Johns Hopkins Medicine

Immunotherapy Research Fundraiser in Memory of Rudi Ernst 2026

I am Jess Ernst, and it is with a heart full of cherished memories and enduring love that I reach out to you today. My beloved husband, Rudi, was a truly remarkable man, a visionary, and a loving soul, whose journey through life was nothing short of extraordinary. Though his time with us was cut short when he passed away from aggressive melanoma cancer at the age of 52, his legacy continues to shine brightly. Rudi was born amidst the breathtaking beauty of Zurich, Switzerland, where his love for skiing began. This passion for the slopes remained with him throughout his life, leading him to compete in numerous downhill and giant slalom races. His journey took him from the Swiss Alps to New York City when he was just 12, where he embraced the vibrant energy of the city and laid the foundation for a life spent in fearless pursuit of knowledge and innovation. His academic journey at Vanderbilt University, where he studied engineering and neural networks, was just the beginning. Rudi's professional path saw him leaving an indelible mark in pioneering roles at ABC Television and Disney's Imagineering group. His entrepreneurial spirit truly flourished with the co-founding of PIXIA, a company that made significant contributions to national security and saved countless lives with its groundbreaking solutions. Despite his incredible accomplishments, Rudi's life was deeply touched by a seven-year battle with cancer. It was during this challenging time that we found hope and comfort in the exceptional care of Dr. Lipson and his team at Johns Hopkins. Their dedication gave us seven precious years together raising our 3 children into their teenage years, and we are eternally grateful for all the memories we were able to share. In Rudi's honor, I implore you to join us in supporting cancer research, particularly the groundbreaking work in immunotherapy being conducted by Dr. Lipson and his team. This research holds the promise of new hope and healing for those afflicted by cancer, a cause Rudi wholeheartedly believed in. Your contributions can be a beacon of hope for many, helping to fund essential research that aims to bring about breakthroughs in the treatment of melanoma and other aggressive cancers. Together, we can honor Rudi's memory by making a tangible difference in the fight against cancer. Please join us in our commitment to a future where cancer can be treated, managed, and ultimately conquered. Your generosity can light the way for countless others, just as Rudi's spirit continues to illuminate our hearts. With heartfelt gratitude, Jess Ernst

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Phi Delta Theta Crabs for ALS Research

By Johns Hopkins Medicine

2026 Delt Dunk 3v3 Basketball Tourney In Memory of Matt White '89

By The Robert Packard Center

We invite you to support this fundraising effort!

Support Nepal Disaster Relief

Flash floods have devastated Nepal and Tibet on Aug 26, 2026. Johns Hopkins is delivering emergency relief now through partners on the ground, and supporting recovery and rehabilitation by providing medical support, health screening and treatment, and supporting education of children.

Emergency relief and recovery support for families and children affected by the Nepal-Tibet floods.

Emergency relief and recovery support for families and children affected by the Nepal-Tibet floods. Flash floods have devastated Nepal and Tibet on Aug 26, 2026. Johns Hopkins is delivering emergency relief now through partners on the ground, and supporting recovery and rehabilitation by providing medical support, health screening and treatment, and supporting education of children. From the desk of <a href="https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/news/articles/2025/03/using-public-health-to-eliminate-tuberculosis">Dr. Kunchok Dorjee</a>: It fills me with grief and sadness as I write this update and appeal. Unthinkable tragedy and suffering have befallen Nepal and Tibet, yet again. I am just returning from Dharamsala and report that I and my family are safe, so are our colleagues in Nepal. I have spoken with my colleagues in Nepal and learn that thousands of people have likely died in this tragedy, with more than 5000 reported missing in Nepal alone. In Nepal, Rasuwa and Nuvakot are the primary sites of flood. In 2024, similar glacial flooding occurred in the Everest area, which also washed away <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2025/11/14/climate/glacier-melt-himalayas.html">Thame village</a> in Khumbu, where I have trekked and walked for several days. Climate change and human interventions in the fragile Himalayan ecosystem are likely triggering these disasters. I have been particularly devastated to learn of the impact to the local schools, as schools have been an area of focus for my tuberculosis screening and community building work. Several schools were washed away, including the Trishuli school<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1mBqJylN2no"> </a>that has around 1600 students. Fortunately, when the flood struck upstream in Rasuwa, this school by the downstream Trishuli River was alerted, and the headmaster saved hundreds of lives of children by evacuating the students already at the school to a higher ground and contacting as many of those on the way as he could. Several other schools nearby were also washed away completely. Rasuwa is also situated in the remote Himalayan districts of Nepal where I have been working for the past several years. So, I am familiar with the area. As we know, after natural disasters, infectious diseases rise. Our <a href="https://zerotb.jhmi.edu/">Zero TB in Kids</a> program has been shown to significantly reduce tuberculosis rates in the Himalayan communities. Our Smart Kids Initiative has supported education of children in the schools by providing digital learning resources such as computers, internet and training on the use of technology. Leveraging the existing capacities, networks and resources that we have built over the past decade, we plan to bring immediate and long-term relief to the families. Immediately, we plan to provide needs medical support and medicines, blankets, tents, clothing, food, sanitary pads, and fuel/heaters ahead of winter. In the longer term, we are planning to extend our health screening projects into the schools and families. We will channel the funds raised through this website towards these effort and needs. I wanted to take this opportunity to thank you all for your support over the years toward my work in this fragile Himalayan region inhabited by some of the most socioeconomically, geographically, and politically vulnerable populations on Earth. The Road Ahead Rasuwa, Nuwakot, and the surrounding Himalayan districts are among the most remote and difficult-to-reach in Nepal, and several now have no functioning road access — a 25-kilometer stretch alone was destroyed in the flood. Makeshift camps have sprung up in Kathmandu and beyond as displaced families wait for a way home, or for a home to return to at all. Winter is approaching quickly in a region already defined by harsh, high-altitude conditions, and with it comes real risk: exposure, waterborne illness, and the resurgence of infectious disease that so often follows disaster in under-resourced communities. This is not unfamiliar ground for us. Zero TB has spent nearly a decade building trust, infrastructure, and partnerships with local NGOs and hospitals across Nepal's Himalayan districts. That means we are not starting from zero — we can move quickly, direct resources where they are needed most, and stay engaged long after the news cycle moves on. How Your Gift Helps Immediate Relief Delivered through our existing NGO and hospital partners on the ground: <ul> <li>Medical support and medicines</li> <li>Blankets, tents, and warm clothing</li> <li>Food and sanitary supplies</li> <li>Fuel and heaters ahead of winter</li> </ul> Long-Term Recovery Building on nearly a decade of work in the region: <ul> <li>Extending TB and health screening into Rasuwa, Nuwakot, and surrounding districts</li> <li>Bringing the Smart Kids Initiative to children who lost their schools</li> <li>Supporting families through the long road of rebuilding</li> </ul> Every gift made through this page will go directly toward these efforts. The Department of Medicine at Johns Hopkins operates under the tax-exempt 501(c)(3) status of the Johns Hopkins School of Medicine. EIN: 52-0595110. Photo 4: Prabin Ranabhat/AFP/Getty Images | Photo 5: Graphic: The Climate Watch, Photos: Sushma Neupane

