Ethie Haworth Children's Cancer Center

Philanthropic support of pediatric cancer research led to the creation of a new type of lymphoma treatment called radiopharmaceuticals. In collaboration with scientists at Michigan State University, Dr. David Hoogstra, Endowed Director of the Haworth Innovative Therapeutics Clinic, and his team are testing this new treatment in the laboratory with promising early results. Dr. Hoogstra was interviewed on WOOD TV 8 discussing this exciting development! 

Watch Dr. Hoogstra’s interview here!

In addition to research, philanthropy also supports the ability to offer clinical trials. In 2025, a patient with relapsed rhabdomyosarcoma received treatment through a clinical trial with a medication that specifically targets this type of pediatric sarcoma. This patient was the first in the United States to receive this innovative therapy! 

Made possible by philanthropy, the Pediatric Oncology Resource Team provides resource assistance, respite care, one-on-one family support and so much more to young patients and their families as they navigate cancer or a life-threatening blood disorder.   

• 439 patients received support from PORT programs – the most in the program’s history
• 57 hours respite care provided at the bedside by volunteers
• $10,280 worth of gas cards provided for travel assistance  
• 9,305 meal passes given to parents  
• 96 PORT family care bags/ backpacks given to newly diagnosed families 
• 11 families received funeral assistance 
• 14 Memorial Care packages sent to bereaved families 
• 17 Dream Rooms decorated for bone marrow transplant patients  

Ben was diagnosed with a rare and aggressive form of childhood cancer called Ewing sarcoma. Unfortunately, even with aggressive treatment of his disease at diagnosis, Ben’s Ewing sarcoma returned. Thankfully, a clinical trial was available at the Haworth Innovative Therapeutics Clinic, testing a new medication specifically targeting Ewing sarcoma. Ben enrolled in the clinical trial and began the new therapy, not knowing what side effects he might experience and if the medication would work. Not only did this new medication work, effectively removing his Ewing sarcoma, he did not experience any nausea or hair loss which is often seen with other forms cancer treatment. With philanthropy supporting both research and clinical trials, more success stories like Ben’s will become possible.