HOPE...DREAM...IMAGINE...

"We can do more than hope and dream, we can imagine," is a quote that has profound meaning to our Foundation. We feel, as we move into our fourth year, our mission to fund pediatric brain tumor research will continue to instill hope. The boundless scientific imagination of the doctors and clinical researchers are demonstrated in their ongoing laboratory and clinical research. Trials have begun to yield some hopeful results.

"We can do more than lead, we can inspire." The leadership of The Rory David Deutsch Program at the Brain Tumor Center at Duke University has inspired our Foundation. Drs. Henry Friedman and Darell Bigner lead that program. Their team possesses a unique knowledge and commitment that has placed them at the cutting edge of basic research on pediatric brain tumors. It is this research as well as their incomparable dedication to their task that we, with absolute confidence, continue to pledge our financial support.

The Rory David Deutsch Program at Children's Memorial Hospital has been moving forward investigating clinical trials in children with brain stem gliomas. As a result of The Rory David Deutsch Foundation supported trials, Dr. Stewart Goldman, who leads this team, has recently presented some positive findings. Graham Parker, who was one of Rory's favorite singers, wrote "Passion is no ordinary word." This quote definitely depicts Drs. Stewart Goldman, Maryanne Marymount and their team at Children's Memorial Hospital. Their "manner," honesty and compassion, when they were treating Rory, is everpresent today. The passion, tenacity and dedication that are intrinsic in this team are the reasons our Foundation maintains its support and beliefs in the ideals and objectives of their research.

To quote Charles Garfield "We rather than I" truly defines the mindset of our Foundation and implies a "team philosophy." From the researchers to the doctors; children to adults; family, friends and all who have come to know of Rory; you are our team. It is your love, support and overwhelming generosity that enable us to dream of curing the devastating disease that took our son. For that we are forever grateful.

Dan Zadra and Kohi Yamada provided the aforementioned quotes which are so appropriate in describing this special Foundation. Their motto "Celebrate the difference you made" governs our philosophy that Rory's life continues to make a difference. If a seven year old boy can change the way the world sees pediatric brain tumors, imagine what we can do together.

Hope...Dream...Imagine...