Advancing Efforts To Find A Cure For Pediatric Glioblastoma And Other Aggressive Pediatric Brain Tumors
About Willie Strong
Will’s Story &
Will Hughes (Willie) was beloved by all who knew him and inspired each of us to live our best lives, every single day. Whether he was on the basketball court, baseball field, in the classroom, in church, or with his family, Willie’s positive spirit was legendary. He was wise beyond his years; he knew what mattered and what things were less important. Willie fought his cancer with everything he had, harder than anyone could have imagined. For more than two years, he endured countless surgeries, rounds of chemotherapy and radiation and experimental therapies in pursuit of a cure. Although scientific advances had not progressed enough to provide a cure for Willie, he continues to touch many lives, including the doctors, nurses and researchers at Children’s National who cared for him.
Mission
The mission of the Foundation is to raise funds to find treatments for pediatric glioblastoma and other aggressive pediatric brain tumors through research, clinical trials and other new therapies at Children’s National.
Endowment
In 2023, the William Seamus Hughes Professorship in Neuro-oncology and Immunology was installed at Children’s National, and Eugene Hwang, MD became its first professor. It is the first endowed Professorship at Children’s National to focus exclusively on neuro-oncology and immunology. As the William Seamus Hughes Professor, Dr. Hwang leads groundbreaking research of cell-based treatments for brain cancer, explores new approaches for treatments and forges strong partnerships with other trusted voices and respected leaders in the global neuro-oncology community to push for enhanced access to better and more effective treatments and patient care for children with aggressive brain cancer. In sum, this Professorship will guarantee that Will’s fighting spirit lives on in the promise to other families devastated by brain tumors and ensure that every child has the very best chance for a cure.
Why an Endowed Professorship?
- An endowed professorship is the foundation of new discoveries and innovations at Children’s National, vital to promoting excellence and scholarship
- An endowment allows Children’s National to retain top minds and support groundbreaking work
- An endowment provides a reliable source of funding, giving professors the tools they need to pursue broad-minded and bold inquiries, leading to better outcomes for children
What is Pediatric GlioBlastoma?
Glioblastoma is a fast- growing type of central nervous system tumor that forms from glial (supportive) tissue of the brain and spinal cord and has cells that look very different from normal cells. Also called GBM, glioblastoma multiforme, and grade IV astrocytoma.
Make a donation
WILLIAM SEAMUS HUGHES PROFESSORSHIP IN NEURO-ONCOLOGY AND IMMUNOLOGY
In 2023, the William Seamus Hughes Professorship in Neuro-oncology and Immunology was installed at Children’s National, and Eugene Hwang, MD became its first professor. It is the first endowed Professorship at Children’s National to focus exclusively on neuro-oncology and immunology. As the William Seamus Hughes Professor, Dr. Hwang leads groundbreaking research of cell-based treatments for brain cancer, explores new approaches for treatments and forges strong partnerships with other trusted voices and respected leaders in the global neuro-oncology community to push for enhanced access to better and more effective treatments and patient care for children with aggressive brain cancer. In sum, this Professorship will guarantee that Will’s fighting spirit lives on in the promise to other families devastated by brain tumors and ensure that every child has the very best chance for a cure.
Help us reach our goal
DONATE TO THE CAUSE
The Willie Strong Foundation aims to raise $2.5 million dollars to establish the William Seamus Hughes Professorship in Neuro-oncology and Immunology at Children’s National.