Foundation News

Check back frequently for the latest news from the foundation. We'll spotlight recent events, update you on the Campaign for Children's, and keep you current on what is going on at the foundation.

Note: Please be aware of donations impostor:
An impostor is going door-to-door throughout the East Bay claiming to collect donations for Children’s Hospital Oakland through the sale of books and magazines. The man identifies himself as a UC Berkeley student and displays a laminated certificate as "proof" of his legitimacy. Children’s Hospital Oakland does not raise donations via door-to-door sales.

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Children's Celebrates Jordan Family $9.8 Million Gift
for Research in Cellular Therapies

The Jordan Family has made a $9.8 Million gift to Children’s Hospital & Research Center Oakland to fund research in cellular therapies such as bone marrow and cord blood transplantation. Children’s president and CEO, Frank Tiedemann will honor donor Mrs. Dolores Jordan at Children’s Hospital Oakland’s research center on Thursday, June 11. “We are grateful for this generous gift that will allow the life-saving cellular research already happening here at Children’s to continue and expand,” said Tiedemann. “The Jordan family’s legacy will fund research that may significantly alter children’s health care—saving the lives of children here in the East Bay, as well as across the country, and throughout the world.” Read the full press report.

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Children's responds to Swine Flu (H1N1) Alert

In response to the Swine Flu alerts throughout the state and nation, Children's Hospital has activated our Emergency Management Plan. The Disaster Preparedness team is monitoring the current status of the Swine influenza (H1N1) virus infection outbreak and is actively preparing Children's for any cases that may arise in our area, or even at our hospital.

While there are no significant threats at this time, the command center team is taking a proactive approach to planning. For additional information on the H1N1 virus, a list of resources, flu prevention tips and answers to frequently asked questions, visit the Children's Hospital's Website.

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Twins With Rare “Childhood Alzheimer’s” Provided With Cutting-Edge Treatment at Children’s

Children’s Caroline Hastings, MD, of Hematology/Oncology recently won FDA approval to use a sugar compound to treat a rare neuro-degenerative condition called Niemann Pick Type C Disorder, also known as "Childhood Alzheimer's." Five-year-old twins Addi and Cassi Hempel of Reno (pictured with their mom Chris) will be the first in the United States to receive infusions of the compound. Coincidentally, the compound, cyclodextrin, may also prevent AIDS. A special report about this cutting-edge treatment aired on KTVU Channel 2 Ten O'Clock News on April 1. Read the KTVU story here. To learn more about the Hempel family's journey, please read their blog.

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100s of Donors Shave Heads in Support of Pediatric Cancer Research

At Children’s second annual St. Baldrick’s shave-a-thon over 180 people, young and old, shaved their heads to show solidarity with children who have cancer. Rigorous treatment often causes cancer patients’ hair to fall out. So far, approximately $80,000 was raised through this event. St. Baldrick’s is the world’s largest volunteer-driven fundraising event for childhood cancer research. The event’s biggest sponsor is the Keaton Raphael Memorial, which also provides generous support for a full-time fellow in Children’s Oncology department. You can still make a donation to St. Baldrick’s by visiting the organization's website or at Ian, Elora or Ariel's webpages. See the video of that day.

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CHORI's John Waterson, MD, PhD  Nominated for Chair of the FDA Advisory Panel

Children’s John Waterson, MD, has been nominated to serve as chair of the Federal Drug Administration’s Molecular and Clinical Genetic Devices Advisory Panel. The panel will review genetic tests companies would like to market to clinical laboratories.

 

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A Worldclass Bone Marrow Transplant Center at Children’s Hospital
Oakland
After Children’s collaborating on a national trial that showed BMT
could cure sickle cell disease Dr. Walters helped start the worldclass BMT center at Children’s Hospital Oakland. Read more>> 

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Breakthrough on "Magic Bullet" for Cancer Treatment

Children's scientists Robert Ryan, PhD (pictured), and David Iovannisci, PhD, of the Center for the Prevention of Obesity, Cardiovascular Disease & Diabetes, are working on a “magic bullet” in their ongoing development of a new drug delivery system. Dr. Ryan is a lipid scientist and Dr. Iovannisci is a geneticist, and together they are using their knowledge of how lipoprotein particles function to create a lipid complex that can help transport drugs throughout the body. Their latest discovery is published in the December issue of Biochemical and Biophysical Research Communications. Read more>> 

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Children’s Research Institute (CHORI) at the Forefront of Sickle Cell Disease & Thalassemia Research

Elliot Vichinsky, MD, scientist and medical director of Children's Hematology/Oncology department, was invited to co-edit the November issue of Current Molecular Medicine in recognition of his more than 20 years of commitment to research in the field of sickle cell disease and thalassemia. This issue reviews the current state of sickle cell disease and thalassemia research. It highlights recent developments by leading experts, including Children’s researchers Frans Kuypers, PhD; Claudia Morris, MD; Sylvia T. Singer, MD; and Mark Walters, MD. “CHORI is so highly represented in this issue because we have a unique program that actually integrates very basic research with clinical and translational research,” says Dr. Vichinsky. “There aren’t many programs that take such an integrated approach to the disease.” Read more>>
Photo: Dr. Vichinsky with patient and family.  Dr. Vichinsky not only treats patients every day, he also oversees Children's Hematology/Oncology department, including its clinical research studies.)

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Set up a Bequest Anytime

Year after year, one of the largest sources of new philanthropic revenue to the hospital comes from our regular donors who find it in their hearts to make a bequest to Children's Hospital part of their will or trust. Bequests may be a specific amount or a percentage of the estate the person wants to give to Children’s upon their death. We can work with you and your legal and financial advisors to create a gift plan that meets your philanthropic and financial goals. Please email or call Kevin Hughes, director of gift planning, at 510-428-3814, or visit our gift planning for more information.

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To Celebrate Our First 100 Years — We Need Your Stories

As we approach our 100th anniversary, help us collect 100 Children's stories. We’d love to hear from you—maybe your child was a patient at Children’s 10 years ago or 10 days ago; or you were a patient here yourself and you still remember that amazing nurse; or your nephew or granddaughter received care from one of Children’s dedicated doctors. Please share your experience by submitting your story directly to us on our "Share Your Story" page.
(Photo: Brothers Conner and Kieran taking a cruise through Children's hallways.)