Above pictured (L-R): Garry Sobba, Tournament Director; Javier Oesterheld, MD; Drew Herman, MD; and Kendall Alley, Champions for Education Board of Directors
For years, Champions for Education has been a driving force behind pediatric research and care advancements at Levine Children’s Hospital through its premier golf tournament – the Wells Fargo Championship. With the continued support of fans of the tournament, Champions for Education is able to make an annual donation to Atrium Health Levine Children’s. Most recently, the organization made its largest gift to date – $300,000 to support Dr. Jeffrey Huo, pediatric cellular therapies physician at Atrium Health Levine Children’s, and his translational research in the Levine Children’s Pediatric Oncology lab.
Dr. Huo’s research, which will begin in January 2022, will characterize different types of sarcoma and their inflammatory properties to better understand Ewing sarcoma and further develop treatments at Levine Children’s Hospital. By examining patient samples, and their inflammation status, Dr. Huo hopes to predict relapse or progression of their disease. In addition, this program will look at the tumor genetics to personally tailor a chemotherapy plan for every patient. This precision medicine is likely the future of relapsed cancer care, and with this lab – and those who support the lab – Levine Children’s will continue to provide novel therapies and hope for our families.