The Hematology, Oncology Point of Care through Survivorship Research Endowment Fund aims to improve the care, treatment and survival of families affected by cancer.

MINNEAPOLIS & ST. PAUL, Minnesota, August 20, 2024–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Children’s Minnesota and Pine Tree Apple Classic Fund (PTACF) are pleased to announce the new Hematology, Oncology Point of Care through the Survivorship Research Endowment FundThe fund will support research by nurses and advanced practitioners focusing on all phases of a patient’s care, with an emphasis on the unique long-term physical, mental and social challenges patients may face months or years after completing cancer treatment.

“We are grateful to the Pine Tree Apple Classic Fund for this new investment not only in research at Children’s Minnesota, but also in our nurses and cancer survivorship,” said Caroline Njau, chief nursing officer and senior vice president of patient care at Children’s Minnesota. “This generous support gives our pediatric specialists the opportunity to explore new treatment and care pathways that can improve the lives of children diagnosed with cancer.”

The majority of children diagnosed with cancer survive to adulthood. However, many children, adolescents and young adults who are considered cured may continue to have health problems long after treatment is completed. Survivorship programs monitor survivors for long-term effects of cancer and treatment, address any problems they may have, and educate them about their health risks.

“Children’s Minnesota is known for its exceptional patient care and nursing innovation,” said Kevin Werwie, board chair of the Pine Tree Apple Classic Fund. “Their commitment to groundbreaking pediatric hematology and oncology research aligns perfectly with our mission to be a positive force for the health and well-being of children with childhood diseases. By establishing this new endowment fund to address the challenges faced by pediatric cancer survivors, we are investing in a better future for all children affected by cancer.”

The Pine Tree Apple Tennis Classic was founded in 1986 by Ron and Mary Ann Peterson when their 12-year-old daughter Julieann was diagnosed with leukemia. Julieann was treated at Children’s Minnesota and survived. In gratitude for the care their daughter received at Children’s Minnesota, the Petersons founded the mixed doubles tennis tournament with the mission of raising funds and supporting research to alleviate the suffering caused by childhood cancer. The Jacobson family of Pine Tree Apple Orchard provided the funds to organize the event.

About the Pine Tree Apple Classic Fund (PTACF)

The Pine Tree Apple Classic Fund (PTACF) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to the fight against childhood cancer. Founded in 2018, the PTACF continues the legacy of the Pine Tree Apple Tennis Classic, a charitable mixed doubles tennis tournament held annually featuring elite tennis players from across the United States. Proceeds fund research at Children’s Minnesota on DICER1-related cancers and the unique challenges faced by childhood cancer survivors. For more information, visit www.ptacf.org.

About Children’s Minnesota

Children’s Minnesota is one of the largest children’s health systems in the United States and the only one in Minnesota dedicated exclusively to children, from birth through young adulthood. An independent and not-for-profit system for more than 100 years, Children’s Minnesota offers more than 60 pediatric specialties at its two hospitals, several specialty centers and clinics throughout the metropolitan area. The children’s experts^® at Children’s Minnesota is chosen by more families than any other children’s health system in the region.

Find us on Facebook @childrensminnesota or on Twitter and Instagram @childrensmn. Please visit childrensMN.org.

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Contacts

Nick Peterson
Head of Public Relations
[email protected]