Update: Legacy Gift workshop at COG

This afternoon's workshop on the value of autopsy in finding new treatments was very well received, if not at times slightly tearful in a happy way.  Oncology social worker Caroline Macuiba and PCB researcher Jen Alabran presented results of a 60 family survey of how, if ever, it would be appropriate to discuss the topic of autopsy for donating a tissue from which childhood cancers could be better understood & treated.  Interview participants were from families of children affected with sarcomas, brain tumors, or other pediatric cancers.  Two mothers, Sandy and Kim, who themselves are cancer survivors presented their families experiences with tissue donation after their sons passed away from brainstem gliomas.  Remarkable people, but what they relate is the closure and altruistic value of such gifts.  
  
This study and workshop was funded by NCI in response to the Caroline Pryce Walker Conquer Childhood Cancer Act of 2008 (3R01CA133229-4S1) in partnership with the Northwest Sarcoma Foundation.  This project's inspiration was the efforts of Nancy Goodman and KidsvCancer.org .  
  
For more information, visit ccurefast.org or email Jen,  alabran (at) ohsu.edu.