LIGHT UP THE LAB

At the close of 2020, we asked supporters of Elizabeth’s Hope to remember how Liz inspired them to support this cause, and to help us light up the lab by paying tribute to her – and all of the children – by making a year-end, tax-deductible contribution. 

Lighting up the lab takes on several meanings. First and foremost, the CBTP was lighting up the lab for our families. They decorated the lab with battery-operated candles and festive holiday lights throughout the holiday season as a tribute to those diagnosed with a brain or spinal cord tumor. The candles were a beautiful reminder that for some, their lights shine on in our hearts. The string of holiday lights hanging at the entrance represented a celebration of many more holidays to come for our fighters and survivors. Lastly, to the researchers “lighting up the lab” means funding ideas. It means having the ability to explore an idea when a lightbulb goes off, and the support to continue lighting the way toward scientific discovery.

We invite you to get to know some of the other families by reading about them below.

WE’RE LIGHTING UP THE LAB FOR…

CHARLIE

A patient of Dr. Mark Souweidane, Charlie was diagnosed with a brain tumor, PNET, when he was eleven years old. He will soon be sixteen and he is thriving! We invite you to watch his inspiring story, and to read about his journey in his own words here.

JOEY

Joey’s mom shares her son with us, and talks about how important it is to her that she is able to fundraise for research in his memory. The Claytons are one of the families who support the Children’s Brain Tumor Family Foundation, 100% of funds from which support the research of Dr. Mark Souweidane and Dr. Jeffrey Greenfield at the Weill Cornell Medicine Children’s Brain Tumor Project. Read her inspiring blog about running the marathon in support of the CBTFF here.

MAX

In May 2016, Max’s story was featured in an incredible campaign published by Humans of New York (HONY) that focused on pediatric cancer. Max’s mom, Julie, shared the experience of his terminal diagnosis, and his story helped HONY author Brandon Stanton raise more than $1,000,000 to benefit the research of Dr. Mark Souweidane. Watch this beautiful tribute to Max and read the powerful series on HONY here.

ENZO

Enzo was diagnosed with a brain tumor when he was only 5 1/2 months old.  Today, he is seven.  Enzo is an inspiration to all families facing a pediatric brain tumor diagnosis, and we hope you will read this incredible blog written by his mother here.

ELLIE

Sweet baby Ellie was diagnosed with a Grade IV Glioblastoma brain tumor at 11 months old. Although she has been in treatment after several intense surgeries, she maintains a contagious smile through it all.  We encourage you to watch her beautiful video, and to visit her website to follow her journey.

STUART