Lauren’s First and Goal Foundation
June 2004 – December 2023 Summary
$2,620,952

Research Donations - $1,821,698

Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Children's Brain Tumor Tissue Consortium - $463,000

A 10-year, $15-million initiative, the CBTTC will be working to collect, store and distribute tumor tissue for more than 200 types of pediatric brain tumors. The Foundation has also directed funds to the Pediatric Low Grade Glioma Research program spearheaded by Dr. Adam Resnick.

  • Download pdfCHOP Research Update

    http://www.chop.edu/news/biology-childhood-brain-tumors-offers-clues-precise-treatments

    263.1 K | 1/5/2022

Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Dr. Peter Burger and Dr. Charles Eberhart, Pilocytic/Pilomixoid Research Fund Study - $544,500

Learn more about the Pilocyctic Pilomyxoid Research Fund by reading the PDF below.

Dana Farber Cancer Institute, Pediatric Low Grade Glioma Program - $746,500

The attached is a report on the Pediatric Low-Grade Astrocytoma Program prepared for Lauren's First and Goal Foundation.

Pediatric Brain Tumor Foundation of the US, Duke University Brain Tumor Center/Pediatric Brain Tumor Consortium - $52,698

Musella Foundation for Brain Tumor Research - $15,000
This donation was dispersed among these research studies:

  • Dr. Robert Prins and Dr. Linda Liau, UCLA Medical Center, for project “Genetic profiling and immunotherapeutic targeting of Optic Gliomas”
  • Dr. Timothy E. Van Meter, Virginia Commonwealth University, for project "A Molecular Signature of Pediatric Optic Glioma"
  • Dr. Avraham Dilmanian, Ph.D. at Brookhaven National Lab, N.Y., for the project titled: "Stereotactic Microbeam Radiation Therapy of a rat brainstem gliosarcoma as a surrogate for optic glioma"

Pediatric Cancer Services Donations - $514,250

Angel 34 – $31,000
LFG's donation was in support of the construction of Angel Field and pavilion, a retreat for pediatric cancer patients and families living in the Lehigh Valley.

Back Pack Resource Library- $2,000
In partnership with the Leukemia Lymphoma Society, a resource library of disease specific books and educational materials was developed and is being provided to all newly diagnosed patients and families at the Lehigh Valley Specialty Care Hematology/Oncology Clinic.

Camp Sunshine – $240,750
LFG donations continue to underwrite the expenses for families during Brain Tumor Week. The foundation also sponsored the construction of a new volunteer housing suite at Camp Sunshine. This suite provides a permanent home for some very special volunteers, including Max and Rocky, who bring love and friendship to children and families during their visits to Camp Sunshine. This donation supports the continuation of the pet therapy and wellness programming at each camp session, and a permanent place for the volunteers who facilitate these services to stay during the sessions.

Compassion Cafe - $5,000
Compassion Cafe is an nonprofit founded to provide meaningful employment and job training for adolescents and adults with disabilities. The Cafe "seeks to integrate people with intellectual and developmental disabilities through hands on training and employment". Many childhood cancer survivors suffer from debilitating and life altering long term side effects of toxic treatments received throughout critical developmental periods early in life. 60 to 90% develop one or more chronic health conditions, which often times impact the ability to find meaningful employment and job training. By providing meaningful, paid employment for teens and adults with special needs, employees of Compassion Cafe gain independence, self-confidence and works skills for a successful future.

Camp Can Do - $43,000
Camp Can Do is a week long camp for children in active treatment formerly sponsored by the American Cancer Society. In 2013, the national offices of the American Cancer Society decided to stop funding all camps. Camp Can Do has been in existence for 30 years, and is served by a dedicated corps of oncology nurses, doctors, and social workers, many who are childhood cancer survivors and former Camp Can Do participants. Recognizing the importance and value of the Camp Can Do experience, this group has filed for 501c3 status, and has partnered with Greta Glen Retreat Center to ensure that Camp Can Do will continue to operate, but will need to raise the necessary funds to do so. The program provides a normal, active and safe camp experience where children can celebrate life while living through their cancer journey. Campers explore the outdoors, swim, fish, boat, work with arts and crafts, and spend a day at Hersheypark among other activities. This camp serves a large contingent of children from our local Lehigh Valley Oncology Clinic.

