Each year, nearly 16,000 children under the age of 19 are diagnosed with cancer. Breakthroughs have been scarce, with little government funding for research and few clinical trials for new treatments, these children are often left behind. But a parent whose child is diagnosed with cancer never gives up hope.
Jake Koenigs, at 7 years old fighting rhabdomyosarcoma
Jacob “Jake” Koenigs parents watched on knowing there was nothing else they could do as he bravely fought and lost his battle with rhabdomyosarcoma, the most common soft tissue sarcoma in children. Still, the Koenigs were determined to change this outcome for the 43 children diagnosed with cancer every day.
“When we realized that Jake wasn’t going to survive, we wanted to find a way to give back to an organization that was working towards finding a cure,” said Harry Koenigs. “We knew that CureSearch was that organization.”
To honor Jake and his heroic battle, the Koenigs and Kiewit Corporation family host the annual JakeFest fundraiser benefiting CureSearch. The Koenigs have found solace knowing these critical funds go directly towards lifesaving cancer research.
JakeFest directly funds CureSearch grant recipients like Dr. Ranjit Bindra of Yale University. Dr. Bindra’s research is dedicated to rare forms of cancer, so that more kids can survive their battle with cancer and live longer, healthier lives.
“CureSearch has come at a time of great need. I always tell people that foundations like CureSearch are angel investors for cancer research,” said Dr. Bindra.
With your help, CureSearch will arm researchers with the funding, knowledge and connections to catapult treatments out of academia and into pediatric clinical trials and ultimately into the hands of children who need it most.
Be part of a new hope for children’s cancer cures. Make your holiday charitable donation today.
Want more stories like this?
Get emails that matter, when it matters.