Pediatric Cancer Research

UPMC Children’s is at the forefront of childhood neurologic cancer research and clinical studies.

While strides have been made in the fight against pediatric cancer, many aggressive forms of cancer still exist. Tragically, pediatric cancer remains one of the top three leading causes of death in children under 14 in the United States. Thanks to generous philanthropic investments in research, we’ve seen incredible improvements in outcomes over the past several decades.

Your support directly contributes to our mission of providing hope, healing, and a healthier future for these young warriors and their families.

Get Involved

Each September, we raise awareness for pediatric cancer and we invite you to join us. Your involvement, whether through donations, spreading the word, or participating in our awareness events, makes a profound impact.

Learn more about how you can make a difference to a child fighting pediatric cancer.

Schools and businesses across the region engage in fundraising by asking each participant to make a $5 donation (or other designated amount) to wear a favorite hat throughout the day.

Connor’s Cure was created in honor of 8-year-old Connor Michalek, who battled medulloblastoma, a rare tumor that affects the brain and spinal cord. WWE established Connor’s Cure as a fund within UPMC Children’s Hospital Foundation. A portion of funds raised through Connor’s Cure supports pediatric brain and spinal cord cancer research.

Each year, this unique event, unWINEd “A Toast to Hope for A Cure,” raises critical funds for UPMC Children’s Hospital’s amazing cancer programs and the patients they serve. Over the last 10 years, unWINEd has raised over $1.3 million.

Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation (ALSF) is dedicated to changing the lives of children with cancer by funding research, raising awareness, and supporting families. ALSF has been a critical partner to UPMC Children’s for over 10 years.