Children's Brain Tumor Project

Children's Brain Tumor Project But for families affected by them, every case is one too many. These family foundations and their supporters drive funding, advocacy and awareness for CBTP.

The community of families that participate in the Children's Brain Tumor Project is dedicated to finding new options for treating pediatric brain tumors by supporting research at Weill Cornell Medicine. The families who participate in the Children's Brain Tumor Project (CBTP) are personally invested in finding new treatment options -- and ultimately cures -- for rare and inoperable brain tumors in children and young adults. These tumors, including DIPG, gliomatosis cerebri, and AT/RT, occur so rarely that they do not get the major funding or attention that research scientists need to find a cure. The CBTP is funded in large part by a network of families who have lost loved ones to these terrible tumors, or whose families have been threatened by such a diagnosis. Dr. Mark Souweidane and Dr. Jeffrey Greenfield, Co-Directors of the CBTP at Weill Cornell, have pioneered a neuroscientific paradigm using genomic sequencing and Convection Enhanced Delivery (CED). A Phase I clinical trial is testing the safety of using (CED) to deliver a low-toxicity drug cocktail directly to the tumor site. Bench researchers are using genomic sequencing to identify genetic mutations in each patient's tumor to identify the best drugs to combat them, and investigating new ways to stop tumor progression by blocking signals from bone marrow.

Sometimes we can treat cancer more effectively by studying what is already happening on the surface of tumor cells. Immu...
11/18/2025

Sometimes we can treat cancer more effectively by studying what is already happening on the surface of tumor cells.

Immunophenotyping helps researchers understand how a child’s immune system is responding to a brain tumor by tracking changes in immune cell populations—and using that information to assess the effectiveness of treatments such as chemotherapy or immunotherapy.

By analyzing which immune cells are present in the tumor’s environment, scientists can tailor treatments to boost the ones doing the most good. It's another way precision medicine adapts to each child, rather than relying on one-size-fits-all treatments.

The future of cancer care is personal. And it's already happening.

One of the most unforgettable moments from this year’s No Laughing Matter Gala? 🐶The live auction of “Lucky,” an adorabl...
11/17/2025

One of the most unforgettable moments from this year’s No Laughing Matter Gala? 🐶

The live auction of “Lucky,” an adorable Australian Labradoodle puppy born on August 6, 2025!

This sweet pup instantly stole the spotlight—and hearts—when the winning bid went to our very own Walker Lipton and his family! 🎉 Lucky’s big debut wasn’t just cute; it helped raise vital funds to support life-changing pediatric brain tumor research.

Here’s to laughter, generosity, and a future filled with hope (and a few puppy snuggles)! 💕

What a night! 🎤This year’s No Laughing Matter Gala brought together laughter, music, and meaning — all in support of ped...
11/10/2025

What a night! 🎤

This year’s No Laughing Matter Gala brought together laughter, music, and meaning — all in support of pediatric brain tumor research.

We were thrilled to feature a powerhouse lineup, with stand-up comedy from Kaneez Surka, and headliners Chris Distefano and Josh Johnson. It was an absolute honor to present Nancy Goodman with the annual Liz Laugh Love award, and the audience was brought to tears during a captivating musical performance by Emily Taylor Kaufman in honor of her friend who is battling a brain tumor. The combined talent and energy filled the room, reminding us that joy and hope go hand in hand. 💛

Thank you to everyone who joined us for an unforgettable evening that helps drive life-changing discoveries for children and families. 💫

Thousands of drugs. One goal: a better outcome.Through high throughput drug screening, the Children’s Brain Tumor Projec...
11/07/2025

Thousands of drugs. One goal: a better outcome.

Through high throughput drug screening, the Children’s Brain Tumor Project can rapidly test over 100,000 drug compounds on real patient-derived cells. This helps researchers pinpoint which medications—or combinations—have the best chance of working against a specific tumor.

These personalized drug tests aren’t just happening in petri dishes. Tumor cells can also be grown in mice, allowing scientists to study how the drugs perform in real time and fine-tune treatments before they reach the child.

This is precision medicine in action—and it’s powered by your support.

Learn more: https://www.childrensbraintumorproject.org/precisionmedicine/

At this year’s No Laughing Matter Gala, we were proud to honor Nancy Goodman, Founder and Executive Director of KIDS V C...
11/05/2025

At this year’s No Laughing Matter Gala, we were proud to honor Nancy Goodman, Founder and Executive Director of KIDS V CANCER, for her unwavering advocacy in memory of her son, Jacob. 💛

Nancy has dedicated her life to ensuring that children with cancer receive the treatments and hope they so deeply deserve. Through her tireless work, she has reshaped legislation and inspired change across the pediatric oncology landscape—championing landmark laws like the Creating Hope Act and the RACE for Children Act, both of which have opened critical pathways for developing life-saving therapies for kids.

Her leadership continues to drive progress, from founding CARGO Therapeutics to advocating for the Give Kids a Chance Act, ensuring that innovation never stops where children’s lives are concerned.

