NEWS FROM THE JAMES FUND!
Click here to read a letter of congratulations fromTed Garrard, President, SickKids Foundation.
To better meet The James Fund objectives of finding a cure for neuroblastoma, and to support neuroblastoma families, we have founded The James Fund For Neuroblastoma Research, a not-for-profit corporation based in Peterborough. As Executive Director, Diana Birrell is responsible for managing its day-to-day activities. We are pleased to announce that, on December 18, 2009, this corporation signed a Fundraising Services Agreement with SickKids Foundation.
Under the new agreement, James Fund donors can still support SickKids; neuroblastoma families can still fundraise in honour of their child; if applicable, your tax receipt will still be issued by SickKids Foundation; and your funds will still be hard at work with the brilliant neuroblastoma researchers in the James Birrell Laboratories at SickKids.
We are grateful to all our supporters, especially neuroblastoma families, who have helped The James Fund experience incredible growth to become a leader in neuroblastoma research, globally.
In 2009, The James Fund made the following significant accomplishments possible:
Research
- a Phase I clinical trial for Rapamycin/Vinblastine will open in 2010 in Canada and the US. The trial and associated research is funded as a partnership between The James Fund and Solving Kid's Cancer (USA)
- tested over 3 million drugs and chemicals on patient's cancer stem cells to identify new therapeutics for neuroblastoma
- identified several drugs used with success for other cancers that are effective against patient's neuroblastoma cancer stem cells, and that are now being tested in animals with neuroblastoma as a prelude to clinical studies
- identified new combinations of drugs that may be used for neuroblastoma
- published papers in prestigious Oncogene and Neoplasia on new potential therapeutics for neuroblastoma
Collaborations
- expanded collaborations and team research discovering how neuroblastoma arises and relapses, and finding new drugs, with groups in universities in Vancouver, Calgary, Toronto, and Ottawa (Canada); the National Institutes of Health (Bethesda), Cincinnati, Burlington/Vermont and Houston (USA); Sutton (England); Chiba (Japan); Ghent (Belgium); Hong Kong; and Lund and Stockholm (Sweden)
- funded collaborative research on discovering new neuroblastoma drugs at the Children's Hospital of Eastern Ontario in Ottawa
- worked with many companies in the USA on developing new therapeutics for neuroblastoma
- began collaborations with scientists studying leukemia, to determine commonalities and potential new treatment options
- new research grants were obtained from the Terry Fox Cancer Institute and the Ontario Institute for Cancer Research
- The James Fund continued co-funding research and/or partnerships with the Canadian Stem Cell Network, the Terry Fox Cancer Institute, the Ontario Institute for Cancer Research, BC Children's Hospital, and the Children's Hospital of Eastern Ontario in Ottawa
And More
- James Fund scientists were invited to speak about their work in a number of major US, European, and Israeli research centres and hospitals
- helped sponsor an international meeting "Cancer and Cell Death" in Toronto with invited speakers from the USA, Europe, and Canada to discuss how to effectively and selectively induce the death of cancer cells
- students and scientists conducted tours of the James Birrell Research Laboratories at the Hospital for Sick Children, for families and friends of children with neuroblastoma
- hosted the James Fund Neuroblastoma Family Retreat, bringing together 100 family members and volunteers from as far away as western Canada,for a powerful weekend of connectivity
- co-funded research projects with fellow neuroblastoma family fundraisers Aidan's Quest Fund, Lilah’s Fund, Sam’s Day, and Shania’s Sunflower of Hope Fund
- was twice featured on CTV’s W-Five, Canada’s most-watched current affairs and documentary program, tackling major stories and investigations.
Thank you for being part of our story, and for helping us to find a cure for neuroblastoma, in honour of the children we love.
Wishing you a very happy new year!
From all of us at The James Fund,
James Mewett, Jane Ulrich, Diane Wolf, Casey Watson, Scott Whyte, Syd Birrell, and Diana Birrell
Watch The James Fund on CTV's W-Five! (click here for link)
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Upcoming Fundraising Events for The James Fund |
Family Day Skate
February 15, 2010, 11:15 to 3:15
p.m.
The Sports VIllage
2600 Rutherford Road, Vaughan, On
Come out for an afternoon family skate in honour of Kyle Wells. Supprted by our friends at The Sports Village.
Download event poster here.
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3rd Annual Invado Volleyball Tournament
March 28, 2010
Kingsway College, Oshawa, On
A great way to beat the winter blues, and support The James Fund.
For more info, email natasha@invado.ca.
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California Wine Fair
April 19, 2010
Royal York Hotel, Toronto, On
The James Fund will benefit from proceeds of the silent auctions at this event. Come sample thousands of California Wines and help to support our cause. |
Exotic Car Ride
June 5, 2010
The Powerade Centre in Brampton
Take a really fast ride in an exotic car, and support The James Fund. You won't believe how much fun you'll have!
