The Press On Fund was formed in June 2006, by Stephen and Erin Chance after their 3 year old son, Patrick, was diagnosed with Stage IV neuroblastoma. Three years later, the Simkins family – lifelong friends of the Chances – had their own run-in with childhood cancer, when Brennan Simkins was diagnosed with acute myeloid leukemia (“AML”) on the eve of his 7th birthday. While the source of Brennan’s AML is a chromosomal abnormality, both Brennan and Patrick are at high risk for developing treatment-related AML. Given the ironic twist of fate that both family’s boys are battling that same disease, the Chances expanded the mission of the Press On Fund to include research for AML and invited the Simkins to join them in directing the money raised.
Since 2006, Press On has raised and directed more than $500,000 to neuroblastoma and AML research being conducted at Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia and St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.
Purpose of the Fund
Press On provides desperately needed funding for basic, translational and clinical research relating to pediatric cancers, specifically neuroblastoma and acute myeloid leukemia (AML). Press On provides grants to scientists conducting research aimed at developing novel, targeted therapies for neuroblastoma and AML, with the ultimate goal of achieving a greater cure rate for these cruel diseases, while mitigating the potentially devastating side effects of current therapies. Through generous individual gifts and events such as concerts by 12 Bands and Play for Patrick, Press On continues to raise astounding amounts of money for lifesaving research.
About Neuroblastoma and AML
Neuroblastoma is a childhood cancer of the sympathetic nervous system, a nerve network that carries messages from the brain throughout the body. Approximately 600 children are diagnosed with neuroblastoma in the United States each year, making it the most common solid tumor found in children outside of the brain. Stage IV neuroblastoma remains a very difficult disease to cure.
While more prevalent in adults, approximately 20 percent of children with leukemia are diagnosed with AML. AML affects various white blood cells including granulocytes, monocytes, and platelets. Approximately 500 children are diagnosed with acute myeloid leukemia in the United States each year.
How To Donate to The Press On Fund
Click here to donate online and under program selection choose Press On to CURE Childhood Cancer. Your gift will be directed accordingly.
Checks can be made out to CURE Childhood Cancer, with “Press On to CURE Childhood Cancer” written on the notes line. Mail checks to: CURE Childhood Cancer, 1117 Perimeter Center West, Suite N-402 Atlanta, GA 30338.
Other Ways to Support the Press On Fund
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Patrick’s Paperwhites For each gift purchased, 15% of the price will be donated to fight neuroblastoma and AML. Click here for more information and to purchase these easy to grow bulbs. |
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Press On Charm Designed by Atlanta artist Cary Calhoun to honor the mission of the Press On To CURE Childhood Cancer Fund. For more information or to order, please contact Erin Chance at erinchance@comcast.net |