We’re deeply grateful for Nancy’s vision, courage, and relentless pursuit of better futures for children and families everywhere. 🌟

Learn more about the event here: https://cbtpfoundation.org/no-laughing-matter-2025-results/

From New York to London! 🌍 After hosting the biannual Gliomatosis Cerebri Conference at Cornell in 2023, Dr. Greenfield,...
11/03/2025

From New York to London! 🌍

After hosting the biannual Gliomatosis Cerebri Conference at Cornell in 2023, Dr. Greenfield, Carolina Cocito, PhD, and Michael Farid had just as much fun this September in London—while still driving science forward to tackle this rare disease. 💛

Two of the world’s leading neurosurgeons in one photo—now that’s a Halloween duo we can get behind! 🎃🧠Dr. Jeffrey Greenf...
10/31/2025

Two of the world’s leading neurosurgeons in one photo—now that’s a Halloween duo we can get behind! 🎃🧠

Dr. Jeffrey Greenfield and Dr. Mark Souweidane (aka Drs. Drake Ramoray and Derek Shepherd) should be equally famous for how many lives they have impacted!

As we celebrate the Halloween season, we’re reminded that the real magic happens in the lab and the operating room—where discoveries turn into brighter futures for children with brain tumors. 💛✨

What happens when math meets medicine? Discovery. 💛Bioinformatics uses powerful computing tools to sort through massive ...
10/30/2025

What happens when math meets medicine? Discovery. 💛

Bioinformatics uses powerful computing tools to sort through massive amounts of data—DNA, proteins, imaging, and more—to reveal hidden patterns in brain tumors.

This is especially important in rare pediatric cancers, where every data point matters. With advanced technology and a collaborative research approach, scientists are unlocking new insights into how tumors behave—and how we can treat them more effectively.

✨ Your support fuels this breakthrough research. Make a donation to help turn big data into big hope for children facing brain tumors. Learn more: https://www.childrensbraintumorproject.org/precisionmedicine/

10/29/2025

What an incredible night! Thanks to everyone who attended, donated, and supported the mission of the Children’s Brain Tumor Project at our largest fundraiser of the year. This year’s No Laughing Matter Gala raised more than $700,000 (and counting!) to fund life-changing pediatric brain tumor research.

Your generosity fuels discovery, hope, and brighter futures for children and families facing the unimaginable. From the bottom of our hearts—thank you to our supporters, donors, and the amazing event committee who made this night possible.

Together, we’re turning laughter into lasting impact.

Weill Cornell Medicine was thrilled to welcome the Pediatric Brain Tumor Network (PBTRN) to our campus. Presentations sh...
10/24/2025

Weill Cornell Medicine was thrilled to welcome the Pediatric Brain Tumor Network (PBTRN) to our campus.

Presentations showcased the innovative research made possible through tissue donations from the Gift From A Child program. Taha Merghoub, PhD, of the Meyer Cancer Center, presented “Rewiring the Immune Response: A New Path for Pediatric Brain Tumors.” He was followed by Michael Farid, B.S.E./B.A., of the Children's Brain Tumor Project, who shared his compelling presentation, “Molecular Insights into Glioma Diffusiveness Through Canine Models.” These presentations sparked meaningful discussion and collaboration among the broader NYC research community.

Life-saving research is happening all over New York, and we are thrilled to be part of the PBTRN.

Weill Cornell Medicine Neurological Surgery

Behind every pediatric brain tumor diagnosis is a child whose life — and future — has been forever altered. 💛 At the Chi...
10/14/2025

Behind every pediatric brain tumor diagnosis is a child whose life — and future — has been forever altered. 💛 At the Children’s Brain Tumor Project, we’re developing innovative treatments that target tumors directly, reduce harmful side effects, and give children the best chance to thrive.

Support this life-changing work by donating to our "No Laughing Matter 2025" research appeal. Tickets are sold out, but we still have far to go to reach out goal!

💛 Donate here: nolaughingmatter2025.org

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Our Story

The families who participate in the Children's Brain Tumor Project (CBTP) are personally invested in finding new treatment options -- and ultimately cures -- for rare and inoperable brain tumors in children and young adults. These tumors, including DIPG, gliomatosis cerebri, and AT/RT, occur so rarely that they do not get the major funding or attention that research scientists need to find a cure. But for families affected by them, every case is one too many. The CBTP is funded in large part by a network of families who have lost loved ones to these terrible tumors, or whose families have been threatened by such a diagnosis. These family foundations and their supporters drive funding, advocacy and awareness for CBTP. Dr. Mark Souweidane and Dr. Jeffrey Greenfield, Co-Directors of the CBTP at Weill Cornell, have pioneered a neuroscientific paradigm using genomic sequencing and Convection Enhanced Delivery (CED). A Phase I clinical trial is testing the safety of using (CED) to deliver a low-toxicity drug cocktail directly to the tumor site. Bench researchers are using genomic sequencing to identify genetic mutations in each patient's tumor to identify the best drugs to combat them, and investigating new ways to stop tumor progression by blocking signals from bone marrow.