Organized by our good friends at ILR Car Control School.
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James Fund Golf Classic
July 5, 2010
Kawartha Golf & Country Club, Peterborough, On.
Hosted by Michael Burgess, and sponsored by Anden Bath Centre. Event details TBA. |
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Barbara's Butterflies
The Pagliuso family started Barbara’s Butterflies to raise funds to find a cure for neuroblastoma, and to raise awareness. In 3 short weeks they raised $7,000 for The James Fund and are planning future events.
Web site coming soon. |
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Daniela's Flowers
Daniela's family and friends are helping to find a cure for neuroblastoma by supporting The James Fund. Daniela was diagnosed with neuroblastoma at 10 months old, and today is a thriving 2 year old! They have raised $4,000 so far, and are planning on future events.
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Matthew Hower Fundraising
Matthew's supporters in Winnipeg are going gangbusters with various fundraising, like their Prairie Social, Manitoba Marathon and special help from friends at St. Ignatius School. Together they have raised over $75,000 in Matthew's name.
Follow the Hower's story
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Sam's Day
The Sam's Day family fun event was established by the Lack family as a special kind of birthday celebration for their son, Sam, who has battled neuroblastoma. Sam's Day has raised in excess of $180,000 for The James Fund and is funding the Sam Lack Drug Discovery Project at SickKids.
www.samsday.org
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Sydney and Georgia HOPE Fund
Sydney is raising money to find a cure for her little sister Georgia who has neuroblastoma. Sydney and her Mom are making bracelets together, which have already raised over $20,000 for The James Fund. We are also proud to congratulate Sydney for winning the 2006 Spirit Award at SickKids. PS to Sydney ... Tom Hanks is wearing one of your bracelets, and so is Mike Fisher, Michael Burgess and some of the NHL Oldtimers!
Read Georgia's Blog |
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The Tatum Clan
Reese's family members are sharing their story in order to raise awareness about neuroblastoma. Watch for their new fundraising campaign, to begin in May, 2010.
Read Reese's Blog. |
Other Neuroblastoma Fundraising Events
Aidan's Quest Fund
Mitchell Fraser Memorial Slo-Pitch Tournament
Shania's Sunflower of Hope
Sunday in the Park with Lilah
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Elegant Vending ... Indeed!
Green Wood Gems Inc. makes beautifully-crafted, wooden gumball machines and gives a portion of sales to The James Fund. Watch your gumball gracefully wind its way down a wooden track and hop down a xylophone. These machines are
a fascination for "kids" of all ages.
Green Wood Gems is currently looking for locations across Canada to host new machines.
If you would like to host one of these popular attractions at your store, restaurant or recreational facility, visit www.vendingmachinecharity.com
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About James' Web site
James Birrell had just turned eight years old
when he died of cancer. He had been battling terminal cancer since he was three.
James' incredible story was told through regular e-mail updates by his father,
Syd Birrell. Syd's compelling Updates were forwarded to people around the world. Now,
James' story is also available through Syd's book "Ya Can't Let Cancer Ruin Your Day".
In a desperate attempt to save James, the Birrell family started The James Fund for Neuroblastoma
Research at SickKids to find new treatment options which could save James from this rare and deadly
form of cancer. Since his death in 2001, The James Fund has become Canada's leading
neuroblastoma initiative and has helped SickKids in Toronto become a global leader in neuroblastoma
research.
This is also the story of many neuroblastoma families who are joining together to raise funds to save their own children. It is our sincere hope that this website will help you understand the challenges faced by children
and their families as they fight this deadly disease, and will inspire you to help stop the suffering of
neuroblastoma children around the world.
The James Fund
"Inspiring change by sharing the unfolding story of our search to find a cure for neuroblastoma by raising funds while supporting families suffering the same pain."
Contact us:
Diana Birrell
Executive Director
The James Fund for Neuroblastoma Research
625 Whitaker Street #4
Peterborough, On
Canada K9H 7L5
(705) 749-3941
www.jamesfund.ca
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The James Fund for Neuroblastoma Research
at SickKids
Honorary Patron Tom Hanks
The Nutcracker
December 19 & 20, 2009
Peterborough, On
Many thanks to Legacy Productions for this impressive show of local local talent.
4th Annual Walk/Run for The James Fund
November 1, 2009
in Peterborough, On
Over $56,000 raised. Hope to see you next year on November 7, 2010
1st Annual Washer Toss
August 22, 2009
in Truro, Nova Scotia
Games and a barbecue.
Wild Wing Restaurants
until July 10, 2009
Wild Wing Restaurants across Ontario raised over $25,000 for The James Fund!
