102 www.ReadMPM.com | www.MountPleasantMagazine.com | www.MountPleasantPodcast.com “IWILFIN gives patients an increased chance of longterm survival,” she said. “Before, about 50% of high-risk patients would relapse. Now, more than 85% who finish therapy with IWILFIN stay cancer-free.” This milestone is particularly meaningful in a treatment plan that typically includes intense chemotherapy, surgery, stem cell transplants, radiation and immunotherapy. It’s a grueling regimen with lasting side effects like hearing loss, heart problems, growth delays, dental issues and possible infertility. Beyond the physical toll, neuroblastoma places enormous strain on families. The uncertainty, extended hospital stays and fear of relapse can be overwhelming. Survivorship requires medical follow-ups, and often mental health care and developmental monitoring. Dr. Kraveka and her team continue to collaborate with a network of researchers across the country with Beat Childhood Cancer, studying immunotherapies and running trials to improve the odds for those with highrisk neuroblastoma, but one major obstacle that remains is funding. Dr. Kraveka explained that only 4% of the National Cancer Institute’s budget goes to pediatric cancer research. With such limited support, breakthroughs like IWILFIN depend heavily on philanthropy and advocacy. That’s where organizations like the McConnell Foundation step in. Based in Charleston, the foundation was started in 2021 by a family whose child, Bodhi, was cured from neuroblastoma. Every dollar they collect goes directly to Dr. Kraveka’s lab at MUSC to support childhood cancer research. They will hold their biggest fundraising event of the year, the Shining Stars Gala, on Sept. 20. It’s a chance for the community to raise funds and fuel the next generation of cancer treatments. Thanks to decades of hard work and collaboration, survival rates for high-risk neuroblastoma have risen from 20% to nearly 60%. And for those who complete treatment and take IWILFIN, long-term survival now exceeds 85%. “There’s still a long way to go, but we’ve also come a long way. We have witnessed a big jump in survival rates,” noted Dr. Kraveka. “Every child deserves a chance at a healthy future. I’m grateful to collaborate with others across the country to make even bigger impacts for children with neuroblastoma.” With leaders like Dr. Kraveka and committed communities behind them, the fight against neuroblastoma is stronger than ever. health & wellness GENERAL AND COSMETIC DENTISTRY FOR THE ENTIRE FAMILY! (843) 972-9700 • 1122 Professional Lane Mt. Pleasant, SC Thank you to our patients for your votes of confidence! Visit WandoFamilyDentistry.com to see patient reviews and get a feel for our office. 2024 ® Voted the Best Dental Practice 9 YEARS in a row! 2025 ®
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