Making an Impact: Spotlight on Children's of Alabama | | |
Each year, proceeds from events and other initiatives of the Vince Lombardi Cancer Foundation are awarded to programs making a difference in cancer research, treatment, and prevention. In 2024, more than $300,000 was granted to eight programs, and awardees will be highlighted in this monthly email series throughout 2025.
We are pleased to support Children’s of Alabama with a $50,000 grant through the Starr Children’s Fund. This award funds research to treat neuroblastoma, a rare cancer that develops in nerve tissue and usually impacts children under the age of 5. For children with high-risk neuroblastoma, the chances of surviving this disease are very poor, usually less than 50%.
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Dr. Elizabeth Beierle’s research at Children’s of Alabama targets the gene responsible for the multiplication and growth of cancer cells. The gene, MYCN, controls 200-300 other genes, also making it responsible for creating a barrier to stop medications from reaching the tumor, to fight the neuroblastoma. Their research has discovered a very promising way to get around the gene and better fight the cancer, by activating a specific protein in the gene.
From initial results, it seems this new approach turns off the barrier created by the MYCN gene, and may significantly improve the efficacy of existing neuroblastoma treatments. If current chemotherapy drugs worked better, doctors could decrease the amount of chemotherapy given to children, thus decreasing the short- and long-term side effects for these young patients.
The Vince Lombardi Cancer Foundation’s support allowed Children’s of Alabama to collect necessary data to complete its initial epigenetic studies. Dr. Beierle and her team will present their findings at conferences later this year, and are about to publish a paper to share the results with the scientific community, driving more discovery among their peers. They are ready for the next phase of their research and have applied for a grant from the NIH, which is currently awaiting review.
The approach being researched at Children’s of Alabama has also been found to positively impact treatment of adult cancers, like breast cancer and pancreatic cancer, and other diseases, like Alzheimer’s and pulmonary fibrosis. Through their collaboration with other researchers, they are closer to bringing this exciting development to clinical trials to begin helping patients. Your support of VLCF is what powers this progress - thank you!
| | Our Partners: Kriete Truck Centers | | |
The presenting sponsor of the Lombardi Golf Classic next month, Kriete Truck Centers is a valued partner of the Vince Lombardi Cancer Foundation. In addition to their generous corporate sponsorships, their associates have led their own campaigns to raise funds for cancer research and treatment, demonstrating a deep-rooted commitment to our shared mission.
Last summer, staff coordinated a motorcycle fundraising ride between different Kriete Truck Center locations in Wisconsin, donating over $3,500 to support cancer research and treatment programs. Later in the year, they held a raffle to benefit VLCF during an internal event, raising nearly $2,000 for our mission. Kriete associates regularly volunteer for VLCF events and campaigns, providing critical staffing support to make our events run smoothly.
Kriete Truck Centers’ CEO, David Kriete, serves as the current President of VLCF’s Board of Directors. His leadership has been pivotal in guiding the organization through our recent strategic planning process, and the Foundation is grateful for the many ways he has supported our work during his eight years on the Board, both personally and professionally. Thank you to David and Kriete Truck Centers for your strong partnership and support!
| | Funding a Cure: Cancer Research Month | | |
May is National Cancer Research Month, a designation initiated by the American Association for Cancer Research to “to raise awareness about the importance of cancer research, promote early detection and treatment, and support organizations and individuals dedicated to fighting cancer.”
The Vince Lombardi Cancer Foundation has raised nearly $25 million with a goal to prevent cancer, provide the best care for those fighting it and find a cure. Read more about the innovative research working to find a cure funded by VLCF in 2024.
Through our collective effort to fund such critical research, cancer mortality rates have decreased 30% since 1991. However, in 2025, the main source of funding for these advancements has been on pause, significantly affecting cancer research.
This makes private foundation support more vital than ever. With your investment in VLCF, we can help close this funding gap and ensure essential research continues uninterrupted, driving more progress in the fight against cancer. All contributions to the Vince Lombardi Cancer Foundation made before July 31 will be included in our 2025 grant cycle.
| | Thank you for your continued support of our mission! You are making a difference in the lives of those affected by cancer. | | |
Grant applications are open now through July 31 for the Vince Lombardi Cancer Foundation’s 2025 grant cycle. This fall, VLCF’s Medical Advisory Committee will carefully review all applications, helping ensure that funds are allocated to the most promising and impactful projects.
Through their expertise, we can be confident that our collective donations are making a difference, funding innovative research and compassionate patient support programs vetted by oncology experts.
Grants from the Vince Lombardi Cancer Foundation support programs that align with our mission to prevent cancer, provide the best care to patients and find a cure. If you know of a program that may be interested in funding, please share this opportunity with them.
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May 28th is the last day to purchase tickets to the Lombardi Golf Classic Gala, sponsored by Marcus Hotels & Resorts - just one week from today! Get your tickets now to experience this year’s special program, a tribute to VLCF’s long-time advocate, ambassador, and friend, Bob Uecker.
Held at the historic Pfister Hotel on Friday, June 6th, meet our celebrity golfers at the reception and enjoy a steak dinner and complimentary drinks before the evening’s program celebrating Mr. Baseball himself.
Milwaukee Brewers greats Ken Sanders, Corey Hart, Scott Karl and Geoff Jenkins will take the stage to share their favorite stories about the one and only Bob Uecker. Uecker received the Award of Excellence from the Vince Lombardi Cancer Foundation in 2015 and never missed a Lombardi Golf Classic event.
| | If you can't attend the event, participate in the silent auction! Watch for announcements on June 4 via social media and email for the chance to will a Packers tailgate grill, signed Bob Uecker baseball, Maxfu Ecotour golf bag, concert tickets, and more. | | |
Join us on Wednesday, June 11th from 4:00-7:00 p.m. at Ope Brewing Co. in West Allis for a celebration of Vince Lombardi’s legacy and VLCF’s ongoing impact with a Happy Hour on what would have been Lombardi’s 112th birthday.
Along with delicious beer and seltzers available for purchase from Ope Brewing Co., enjoy free birthday cupcakes and the chance to win tickets to the 2025 Vince Lombardi Cancer Foundation Food & Wine Tasting Gala on November 7. All who attend can enter the door prize drawing, no purchase required!
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Wednesday, June 11
VINCE LOMBARDI'S BIRTHDAY CELEBRATION
Ope Brewing Co. | 6751 W National Ave, West Allis
4:00-7:00 p.m.
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