James Fund Golf Classic
July 6, 2009
Kawartha Golf & Country Club in Peterborough, On. Hosted by Michael Burgess, this event raised over $37,000 for the James Fund Neuroblastoma Family Retreat. WATCH CHEX TV FOOTAGE James Fund Golf July 6
Heatwave Events
Beach volleyball in Oshawa, Toronto, Peel and Vaughan, On.
Our largest supporter, which events have raised over $1M for
The James Fund. We are truly grateful for all your support!
Exotic Car Ride
June 6 , 2009
Powerade Centre in Brampton, On
Racing around a course in exotic cars and raising $3,160 for neuroblastoma research. Many thanks to our friends at ILR Car Control School, Exotic Car Club and the Powerade Centre.
Sam's Day Rock N' Bowl
June 6, 2009
Prime Time Bowling, Burlington, On
Family fun event with bowling, entertainment, food, silent auction, crafts, tattoos, balloon creations raising $43,000!
Green Train March
April 25, 2009
Peterborough Armouries, On
Members of the armed forces (who share our love of the colour green!) marched through town, remembering James and
raising funds.
California Wine Fair
April 6, 2009
at the Royal York Hotel in Toronto
A sumptuous wine tasting with silent auction to benefit The James Fund.
Caps for Cancer
Feb 11 - Mar 18, 2009
Sansom Jr. High School, Calgary
Pay a toonie and support
Davis Weisner during his
neuroblastoma treatment.
Walk/Run for
The James Fund
Syd vs. The Kid
November 8, 2008
Congratulations to Syd Birrell and Doug Harris-Lowe for reaching their goals! This event raised $45,000 and we are now looking for volunteers for the 2009 organizing committee.
Toshiba Celebrity Golf Classic
August 18, 2008
Thank you to the many celebs and supporters who gave their hearts to our cause; to Toshiba for their generous support; and to our wonderful nb volunteers for their enthusiastic participation.
James Fund Golf Classic
July 21, 2008
After torrential downpours the skies opened and gave us a wonderful afternoon of great golfing and fun. We raised $63,000 in support of the James Fund Neuroblastoma Family Retreat! Many thanks to everyone who supported this wonderful event.
Exotic Car Day
June 22, 2008
Wow, what a blast! We raced around a track in a Ferrari, Porche and Lotus. Thanks to
Ian Law Car Control School and
GTA Exotics for raising $3,000 for The James Fund.
Songs for Hope
hosted by
Michael Burgess
May 29, 2008
This exclusive dinner at
Romagna Mia Ristorante in Toronto marked the official launch of the James Birrell Endowment Fund. Hosted by Michael Burgess, the evening netted almost $90,000 and was dubbed by one guest as "the most fun event I have ever attended".
The Green Train March
Apr 12, 2008
Peterborough, On
Troops from the Armed Forces marched through Peterborough, raising over $1,000.
Invado Co-Ed Volleyball Tournament
Apr 5, 2008
Bowmanville, On
And oh what fun they had!
Don't miss the second annual.
Family Day Public Skate
Feb 18, 2008
The Sports Village, Vaughan, On.
What a beautiful way to spend Family Day! In support of the Wells/Curtis family, raising
$3,500 for Kyle's Fight.
Icewave Volleyball Tournament
Feb, 2008
at Beach Blast in Toronto, On.
This indoor beach volleyball tournament raised an astounding $93,000 for The James Fund!!
Many thanks to Rosanne and Alan, and everyone who supported this event. Your efforts have officially taken The James Fund to
over $2M in funds raised!
Walk/Run for
The James Fund
Honorary Chair Mike Fisher, Ottawa Senators
Nov 4, 2007
Trent University Peterborough, On.
What a blast! About 180 participants, including 40 neuroblastoma family members, raised just under $37,000 and the highlight of the day was Mike addressing the crowd.
Proceeds in memory of Elgin Fraser of Ottawa, who lost his fight to Neuroblastoma at age 3, will help fund a joint neuroblastoma research project between The James Fund and The Children's Hospital of Eastern Ontario.
Ottawa Sun - Sep 29 '07
See photos of the Walk/Run
CanadaWide for Cancer
In 2006, David Visschedyk rode across Canada to raise money for The James Fund. Read more ...
Syd with Student Team SickKids at Heatwave 2006, Toronto's largest volleyball tournament, raising just under $100,000.
Space Mouse is at SickKids
Created by The Walt Disney Co.,
and dedicated to
The James Fund, Tom Hanks'
six-foot tall Mickey Mouse statue is now on permanent display in the
Garden Patio at SickKids.
Thank you MDS Nordion!
Read more ...
Syd Birrell, Mickey Mouse and
Space Mouse in New York, 2005 |
