Annual Brave Knight Benefit on Nov. 28 at The Townsend Hotel, Courage for Cures was able to raise $105,000 that will now go directly to DIPG research through the DIPG Collaborative and programs for pediatric brain tumor patients at St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital currently in the fight. We couldn’t have done this without the legion of loyal friends and volunteers working on Team Julian’s behalf, nor our generous community partners including Ameriprise Financial Advisor Todd Green, Matick Chevrolet, CBS Interactive, Goldfish Swim School, Penske Automotive, Michigan Lottery, John E. Green Company, Becharas Brothers Coffee Co., Contract Direct and The Dailey Method. Special thanks to in-kind donors Andrea Peardon Photography, English Gardens, Little Miss Cake Pop, Pink Elephant Cupcakes, Traveling Photo Booth, Horn Corporation and Primo’s Pizza.  We are forever grateful for every single supporter, whether it’s with a donation of $10 or $10,000. Thank you for believing in our mission to give kids a fighting chance against DIPG!