Teenagers might seem unlikely candidates for medical philanthropy, but the volunteer members of Students Supporting Brain Tumor Research (SSBTR) have a collective interest in their cause. Other than leukemia, brain tumors are the number-one cancer killer of children up to age 18. To further their support of brain tumor research in the community, the teens in Valley-based SSBTR have established a fellowship for a post-graduate student interested in the medical field to work in the Neuro-Oncology Laboratory at Barrow.
Julia Mackey, a 2007 NAU grad who earned a bachelor of science in chemistry with a minor in biology, is the recipient of the first SSBTR fellowship. The fellowship includes a one-year $24,000 stipend plus benefits to work under the direction of the lab’s director, Adrienne C. Scheck, PhD.
“When I saw the job opening, I said, ‘That’s me,’” says Mackey, who started her fellowship in July and plans to pursue an MD/PhD program next year. Mackey is working directly with Dr. Scheck and her staff, mostly investigating therapy-resistant brain tumors.
According to Dr. Scheck, Mackey’s experience at Barrow will include presenting at a major scientific conference as well as publishing at least one paper on brain-tumor research.
Walking for science
SSBTR was founded in 2002, shortly after three students in the Paradise Valley School District died of brain tumors. The organization was the brainchild of Steve Glassman, the student council advisor at Pinnacle High School. Working with a small group of student volunteers, Glassman organized the group’s first walkathon, which included four schools and 250 walkers, and raised $7,000. Today, the walkathon, SSBTR’s signature fund-raising event, involves participants from elementary schools, high schools and universities across the state. The benefit has raised more than $600,000 for brain-tumor research.
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Walk for brain-tumor research Join the cause. SSBTR’s 2008 Walkathon will be held Feb. 23, 2008, at Pinnacle High School. For more information, contact SSBTR at ADMIN@ssbtr.org; 1-800-770- 8287, ext. 123; or www.ssbtr.org. |
The couple lost their daughter Lauren to a brain tumor at age 17, which ultimately led the physicians to become involved in SSBTR.
A teen-run event
Dr. Kaye says what makes SSBTR unique is that the students, which include a core group of 10 to 20 volunteers, are expected to do the majority of the fund raising for events, from hiring entertainment and obtaining sponsors to generating publicity. Many of those involved have had family members or friends who have survived brain tumors or passed away.
“ We’re making progress in brain-tumor research, particularly in labs like Dr. Scheck’s, but less government funding in cancer research is a problem. Through SSBTR, we’re able to help research centers at Barrow and other locations make a difference,” Dr. Kaye says.
According to Dr. Scheck, who suggested the fellowship, dedicating money specifically to a lab position is a traceable way for the volunteer members to document funds.
“It’s a good way for kids to get involved and see how much of a difference they can make and see the product of their work instead of funds going into a general pool,” says Dr. Scheck, who adds that besides raising money for much-needed research, involvement in SSBTR helps young people build valuable life lessons.“Any time you let kids run things, you’re teaching them about leadership and something about the world—skills that always come in handy.”
