September 2021 Update - Thanks for helping make our first year of Fund the Cure Next Door such a succcess. This year, to recognize Pediatric Cancer Awareness Month, I set our goal for $24,000 to mark my 24th birthday. Help fund pediatric cancer research by visiting this year's page: http://give.cincinnatichildrens.org/goto/fundthecure

Fund the Cure Next Door

Fund the Cure Next Door has two objectives. First, the campaign aims to fundraise $100,000+ for pediatric cancer research at Cincinnati Children's Hospital. Second, it aims to spread awareness of the Cancer and Blood Disease Institute to the Cincinnati community and beyond, highlighting how the research and care impacts the local, national, and international cancer communities. The campaign is set for September 1st, 2020 through September 30th, 2020, Pediatric Cancer Awareness Month. Ranked 3rd in the nation for pediatric cancer care, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Cancer and Blood Disease Institute (CBDI) is an incredible place that provides exceptional care, making miracles a common occurrence. Follow Fund the Cure Next Door on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and Snapchat @fundcurenxtdoor, and if you have any questions, please email me at fundcurenxtdoor@gmail.com. 

My Story 

At age 14, as a freshman in high school, I was diagnosed with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (ALL). My parents researched the best possible hospital to treat my cancer. We all were surprised to discover that Cincinnati Children’s Hospital housed one of the top institutes, Cancer and Blood Disease Institute (CBDI), for pediatric cancer care. I underwent treatment for 2.5 years. Shortly after finishing treatment, I graduated high school and attended Wake Forest University. A week after graduating from Wake Forest life decided to take an unexpected turn, and I learned that my cancer relapsed. Once again, I was diagnosed with ALL. I decided that I wanted to be treated at Cincinnati Children’s Hospital again because of the exceptional care I received the first time. My current treatment plan is for 2 years with the completion date of July 2021, an improved protocol due to research advances at Cincinnati Children’s Hospital.

My passion for fundraising began in high school when I was awakened to the cancer community. I wanted to give back to a community, while also raising awareness about the prevalence of cancer and the need for advancement in cancer treatment. I participated in the American Cancer Society’s Relay for Life for three years, eventually becoming a Co-Chair of the event my senior year. I continued my mission in college joining the Wake ‘N Shake dance marathon event benefiting the Brian Piccolo Cancer Research Fund. I was a member of the Executive Board for three years, eventually Co-chairing the event my senior year. Each year we broke fundraising records. Senior year we raised over $430,000. Now, I am turning my focus to Cincinnati Children's Hospital, the incredible organization saving my life. It is my hope that through this campaign people become more aware of Cincinnati Children's part in curing pediatric cancer.

Impressive Things You Should Know: 

• No. 3 Pediatric Cancer Program by U.S. News and World Report 2019
• Cancer Survivorship Cancer cares for more than 1,800 children and adults, ranging from 5 to 65+ years 
• 6,780 children and young adults treated each year
• Young Adult Cancer Center 1st to pioneer tumor and leukemia precision medicine DNA sequencing 
  
• 96% bone marrow transplant survival rate 
• 25,000 outpatient visits and 2,500 inpatient visits per year, making it one of the largest treatment centers  
• 20-25% of patients are adults with pediatric forms of cancer
• 1 of only 2 Proton Therapy Centers owned by a Children's Hospital in the nation
• to learn more visit: https://www.cincinnatichildrens.org/service/c/cancer-blood

Cincinnati Children's Hospital

c/o Brittany Roseman 

3333 Burnet Avenue, MLC 9002

To learn more about Kila's cancer journey you can follow her Caring Bridge site at:

https://www.caringbridge.org/visit/kilatripp