Supporting Pediatric Cancer Research: Solving Kids’ Cancer’s Year-in-Review

A Message from Scott Kennedy, executive director

Throughout the year, Solving Kids’ Cancer (SKC) has continued funding cutting-edge research to find cures for children with the most aggressive cancers. Research is key in unlocking solutions and providing improved outcomes for kids. SKC prioritizes taking cutting-edge ideas, based on scientific evidence, from the lab to the clinic to benefit children.


When it comes to childhood cancer, there is no time to waste. Your support and generosity have helped us take bold action to drive innovation forward, push for promising childhood cancer research initiatives, and provide vital resources for families affected by these devastating diseases.


Thank you for being a part of this journey to create real, tangible change for kids fighting cancer and those living with its long-term effects. Here’s a look at some of SKC’s biggest achievements that supporters like you helped make possible in 2022:


Landmark Pediatric Cancer Research Projects

SKC’s funding and leadership have led to landmark strides in research and treatment, including:

A computer monitor with a graph and a dna strand on it.
  • First frontline treatment for children diagnosed with ETMR cancer, a very deadly and rare pediatric tumor
  •  First US-EU collaborative trial testing a novel drug in newly-diagnosed high-risk neuroblastoma patients
  • Testing a new CAR-T cell therapy specifically targeting ETMR and medulloblastoma cancer cells 

Leadership in Global Research Advocacy

SKC has continued to earn a seat at the table among childhood cancer research specialists, contributing to the direction of therapeutic development worldwide:

A pink icon of a person with a light bulb above their head.
  • Member, Pediatric Central Review Board, National Cancer Institute (NCI) (2015-Present)
  •  Member, Patient and Family Advisory Committee, Canadian Collaboration for Child Health: Efficiency and Excellence in the Ethics Review of Research (CHEER) (2020-Present)
  •  Advocate, Strategy Forum for DNA Damage Repair, ACCELERATE, Amsterdam, NL (2022)

Pediatric Cancer Research Publications

In addition to participating in committees worldwide, SKC has authored recognized journals supporting pediatric cancer research advancements, including:

A purple icon of a newspaper on a white background.
  •  A systematic literature review to identify ethical, legal, and social responsibilities of nonprofit organizations when funding clinical trials in pediatric cancer (June 2022)
  • The Critical Role of Academic Clinical Trials in Pediatric Cancer Drug Approvals: Design, Conduct, and Fit for Purpose Data for Positive Regulatory Decisions (August 2022)
  • To transplant, or not to transplant? That is the question. A patient advocate evaluation of autologous stem cell transplant in neuroblastoma (April 2022) 

The Return of SKC’s Biggest Fundraiser of the Year

After a two-year hiatus of our annual signature fundraiser, SKC held the Spring Celebration Gala, celebrating our families, supporters, and mission impact:

A hand is holding a heart and a dollar sign.
  • The event raised $500,000 to support pediatric cancer research to advance cures and treatments.
  • 200 guests were in attendance: cancer families well as supporters, many of which are industry leaders.
  •  The 2022 Spring Gala marked SKC’s 15th year as we continue to fund and advocate in over 15 countries.

Lace Up For Kids Childhood Cancer Awareness Campaign 

For the 5th year in a row, our Lace Up For Kids campaign returned in September for Childhood Cancer Awareness Month to support and raise funds for kids fighting cancer:

A yellow bow on a white background
  • Over 38,000 gold laces were distributed to more than 30,000 participants from all 50 states and 4 countries
  •  $26,000+ was raised to support pediatric cancer research and improve survivorship for children
  • Schools contributed to more than half of Lace Up for Kids fundraising.

We’re proud of this year’s exciting progress in childhood cancer research — but until we find more cures, there’s still so much to accomplish. Research requires funding to continue and your support is critical in propelling new treatment options to save more lives. 

A pink gift box with a bow and ribbon on a white background.

As we head into the holiday season, there are several ways to support pediatric cancer research and give hope to kids and families fighting childhood cancer, such as: 


On behalf of the entire Solving Kids’ Cancer team, thank you for your belief that every kid deserves to grow up. 


