Ultimate Hike Program Raises $5 Million for Children’s Cancer Research

For Immediate Release
Contact:
Tessa Gatz
Director of Communications, CureSearch for Children’s Cancer
(240) 235-2204 | tessa.gatz@curesearch.org

BETHESDA, MD – April 6, 2018 – In its eighth year, the CureSearch Ultimate Hike program has surpassed the $5 million-dollar fundraising milestone. These funds, and every dollar that hikers continue to raise, go towards CureSearch’s mission to advance children’s cancer research. The Ultimate Hike program takes place each year on some of the nation’s most famous trails with hiker fundraising to help find less-toxic treatments and cures for every child with cancer.

“As a pediatric physician, I see far too many kids and their families’ lives changed by childhood cancer. While my team and I do everything we can to fight for these kids, it just isn’t enough,” said Dr. Toni Petrillo, Ultimate Hike participant. “The Ultimate Hike is a great way to raise these critical funds and on the trail you’ll hear stories of courage and survival. Stories that inspire you to keep going.”

More than 15,000 children in the U.S. and 35,000 children in Europe are diagnosed with cancer every year. The $5 million raised through CureSearch’s Ultimate Hike program will address statistics like these by driving progress in childhood cancer research to develop treatments that will save kids now. Since 2012, CureSearch has invested over $8.5M in awards and grants to discover potential new treatments for kids.

“At CureSearch, our ultimate goal is to break through research barriers and deliver better treatment options, giving children the chance to lead the long and healthy lives they deserve,” said Kay Koehler, CureSearch CEO. “The $5 million raised to date through our Ultimate Hike program is crucial in pushing forward research breakthroughs in pediatric oncology.”

In 2018, CureSearch will host seven traditional Ultimate Hikes. For more information about the Ultimate Hike visit ultimatehike.org.

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About CureSearch for Children’s Cancer

CureSearch for Children’s Cancer, a national nonprofit organization based in Bethesda, Md., works to end childhood cancer by driving targeted and innovative research with measurable results in an accelerated time frame. CureSearch focuses on advancing the strongest research out of the laboratory and into clinical trials and development, where better, less-toxic treatments can quickly help children.