6 Months. 6 Webinars. 1 Global Community.

Over the past six months, Shir for Life’s International Neuroblastoma Webinar Series has brought together more than 800 participants from 41 countries, creating a powerful global network of parents, doctors, researchers, and advocates. Another 800+ viewers have since watched these sessions on demand—proof of how needed and valued this resource is.

Each month, we’ve tackled some of the most pressing topics in neuroblastoma, led by world-renowned experts and anchored in practical, hopeful information for families and professionals alike.

Here’s a look at the journey so far:

• December 2024 – International Neuroblastoma Summit (INAD) To launch the series, we brought together five leading voices in neuroblastoma:

  • Dr. Susan Cohn: Co-chair, INRG (International Neuroblastoma Risk Group) Task Force; Professor and Director of Clinical Sciences, Department of Pediatrics, University of Chicago

  • Dr. Ro Bagatell: Chair, Neuroblastoma Disease Committee, Children’s Oncology Group (COG); Professor of Pediatrics, Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia

  • Dr. Julie Park: Chair, NANT (New Approaches to Neuroblastoma Therapy) Consortium; Professor of Pediatrics, Seattle Children’s Hospital

  • Dr. Lucas Moreno: Chair, SIOPEN (European Neuroblastoma Group); Head of Pediatric Hematology-Oncology, Vall d’Hebron University Hospital

  • Dr. Maja Beck-Popovic: Former President of SIOPEN

This high-level panel discussed global collaboration, clinical trials, and the future of research.

• January 2025 – The COG Approach Dr. Ro Bagatell (Chair, Neuroblastoma Disease Committee, COG; Professor of Pediatrics, Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia) returned to share the Children’s Oncology Group (COG) approach to neuroblastoma, covering the latest treatment strategies, research advancements, and what the future holds.
  

• February 2025 – Diagnosis & Staging Dr. Susan Cohn (Co-chair, International Neuroblastoma Risk Group Task Force; Professor and Director of Clinical Sciences, Department of Pediatrics, University of Chicago) guided families through what to expect in early stages of diagnosis: testing, tumor biology, imaging, and understanding risk categories.
  

• March 2025 – CAR T-cell Immunotherapy Dr. Francesca Del Bufalo (Scientist at the Department of Hematology/Oncology and Cell and Gene Therapy, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital, IRCCS) joined from Rome to explore CAR T-cell therapy in neuroblastoma—what’s in trial now and what’s on the horizon.

  
  

• April 2025 – Clinical Trials at MSK Dr. Brian H. Kushner (Professor of Pediatrics, Weill Cornell University Medical College; Attending and Member, Department of Pediatrics, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center) offered a deep dive into investigational therapies at Memorial Sloan Kettering, including precision medicine and relapse protocols.

  
  

• May 2025 – The Role of Surgery Dr. Michael LaQuaglia (Joseph H. Burchenal Professor of Surgery, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center), a renowned pediatric surgeon, shared what makes neuroblastoma surgery so complex and crucial—and how decisions are made across the care team.
  

Together, these sessions form a growing library of trusted, expert guidance—free and accessible to all.

What’s next?

We continued in June with Dr. Elisha Waldman (Associate Professor of Pediatrics; Consultant, Pediatric Palliative Medicine, Louis Dundas Centre for Oncology Outreach and Palliative Care, Great Ormond Street Hospital) on palliative care and decision-making support for families. Coming up in July, Dr. Giselle Sholler (Division Chief of Pediatric Hematology/Oncology, Penn State Health Children’s Hospital) will join to discuss new directions in high-risk neuroblastoma treatment and research.h.

Want to catch up or share with your care team? 📺 All past sessions are available on demand: Watch now »

🗓️ And be sure to register for the next upcoming sessions »

This series is just getting started—and so is our impact.