Foundation News
Check back frequently for the latest news from the foundation. We'll spotlight recent events, update you on the Campaign for Children's, and keep you current on what is going on at the foundation.
Raiders and Mrs. Fields Cookies Team-up to Visit Children’s
The Oakland Raiders teamed up with Mrs. Fields Cookies for a visit to Children’s Outpatient Center in early December. Mrs. Fields representatives gave away plush teddy bears (with a Raiders’ eye-patch!) and chocolate chip cookies in honor of two fiftieth anniversaries — the Oakland Raiders and Children’s Hospital Oakland Research Institute. Read more >>
Children's Scientists Discover Soy Can Fight Colon Cancer
Led by Dr. Julie Saba, scientists at Children's Hospital & Research Center Oakland have identified a new class of therapeutic agents found naturally in soy that can prevent and possibly treat colon cancer, the third most deadly form of cancer. Read more >>
Dr. Deborah Dean Wins Apple Bioinformatics Award
Deborah Dean, MD, MPH, senior scientist at Children's, was chosen from hundreds of applicants to receive Apple’s Bioinformatics Award. The award will help further her work to develop a vaccine for chlamydia, the leading cause of preventable blindness and sexually transmitted diseases in the world today. Read more >>
Dr. Bertram Lubin Named President & Chief Executive Officer
Bertram Lubin, MD, long-time research director at Children's Hospital's research institute (CHORI), has been named president and chief executive officer of Children's Hospital & Research Center Oakland.
“I am honored to lead Children’s Hospital & Research Oakland,” Dr. Lubin said. "There are important challenges ahead, and I look forward to working closely with the medical staff and the communities we serve to deliver the highest quality pediatric care for all children.”
Dr. Lubin replaces former president & CEO Frank Tiedemann who has held the role since early 2005. Dr. Lubin most recently served as the hospital’s senior vice president, research and president and director of the medical research for the hospital’s research arm, Children's Hospital Oakland Research Institute. He has been at Children’s since 1973. As CEO, he will direct an organization with more than 2,600 employees including 200 doctors, and an annual budget of more than $300 million. Read the full press release.
"Smartest man in baseball" visits CHORI
Oakland A’s relief pitcher Craig Breslow, sometimes called the “smartest man in baseball,” visited CHORI on August 4 to learn more about Children’s cancer research. Breslow’s interest in medicine and, in particular cancer research, began when his sister was diagnosed with thyroid cancer. He was only 12 at the time. Although she’s been in remission for 15 years, the experience prompted him to establish the Strike 3 Foundation to raise money for pediatric cancer research and awareness. He visited CHORI to learn more about Children's cancer research programs.
Latin Radiothon Scores Big Win for Children's, raises over $500,000
Spanish Broadcasting System (SBS) and 93.3 La Raza (KRZZ) in San Francisco announced today that they raised over $500,000 in pledges for Children’s Miracle Network, benefiting Children’s Hospital & Research Center Oakland. The money was raised during Radiotón Para Nuestros Niños (Radiothon for our Kids), an on-air fundraiser organized by SBS and 93.3 La Raza for Children’s Hospital Oakland. The first Spanish language radiothon ever held for the Children’s Hospital Oakland took place over three days from Friday, July 31 through Sunday, August 2. La Raza’s on-air talent and popular DJs such as Los Hijos de la Bahia, El Vacilon del Mandril, El Caballero, El Semental and Charito Martinez, broadcast live from the hospital throughout the event. Thanks to all who helped make this event a huge success!
CHORI featured in Oakland Business Review
CHORI's extensive research on developing vaccines and treatments have attracted attention on the national and international stage. The article, published in early August, highlights CHORI's reputation as a premier pediatric research institute and commends CHORI for enhancing the city of Oakland and its business community. Read the full article.
Children's Celebrates Jordan Family $9.8 Million Gift
for Research in Cellular Therapies
The Jordan Family has made a $9.8 Million gift to Children’s Hospital & Research Center Oakland to fund research in cellular therapies such as bone marrow and cord blood transplantation. Children’s president and CEO, Frank Tiedemann will honor donor Mrs. Dolores Jordan at Children’s Hospital Oakland’s research center on Thursday, June 11. “We are grateful for this generous gift that will allow the life-saving cellular research already happening here at Children’s to continue and expand,” said Tiedemann. “The Jordan family’s legacy will fund research that may significantly alter children’s health care—saving the lives of children here in the East Bay, as well as across the country, and throughout the world.” Read the full press report.
Children's responds to Swine Flu (H1N1) Alert
In response to the Swine Flu alerts throughout the state and nation, Children's Hospital has activated our Emergency Management Plan. The Disaster Preparedness team is monitoring the current status of the Swine influenza (H1N1) virus infection outbreak and is actively preparing Children's for any cases that may arise in our area, or even at our hospital.
