<I>Local grant is part of more than $12.8 million awarded for pediatric oncology research in 2010</I>

The St. Baldrick's Foundation, a nonprofit organization dedicated to raising money for childhood cancer research, awarded a $60,000 pediatric oncology research grant to Jacqueline Kraveka, D.O., of the Medical University of South Carolina (MUSC).

The St. Baldrick's Foundation currently funds more in childhood cancer research grants than any organization except the U.S. government. St. Baldrick's head-shaving events are the fastest growing volunteer-driven fundraising opportunity benefitting childhood cancer research. The Foundation's volunteer event organizers have led the way to raising over $20.9 million to date and approximately $90 million since 2000, making the funding of institutions such as MUSC possible.

With only three percent of all federal cancer research funding dedicated to pediatric cancer research, the St. Baldrick's Foundation grant funds are critical to continue the battle against this devastating disease. Worldwide, more than 160,000 children are diagnosed with cancer each year, and cancer is the leading cause of death by disease among children in the U.S.

All funding applications were evaluated by the Foundation's Scientific Advisory Committee and other expert reviewers, who made funding recommendations to the organization's Board of Directors. The St. Baldrick's Foundation research grants are awarded for a period of one year.

The focus of Dr. Kraveka's research project is to develop therapeutic strategies for the treatment of neuroblastoma. Neuroblastoma is a solid tumor cancer of very young children, originating in the nerve tissue of the neck, chest, abdomen or pelvis but most commonly in the adrenal gland. About 45 percent of children diagnosed have advanced "high risk" disease, for which the survival rate is less than 40 percent. This project tests the new hypothesis that specific ceramide types and/or expression of sphingolipid enzymes control the growth and invasion of neuroblastoma. The role of a particular family of enzymes called ceramide synthases will also be examined. "I am very excited and honored to receive this award. Funding from the St. Baldrick's Foundation is crucial to the success of my research," Kraveka said.

"Dr. Kraveka is the only basic science researcher in South Carolina focused on childhood cancer," said Michelle Hudspeth, M.D., director of the Pediatric Hematology/Oncology division. "We are thrilled that the St Baldrick's Foundation has recognized the importance of her work, and it is a true honor for her to be recognized by an organization that is so dedicated to curing childhood cancer."

In 2010, there were two St. Baldrick's events held in South Carolina. At these events in Greenville and Columbia, more than 300 people braved a shave to help conquer kids' cancer, raising more than $122,000.

"Our committee is full of cockeyed optimists, but even they could not imagine the magnitude and enthusiasm of the 2010 event," said Rabbi Marc Wilson, event organizer of the Larkin's on the River, Greenville, S.C. event. "Everyone from the venue hosts, to the media, to the barbers, could not have been more cooperative and forthcoming. It is obvious that being partners in curing a devastating children's disease was all the motivation that people needed to stick their necks out-literally and figuratively."

Everyone can do their part to support St. Baldrick's. To locate or organize an event in your community, sign-up to shave, donate or volunteer, visit www.StBaldricks.org. You can also become a fan on Facebook, follow us on Twitter and visit the St. Baldrick's YouTube and Vimeo channels.

MUSC Children's Hospital is one of the largest and most comprehensive pediatric medical centers in the Southeastern United States. Three Neonatal Nurseries provide Level II and Level III care for pre-mature and newborn term infants. Using a family-centered approach, families are not considered visitors, rather essential participants in care and decisions that affect the total healing of the child. Mother-baby couplet nursing is the primary model of care for the obstetrical patient. Our extensive network of caring professionals, entirely devoted to the health and well-being of children, are driven by a commitment to adaptability and outcome accountability. Respect, dignity, information sharing, participation and collaboration are at the core of our culture. As a result, MUSC Children's Hospital has earned top rankings from Child magazine and American Health Magazine. In 2010, U.S. News & World Report ranked our pediatric heart program among the top 20 in America. All pediatric oncology services are a part of the Hollings Cancer Center, which earned National Cancer Institute designation in 2009. For more information about MUSC Children's Hospital, visit www.musckids.com or www.muschealth.com.

About The St. Baldrick's Foundation

The St. Baldrick's Foundation makes grants to research institutions to find new cures for childhood cancer, and to find treatments to ensure a better quality of life for patients and survivors. The Foundation funds research projects conducted by established pediatric cancer experts, as well as younger professionals who will be the experts of tomorrow. Funds also enable hundreds of local institutions to participate in national pediatric cancer clinical trials, offering the best available care for every child. The St. Baldrick's Foundation is grateful to its many volunteers (bald or not!), donors and sponsors, including Allied World, Barbicide, Dowling & Partners, elope, Markit, and PartnerRe. For more information about St. Baldrick's, please call

1-888-899-BALD or visit www.StBaldricks.org.