Cancer Support Group of the Greater Lehigh Valley - Pediatric Equine Assisted Therapy Group - $1,500
New in 2012, LFG will be providing the funding for a program of horse assisted therapy designed to meet the physical and emotional needs of children with cancer. The program will increase confidence, independence and responsibility; foster self-control, trust and empathy and improve balance and promote exercise and relation through interaction with horses.

Children's Brain Tumor Foundation – $10,000
LFG's grant supported advocacy program initiatives and patient/family education programming.

Cindy Miles Adaptive Fund - $7,500
LFG is proud to partner with the Cindy Miles Adaptive Fund to build accessible recreational opportunities for children with disabilities. We feel a special connection to this project as Cindy was one of Lauren's beloved Physical Therapists for many years, and her practice in Whitehall, PA served children in need of PT services with loving compassion and expertise in a fun and engaging way that made PT something to look forward to for Lauren and many others.

Dream Come True – $5,000
LFG's donation helped this organization grant more wishes for seriously ill children of the Lehigh Valley.

Hope is Here to Stay
LFG donated 60 copies of Hope is Here to Stay to pediatric neuro oncology treatment centers and pediatric cancer service organizations across the country. These were underwritten by a donation from Frank and Holly Santoro.

Kyle's Peace - $15,000
Founded in memory of Kyle D. Kerpan, this program serves the patients and their families at the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia oncology clinic. Kyle's Peace organizes monthly visits to the facilities that include various activities, comfort services, monthly parent support group meetings and even yoga.

Lauren's Life Lessons
LFG donated 100 copies of Lauren's Life Lessons to pediatric oncology treatment centers and cancer service organizations across the country. These were provided by a generous donation from Frank and Holly Santoro.

Pediatric Cancer Foundation of the Lehigh Valley – $103,000
LFG helps this organization provide monthly patient/family/caregiver support groups as well as physical and recreational activities for pediatric cancer patients in the Lehigh Valley.

Penn Veterinary Vet Pets Program – $1,500
LFG's grant supports this program that coordinates animal visits for children and their families staying at the Ronald McDonald House.

Ronald McDonald House Philadelphia - $47,500
This grant supports the Philadelphia Ronald McDonald House Chestnut Street expansion project, new family suite and Adopt a Room program. The house is a home away from home for patients and families traveling to Philadelphia for care. The new addition at the house will increase the number of room nights available from 16,000 to 40,000, and provide a host of new amenities for families.

Splashes Of Hope- $1,500
LFG's donation will help Splashes of Hope transform the bare walls of healthcare facilities into a comfortable, friendly atmosphere for patients, hospital staff and visiting family members. Creations are designed to stimulate the healing process by giving patients a soothing visual focus during their hospital stay.


Family Support - $285,004

The financial strain of a cancer diagnosis can present a tremendous challenge for families and caregivers. Families can apply for financial assistance for uncovered medical, housing, utility and funeral expenses through the oncology clinic social workers who work with the foundation to ensure that requests are valid and appropriate.

lauren equine assisted therapy web

Lauren participated in the pilot program of the equine-assisted therapy now being sponsored as part of this year's grants.

dr peter phillips chop.JPG

Lauren with the Director of Pediatric Neuro-Oncology at Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Dr. Peter Phillips.

laurens dream

Lauren's First and Goal has donated $141,250 to Camp Sunshine.

Pediatric Brain Tumor Research Grants

Lauren's First and Goal awarded $31,000 to Angel34.

For Penn Vets Pets.JPG

Lauren's First and Goal has donated $1,500 to the Vet Pets program.

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