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Shir for Life Blog
Hope, research, and action for a future without neuroblastoma.


Why Families and Scientists Need Each Other
Every discovery in childhood cancer begins with a question — often one asked first by a parent.
In our July webinar, Dr. Giselle Sholler, Chair of the Beat Childhood Cancer Research Consortium, shared an insider’s view of what true collaboration between families and scientists looks like — and why it’s the driving force behind every breakthrough in neuroblastoma research.
Oct 162 min read


Global Collaboration: Why It Matters for Neuroblastoma Families
September is Childhood Cancer Awareness Month — a reminder that every child’s fight deserves global urgency. This year, Shir for Life marked the month in two important ways: hosting our September 5th webinar with Dr. Lucas Moreno, President of SIOPEN, and later joining the international neuroblastoma community at the SIOPEN annual conference in Copenhagen.
Sep 292 min read


What Surgery Can—and Can’t—Do in Neuroblastoma
A conversation with Dr. Michael LaQuaglia, Chief of Pediatric Surgery at Memorial Sloan Kettering
When a child is diagnosed with neuroblastoma, surgery is often one of the first things families ask about. What kind of surgery will be needed? Can the tumor be fully removed? What are the risks—and what comes next?
Jun 253 min read


Risk vs. Stage: What’s the Difference in Neuroblastoma?
For families navigating a neuroblastoma diagnosis, one of the most confusing aspects is understanding the difference between stage and risk classification. Many assume that all Stage 4 neuroblastoma cases are the same, but the reality is much more complex—and personal.
Jun 62 min read


What to ask after a neuroblastoma Relapse
When a child’s neuroblastoma relapses, it can feel like the ground disappears beneath you. But it’s not the end of the road. Dr. Brian H. Kushner, a leading pediatric oncologist at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center (MSK) specializing in high-risk and relapsed neuroblastoma, shares key insights for parents navigating relapse.
Apr 212 min read


A Milestone for Research: Shir for Life Funds Breakthrough Immunotherapy Research at CHOP
March, 2025 - Shir for Life completed its second major payment to support an innovative research project at Children’s Hospital of...
Apr 22 min read


Navigating Relapse Treatment: Liam’s Story
When Liam Brown was just a toddler, his parents thought he was catching every daycare virus. He’d come home with one illness after...
Mar 193 min read


2024: A Year of Impact & Achievement at Shir for Life
In 2024, Shir for Life made significant strides in the fight against neuroblastoma, driving forward research, supporting families, and...
Jan 62 min read


A Global Milestone: Highlights from the International Neuroblastoma Summit
On December 5, 2024 , Shir for Life launched the inaugural International Neuroblastoma Awareness Day —a powerful moment that united more...
Dec 19, 20241 min read
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