How Theresa’s Battleship donations are helping to advance research
Ching C. Lau, MD, PhD, Division Head for the Center for Cancer and Blood Disorders at Connecticut Children’s, is a distinguished pediatric oncologist and cancer researcher. He holds joint positions as Professor at The Jackson Laboratory (JAX) for Genomic Medicine and as Head of the Division of Pediatric HematologyOncology in the Department of Pediatrics at the UConn School of Medicine. Dr. Lau’s clinical interests include neurooncology, solid tumors and osteosarcoma. He is particularly interested in improving the speed and outcome of clinical trials for young cancer patients, who present unique concerns. Learn More!
Advancing Pediatric Cancer Research with the Jackson Laboratory
The future of pediatric cancer research
Lau believes immunotherapies hold much promise for the pediatric field. However, treatment is only effective if the diagnosis is accurate. Therefore, Lau is looking to improve the accuracy of his diagnoses. He has implemented several tools to help determine the characteristic profiles of each cancer he sees in the clinic. One tool proving to be an essential part of his diagnostic process is a test to profile DNA methylation of cancer cells, which regulates gene expression. The DNA methylation test results can therefore more accurately diagnose the specific subtype of cancer. The Lau lab has been working in conjunction with the Advanced Precision Medicine Laboratory to validate these tests which are currently available to Connecticut Children’s as well as other hospitals locally and around the country.
What is Rhabdomyosarcoma?
Rhabdomyosarcoma is a cancer composed of cells that usually develop into skeletal muscles. These are the voluntary muscles that we have control over to move parts of our body. It is an aggressive form of cancer that is characterized by malignant tumors in the soft tissues of the body. It can affect the arms, legs, neck, lungs, brain, and larger organs.
Click here to learn more about the latest Rhabdomyosarcoma research.
How the Theresa’s Battleship Foundation Gives Back
LiveStrong at the YMCA
The Y and LIVESTRONG joined together to create LIVESTRONG at the YMCA, an evidence-based physical activity and well-being program designed to help adult cancer survivors reclaim their total health.
Participants work with Y staff trained in supportive cancer care to safely achieve their goals such as building muscle mass and strength, increasing flexibility and endurance, and improving confidence and self -esteem. By focusing on the whole person and not the disease, LIVESTRONG at the YMCA is helping people move beyond cancer in spirit, mind and body.
The Theresa’s Battleship Foundation received an award from the YMCA for their commitment to Social Responsibility on March 20th, 2024 for funding this program.
Cards For Kids
Since 2014, the Theresa’s Battleship Foundation has been making and collecting cards for pediatric cancer patients. Over the years, the foundation has collected hundreds of holiday, inspirational, and get well soon cards distributed to Children’s Medical Center in Hartford. CT as well as St. Judes Children’s Research Hospital in Memphis, TN.
