“You have to be there to see it. And once you do, there is no escape. You have to fight for these patients.” — Dr. Mariella Filbin

 

And she's right.

 

On Tuesday, we had the privilege of visiting Dr. Filbin's lab at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute with our partners at Bikes Fight Cancer and PDC Incorporated. If you could witness firsthand the extraordinary brainpower, passion and sheer determination of the 20 brilliant researchers working tirelessly to find a cure for DIPG, you would understand why we believe so deeply that the science is the magic.

 

This year, our 3 organizations have collectively donated $348,107 in Maddie's name to support Dr. Filbin's groundbreaking research through the Pan-Mass Challenge.

And here's what your generosity looks like in action: That funding is helping the lab bring on a new PhD researcher, a recent graduate from our own UMass Amherst, this year. Another brilliant mind dedicated to finding answers. Your dollars, immediately at work.

 

In February 2022, Maddie underwent a biopsy that would help researchers better understand this devastating disease at Boston Children's Hospital. We now picture Dr. Filbin running from Maddie's operating room to her lab and we believe that one day, a piece of Maddie will be part of the cure that saves other children.

Dr. Filbin believes that cure is coming, too.

 

In the 1950s, childhood leukemia was essentially a death sentence. Today, some forms have cure rates approaching 98%. Why can't we do the same for DIPG?

Dr. Filbin has a remarkable goal: to put herself out of a job in the next 20–25 years.

We couldn't be prouder to help her do exactly that.

 

To everyone who supports Magic for Maddie, Bikes Fight Cancer and Team PDC at the PMC, please know this: You are making an extraordinary difference. You are putting brilliant minds to work, accelerating discoveries and giving families something they desperately need. HOPE.

 

Maddie brought the sparkle. Together, we're turning it into science.