Neuroblastoma (NB) is a nervous system tumor that is among the most common tumors in young children.  NB arises from the peripheral sympathetic nervous system and is the most common extracranial pediatric solid tumor in children. Although infants with NB have a relatively good prognosis, the majority of cases present as aggressive, disseminated tumors in older children, for whom the survival is less than 30% with standard chemotherapy; fewer than 10% of patients can be salvaged after initial relapse.  Thus, novel and effective therapeutic strategies are urgently needed to increase survival and to decrease the mortality associated with this tumor.

The Friends of Will is a nonprofit dedicated to helping fund a cure for neuroblastoma and our work supports the NMTRC.  The NMTRC is a translational research consortium housed at the Van Andel Research Institute in Grand Rapids Michigan that is dedicated to finding a cure for kids with cancer.  This fund is supported by many nonprofits, groups, annual events, and families that share the same mission - to BEAT NB.