The James Fund for Neuroblastoma Research (JF) was established at SickKids (SK) Foundation by the Birrell family to generate knowledge leading to new therapies for the treatment of patients with neuroblastoma. It has now grown to become the largest neuroblastoma research initiative in Canada. The JF began by helping SK and University of Toronto researchers develop pilot data from feasibility studies to be subsequently used in new research grant proposals, and was specifically designed to advance translational research that could otherwise not compete successfully in external grant competitions without abundant pilot data. It was anticipated that the successful applications would lead to rapid translation to clinical research or to novel breakthroughs in basic research.

The James Fund is nestled within SickKids Foundation. It is a “restricted fund” meaning that every dollar raised by the Fund goes directly to support research and investigation into new therapies and ultimately a cure for neuroblastoma, with no deduction for overhead. Our relationship with SickKids Foundation allows for immediate and direct access to researchers and research facilities at SK, one of the foremost centres for pediatric health research in the world.  Funding is granted through peer reviewed competitions, and allows for grants of up to $35,000 for one year of research. The grant is primarily to cover the cost of supplies associated with the research project. The funds may be used to cover a portion of salaries for personnel working specifically on the research project. 

Neuroblastoma is the major malignant tumor of children outside of the brain, it is usually fatal in children over one year of age, and it accounts for almost as many cancer deaths in children as does leukemia.  Sadly neuroblastoma research has been neglected, and there has been no significant improvement in survival rates over the last two decades. The James Fund’s success in raising awareness about neuroblastoma and in raising funds to support research into the disease has enhanced SK’s already well-earned reputation as a magnet for expert and energetic investigation.  The James Fund has not only brought scientists from abroad to come to Canada to study neuroblastoma, but is now funding research at Cornell in the USA, has begun a joint project with Japan's foremost neuroblastoma scientist, and is launching collaborative work with scientists at Harvard.  The James Fund is also proud to announce a prestigious cross-Canada research partnership with the Canadian Institutes of Health and Research (CIHR).

For more information, please visit jamesfund.ca