UCSD has a new technology that maps the water molecules in the nerves of the brain called tractography.  This way they can design access to remove tumors without damaging surrounding nerves.

Here's an article describing the details. 
http://health.ucsd.edu/news/releases/Pages/2013-11-27-tractography.aspx

Rady Children's Hospital-San Diego has a strong translational research componet that includes members from UCSD Moores Cancer Center, Scripps Institute, and Sanford Burnham Institute.  We are truly fortunate to have so many people in many different facilities in San Diego working together to improve the treatment of brain tumors.

This article, by a father who lost his daughter to cancer, makes the analogy of sending today's troops to war with 18th century weapons to children fighting cancer with treatments that are up to 40-50 years old.  It also sets out to re-define "cure" since those who survive cancer still have a lifetime of late effects to deal with and far from "cured" in the traditional sense of the word.  Check it out at https://cancerkn.com/the-failed-arms-race-of-childhood-cancer/

Dr. Crawford came to San Diego a few years ago and we, the Fountain family, have noticed a difference in how brain tumor patients are treated.  Before Dr. Crawford came, we were treated wonderfully and couldn't complain about anything.   I really noticed a difference though, when Dr. Crawford came to the hospital and brain tumor patients now had a doctor all their own.  What a difference a subspecialty program dedicated  to the care of children with brain tumors can make.   And that's coming from an "off-treatment" family who only goes to the Cancer Care Center once a year for follow-up clinic visits.  I can only imagine what the current "on-treatment" patients get to experience.

Dr. Crawford has a vision for research and revolutionary treatment protocols for brain tumor patients.  The video below shares a brief summary of that vision.  By giving to BRICK, you are contributing toward this vision.

Welcome to the BRICK Blog.  Here you will find updates to BRICK events, a "Flashback" story of Les Fountain's cancer experience starting in 2003, and interesting tidbits regarding brain tumor research.

The mission of BRICK (Brain Research In Cancer Kids) is to improve the quality of life for pediatric brain tumor patients and survivors through the funding of brain tumor research carried out by Rady Children's Hospital-San Diego. 

 If you have any ideas to help us or would like to join our team, please let us know.