Sofia’s Hope, Inc. is committed to making a difference in the world of childhood cancer and specifically in the world of pediatric cardio-oncology.  Sofia did not die from non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma but from the long-term effects of the chemotherapeutic treatments she received as a child.  The anthracycline medication Sofia received (used in over 50% of current pediatric cancer protocols) gave her over eight more years of life but it also damaged her heart beyond repair.

 

While research has lead to the availability of a cardio-protective medication called dexrazoxane, its use will only become mandatory in new protocols beginning in 2018.  In the meantime, children diagnosed with cancer will continue to receive anthracyclines as they have been for more than four decades.  And they will continue to save lives but for many children it will only be temporary.  As such, THE NEED FOR RESEARCH IN THIS AREA IS ESSENTIAL!!  Specifically, researchers need help in:

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• Understanding how dexrazoxane works and how its use can be extended to all protocols;

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• Determining proper dosage of dexrazoxane in protocols with high doses of anthracyclines;

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• Developing new ways to diagnose potential cardiac issues as early as possible;

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• Improving and developing new therapies to treat their heart failure when it occurs; and

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• Further understanding why some children’s hearts are negatively affected while others not (genetic research).

 

To read more about our dedication to this very important research, please visit our Commitment page.  To donate and help support our research objectives, please click button below.