While there are no significant threats at this time, the command center team is taking a proactive approach to planning. For additional information on the H1N1 virus, a list of resources, flu prevention tips and answers to frequently asked questions, visit
the Children's Hospital's Website.
Twins With Rare “Childhood Alzheimer’s” Provided With Cutting-Edge Treatment at Children’s
Children’s Caroline Hastings, MD, of Hematology/Oncology recently won FDA approval to use a sugar compound to treat a rare neuro-degenerative condition called Niemann Pick Type C Disorder, also known as "Childhood Alzheimer's." Five-year-old twins Addi and Cassi Hempel of Reno (pictured with their mom Chris) will be the first in the United States to receive infusions of the compound. Coincidentally, the compound, cyclodextrin, may also prevent AIDS. A special report about this cutting-edge treatment aired on KTVU Channel 2 Ten O'Clock News on April 1. Read the KTVU story here. To learn more about the Hempel family's journey, please read their blog.
100s of Donors Shave Heads in Support of Pediatric Cancer Research
At Children’s second annual St. Baldrick’s shave-a-thon over 180 people, young and old, shaved their heads to show solidarity with children who have cancer. Rigorous treatment often causes cancer patients’ hair to fall out. So far, approximately $80,000 was raised through this event. St. Baldrick’s is the world’s largest volunteer-driven fundraising event for childhood cancer research. The event’s biggest sponsor is the Keaton Raphael Memorial, which also provides generous support for a full-time fellow in Children’s Oncology department. You can still make a donation to St. Baldrick’s by visiting the organization's website or at Ian, Elora or Ariel's webpages.
See the video of that day.
CHORI's John Waterson, MD, PhD Nominated for Chair of the FDA Advisory Panel
Children’s John Waterson, MD, has been nominated to serve as chair of the Federal Drug Administration’s Molecular and Clinical Genetic Devices Advisory Panel. The panel will review genetic tests companies would like to market to clinical laboratories.
A Worldclass Bone Marrow Transplant Center at Children’s Hospital Oakland
After Children’s collaborating on a national trial that showed BMT
could cure sickle cell disease Dr. Walters helped start the worldclass BMT center at Children’s Hospital Oakland. Read more>>
Breakthrough on "Magic Bullet" for Cancer Treatment
Children's scientists Robert Ryan, PhD (pictured), and David Iovannisci, PhD, of the Center for the Prevention of Obesity, Cardiovascular Disease & Diabetes, are working on a “magic bullet” in their ongoing development of a new drug delivery system. Dr. Ryan is a lipid scientist and Dr. Iovannisci is a geneticist, and together they are using their knowledge of how lipoprotein particles function to create a lipid complex that can help transport drugs throughout the body. Their latest discovery is published in
the December issue of Biochemical and Biophysical Research Communications.
Read more>>
Children’s Research Institute (CHORI) at the Forefront of Sickle Cell Disease & Thalassemia Research
Elliot Vichinsky, MD, scientist and medical director of Children's Hematology/Oncology department, was invited to co-edit the November issue of Current Molecular Medicine in recognition of his more than 20 years of commitment to research in the field of sickle cell disease and thalassemia. This issue reviews the current state of sickle cell disease and thalassemia research. It highlights recent developments by leading experts, including Children’s researchers Frans Kuypers, PhD; Claudia Morris, MD; Sylvia T. Singer, MD; and Mark Walters, MD. “CHORI is so highly represented in this issue because we have a unique program that actually integrates very basic research with clinical and translational research,” says Dr. Vichinsky. “There aren’t many programs that take such an integrated approach to the disease.” Read more>>
Photo: Dr. Vichinsky with patient and family. Dr. Vichinsky not only treats patients every day, he also oversees Children's Hematology/Oncology department, including its clinical research studies.)
Establish Your Legacy Now
Year after year, one of the largest sources of new philanthropic revenue to the hospital comes from our regular donors who find it in their hearts to include a gift in their will or trust to Children's Hospital. A gift of any size can be made part of your estate plan and will forever remind your family and friends what was important to you. We can work with you or your legal and financial advisors to create a gift plan that meets your philanthropic and financial goals. For more information, please email giftplanning@mail.cho.org or call our gift planning staff, at 510-428-3814.
To Celebrate Our First 100 Years — We Need Your Stories
As we approach our 100th anniversary, help us collect 100 Children's stories. We’d love to hear from you—maybe your child was a patient at Children’s 10 years ago or 10 days ago; or you were a patient here yourself and you still remember that amazing nurse; or your nephew or granddaughter received care from one of Children’s dedicated doctors. Please share your experience by submitting your story directly to us on
our "Share Your Story" page.
(Photo: Brothers Conner and Kieran taking a cruise through Children's hallways.)
Please contact the foundation at (510) 428-3814 or email us with questions at any time.