With deep gratitude,

Scott Kennedy

Executive Director & Co-Founder

Solving Kids’ Cancer

Give the Gift of Hope

By Kristi McKay • December 2, 2024
Ways to Give Back During the Holidays
A man and a little girl are sitting in front of a wooden wall.

Ahana’s Story of Strength

By duda • November 20, 2024
Ahana’s Story of Strength with High-Risk Neuroblastoma Every day, over 1,000 children worldwide are diagnosed with cancer,1 and for many families, that diagnosis means facing an uncertain future. At just 20 months old, Ahana was diagnosed with a rare and aggressive cancer that had already spread through her small body. Her family’s search for life-saving childhood cancer treatments led them from South Africa to Spain and possibly toward a clinical trial in New York. Ahana’s journey shows the importance of supporting organizations like Solving Kids’ Cancer, which works to find, fund, and advocate for advanced treatments that give hope to families fighting against tough-to-treat rare pediatric cancers.
A poster for 2024 year in review for solving kids ' cancer

2024 Year-in-Review

November 11, 2024
Advancing Childhood Cancer Research: SKC’s 2024 Milestones
A group of children are holding a sign that says

2024 Lace Up for Kids Recap

October 1, 2024
Lace Up for Kids: Your Impact on Childhood Cancer Research At Solving Kids’ Cancer, our mission has always been driven by hope — hope for better treatments, hope for breakthroughs, and most importantly, hope for every child fighting cancer. This year’s Lace Up for Kids campaign was nothing short of inspiring. Together, we’ve raised over $264,000 across the entire campaign, funding innovative childhood cancer research and providing more treatment options for children in need.  From coast to coast, nearly 4,000 participants have stepped up to lace up their gold shoelaces and make a difference. Whether it was through schools, sports teams, or community groups, the show of support has been overwhelming throughout the years. Over 7,823 donations have been made to accelerate new treatments, and the hashtag #CareWearShare has been used 13,864 times, spreading the message far and wide!
A girl is standing in front of a car in a parking lot.

Stories of Impact: Erin Martin

September 2, 2024
Gold Laces for Childhood Cancer Awareness Month: Erin’s Story 
A group of children are standing in a circle with their shoes on the floor.

Smithtown Goes Gold for Childhood Cancer

August 8, 2024
Smithtown Goes Gold for Childhood Cancer Awareness Month!
A poster for lace up for kids with a butterfly on it

Lace Up for Kids 2024

August 6, 2024
Childhood Cancer Awareness Month: Lace Up for Kids 2024
A man standing on top of a mountain with the words osteosarcoma survivor to surgeon dr. kurt weiss ' story

Osteosarcoma Survivor Dr. Kurt Weiss

August 1, 2024
Osteosarcoma Survivor to Surgeon: Dr. Kurt Weiss’ Story

A Quick Guide to Your Role as a Parent Advocate

By Kristi McKay • July 4, 2024
A Quick Guide to Your Role as a Parent Advocate 
Jacob 's journey : a childhood cancer survivor 's story

National Cancer Survivors Month

May 10, 2024
Jacob’s Journey: A Childhood Cancer Survivor’s Story Every battle has its heroes, and among the bravest are young children like Jacob Mozer, who faced stage 4 high-risk neuroblastoma when he was barely old enough to walk. Diagnosed at only 16 months old, Jacob’s early years were filled with constant medical appointments and intense treatments. Despite these challenges, today, Jacob is a shining example of the remarkable progress in pediatric oncology. He’s not merely surviving; he’s thriving as a pharmacy resident, driven to give back to the medical community that gave him a second chance at life. During National Cancer Survivors Month this June, we honor and celebrate fighters like Jacob who have battled cancer and emerged stronger. This month also serves to amplify the conversation about pediatric cancer survivorship and push for vital research that continues to save lives. Solving Kids’ Cancer (SKC) plays an essential role in this effort, supporting children like Jacob by funding crucial clinical trials that enhance survival rates and improve the quality of life for those fighting fatal childhood cancers.