ABOUT THE DR. MARNIE ROSE FOUNDATION

The Dr. Marnie Rose Foundation was founded in 2002 in memory of Dr. Marnie Rose, a 28-year-old pediatric resident who passed away from what is considered one of the deadliest of human cancers, a glioblastoma (or GBM). The diagnosis of ‘brain cancer’ exposed its relative unimportance in the hierarchy of cancers, the lack of funding for its research, and the limited interest by pharmaceutical companies to the disease. Rather than retreat, the Foundation’s founding board decided to respond. What began as a simple walk in her memory has turned into multiple programs directed at eradicating brain cancer and continuing Dr. Rose’s legacy in pediatric initiatives. To date, over 20,000 people have participated in the organization’s programs.

The Dr. Marnie Rose Foundation was the first organization in Houston, TX, to raise funds specifically for brain cancer research. The Foundation now has given more than $7 million to Children’s Memorial Hermann Hospital, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, and McGovern Medical School at UTHealth Houston. These local efforts have contributed to creating The Dr. Marnie Rose Professorship of Pediatric Neurosurgery; creating and continuing the Supportive Medicine Program (formerly Palliative Care); the development of the Delta-24 adenovirus (also known as DNX-2401) that is targeted to the immune system; outfitting the first pediatric Life Flight helicopter; and innovative brain cancer research and clinical trials not otherwise supported by the National Institute of Health.

MISSION

The mission of the Dr. Marnie Rose Foundation is to: Eradicate brain cancer through research, advocacy, and awareness to improve the lives of patients and caregivers.

PROGRAMS

The Dr. Marnie Rose Foundation programs have been developed to increase awareness of brain cancer, educate the community on brain cancer developments and treatments, and raise revenue for brain cancer research. Funds are used to start or expand clinical trials and to expedite treatments from the laboratory to the patient. Often times, funds are used immediately to enhance patient care. Funding also ensures that funded researchers do not have to wait months or years to have their research begin. The funds the Foundation raise are considered “seed money.” Every $1 of seed money generates on average $5 – $10 in federal funding and grant support.

RUN FOR THE ROSE

Run for the Rose is the primary program that raises funds for brain cancer research. Each year, the Run brings together more than 5,000 people whose lives have either been directly or non-directly impacted by brain cancer or who work in the field of brain cancer research. The Run includes educational vendors as well as basic nutritional vendors who support the race participants but also provide educational opportunities related to brain cancer. Over 300 volunteers participate in Run for the Rose.

BRAIN POWER 5K

Brain Power 5K is the Dr. Marnie Rose Foundation’s race in Austin, TX, which brings together more than 2,000 people each year. The race supports brain tumor patients, families, awareness and programs in Central Texas. The race includes educational, fitness and nutritional vendors. Over 100 volunteers participate in Brain Power 5K.