Atlanta Attorney Funds Less Toxic, More Effective Treatments for Pediatric Cancers
In the United States, childhood cancer is the leading cause of death by disease in children under the age of 15. By the time they are 20, one in 285 Americans will be diagnosed with cancer. Research on treatments for two of the deadliest forms of pediatric cancer – acute myeloid leukemia and neuroblastoma – is grossly underfunded.
Press On is a field of interest fund that invests in medical research focused on novel and less toxic approaches to the treating of neuroblastoma and acute myeloid leukemia.
Founded by Atlanta, Georgia attorney Stephen Chance and his wife Erin, Press On has raised more than $4 million that has gone directly to research or has been pledged– in the organization’s continued efforts to defeat childhood cancer.
By providing grants to scientists conducting research on novel treatment approaches for these rare pediatric cancers, Press On is working towards a greater cure rate without reliance on therapies that can have devastating or fatal effects on small children.
A Personal Interest, a Shared Goal
The Chances formed Press On in 2006 after their son, Patrick, was diagnosed with Stage IV neuroblastoma. In 2009, Stephen and Erin were joined by Turner and Tara Simkins, whose son, Brennan, had been diagnosed with acute myeloid leukemia that same year.
The toxic treatment modalities used on these small boys placed them both at risk of developing treatment-related AML. In January of 2012, Patrick died on his ninth birthday, strengthening the resolve of his parents to fund research for a cure and to help ensure other children and families are spared this heartbreak. Brennan is currently in remission after enduring four bone marrow transplants.
It is the continued mission of Stephen, Erin, Turner, and Tara to “IDENTIFY feasible and ground breaking alternative therapies for childhood cancers and to INVEST monies raised in a manner that supports the science and infrastructure needed to CURE childhood cancer within our lifetime.”
To support the Chances and Simkinses in this noble effort, please visit the Press On Ways to Help page today. To learn more about Mr. Chance, visit his bio page on the website of his Atlanta-based law firm, Watkins, Lourie, Roll & Chance, PC.
For additional information about Press On, the organization’s mission, and how you can help, please visit their website or Facebook page.
