Childhood Cancer Facts

• Childhood cancer is the number one disease killer in children.
• Sadly, over 2,300 children with cancer die each year.
• Every school day 46 children are diagnosed.
• Cancer kills more children than any other disease, more than Asthma, Cystic Fibrosis, Diabetes and Pediatric AIDS combined.
• 1 in 330 children will have the disease by age 20.
• 80% of children have metastasized cancer at the time of their diagnosis.
• Cancer symptoms in children – fever, swollen glands, anemia, bruises and infection – are often suspected to be, and at the early stages are treated as, other childhood illnesses.
• Even with insurance coverage, a family will have out-of pocket expenses of about $40,000 per year, not including travel.

Childhood Research Funding

• Over the past 20 years, only TWO new cancer drug has been approved for pediatric use.

• The National Cancer Institute’s (NCI) federal budget for 2003 was $4.6 billion. Of that, breast cancer received 12%, prostate cancer received 7%, and all 12 major groups of pediatric cancers combined received less than 3%.
• In 2005, the American Cancer Society provided only 2.5% of funded grants, or 1.85% of dollars spent on research to pediatric cancer.

Our Story

Phoebe celebrated her 11th birthday, and was finishing 5th grade, when she was diagnosed with osteosarcoma.  She was treated at Sloan Kettering under the care of Dr. Meyers and his wonderful team.  In addition to the grueling chemotherapy treatments, Phoebe also went numerous surgeries on her leg.

In September of 2011, Dr. Wittig performed a groundbreaking surgery using a Stanmore Prosthesis that can be expanded by magnetic force, rather than additional surgeries.  Phoebe was the first patient in NYC to try this new device, and after 2 years on crutches, is able to walk again.

Throughout this whole process, Phoebe amazed us with her unwavering positive attitude.  Phoebe’s life was falling back into place.  We went on a wonderful Make A Wish trip, and went on a winter holiday where she even went scuba diving. Phoebe was working hard in 8th grade to prepare for high school.  Always an avid athlete, Phoebe managed to find a new sport, archery, in which to compete.  She also became involved in a number of volunteer organizations, eager to give back, knowing how much support and love she had received.

On March 1st, 2013 during her two-year anniversary checkup for being cancer free from Osteosarcoma, Phoebe was diagnosed with secondary acute myeloid leukemia.  She again endured grueling chemotherapy and an eight day stay in intensive care.  On May 23rd , 2013, Phoebe received a bone marrow transplant.  We are fortunate that her sister Hallie, a perfect match for Phoebe, was her donor.

Phoebe’s intelligence, kindness and inner strength keep us all going as we took on this new battle. Phoebe is now post-transplant and getting back to “normal” life once again.  She appreciates every second, and was inspired to start Phoebe’s Phriends to help find a cure for these cancers.

She is an example for us all.

Where Are Donations Going?

Donations go directly to Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center to fund ground-breaking trials.

Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center — the world’s oldest and largest private cancer center — has devoted more than 125 years to exceptional patient care, innovative research, and outstanding educational programs. Today, they are one of 41 National Cancer Institute–designated Comprehensive Cancer Centers, with state-of-the-art science flourishing side by side with clinical studies and treatment.

Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center has been top ranked in U.S. News & World Report’s 2013-2014 edition naming the nation’s best children’s hospitals, coming in at No. 10 in pediatric cancer care.  The rankings highlight the top 50 US hospitals in a range of pediatric specialties, including cancer.