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Only 8% of cancer research funding goes to pediatric cancer and that single number explains a lot about why families still face limited options, harsher treatments, and too much uncertainty. I’m joined by Drew Dollmatsch, managing director for the Columbus market at CancerFree KIDS, to break down what that funding gap looks like on the ground and why the earliest stage of research is where progress either starts or stops. When a scientist has a smart idea but no proof of concept yet, traditional funding often won’t touch it. Cancer Free Kids exists to change that.

We talk about how CancerFree KIDS supports research at Nationwide Children’s Hospital and Cincinnati Children’s Hospital, and why investing in top pediatric oncology centers can ripple far beyond Ohio. Drew shares how their grants help lay the groundwork for advances in gene therapy and immunology, even when it’s hard to draw a neat line from one grant to one new treatment. The point is leverage: early funding turns “maybe” into “next,” moving promising ideas toward larger government or industry backing and, ultimately, better care for kids.

Then we get practical with two ways to join the mission. Little Legends Lemonade hits Tupelo Honey on Lane Avenue August 2 from 11 to 1, with giveaways, big energy, and a goal to raise $5,000 in just two hours. And the 100 Mile Challenge in September for Pediatric Cancer Awareness Month invites anyone to raise $100 and complete 100 miles of any activity, tracked through an app that converts movement into mileage. Subscribe, share this with a friend, and leave a review if you want more conversations that turn community action into real medical progress.

Donate directly to the Little Legends Lemonade stand here:
https://cfk.donordrive.com/campaigns/Little-Legends-Lemonade

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And until next time… Keep Moving, baby!