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Whitney J. Christy Blood Cancer & Bone Marrow Research Endowment

By Johns Hopkins Medicine

For families facing blood cancer, better treatments offer more time, more options, and more hope. Your gift helps make those advancements possible.

For families facing blood cancer, better treatments offer more time, more options, and more hope. Your gift helps make those advancements possible. Johns Hopkins Medicine Whitney J. Christy's treatment began in 2002, when cancer care and bone marrow transplantation were still rapidly evolving. He faced an exceptionally rare cancer diagnosis. Over the course of 50 years, fewer than 1% of African American men his age had been diagnosed with the same cancer. Though treatment and bone marrow transplant successfully brought him into remission, his cancer journey was extraordinarily difficult. He survived intensive chemotherapy, total-body radiation, graft-versus-host disease, multiple strokes, seizures, and significant vision loss that required the constant use of artificial tears. For more than a decade, he depended on around-the-clock care from home health nurses, his wife, and his daughters. The experiences of patients like Mr. Christy, together with decades of research and medical advancement, have contributed to a deeper understanding of blood cancers and improvements in how they are treated today. Mr. Christy was an avid outdoorsman lived and worked in South Louisiana’s industrial corridor for 40 years —an area widely known as “<a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cancer_Alley#:~:text=Cancer%20Alley%20is%20the%20regional,the%20Baton%20Rouge%20metropolitan%20area">Cancer Alley</a>,” where generations of families have faced concerns about prolonged exposure to industrial pollution and its potential effects on their health. Although no single exposure can fully explain any individual cancer diagnosis, his story cannot be separated from the broader environmental realities affecting communities along the Mississippi River. As additional industrial facilities are proposed and developed throughout the region, the need to study environmental cancer risks, strengthen prevention efforts, and develop more effective treatments has become increasingly urgent. The Whitney Joseph Christy Memorial Endowment Fund for Blood Cancer & Bone Marrow Research supports continued research and advancement in the fight against leukemia and other blood and bone marrow disorders. Through Johns Hopkins and private initiatives such as Project SOAR—Supporting Oncology Advancement and Research—the fund supports efforts to advance cancer research, investigate contributing risk factors, improve treatments, and create better outcomes for patients and their families. Although Mr. Christy’s own siblings were suitable donor matches for his transplant, he understood how fortunate—and extremely uncommon—his circumstances were. He advocated for patients and families who needed help finding compatible bone marrow donors. A separate <a href="https://fundraise.nmdp.org/campaign/The-Christy-Research-Fund-for-Lifesaving-Matches">memorial has been established in his name at NMDP</a>, formerly Be The Match, which specifically recognizes the importance of bone marrow transplantation and the donor process. NMDP helps patients with blood cancers and other serious blood disorders find potential cell-therapy matches while supporting patients and families throughout the transplant journey. Together, these memorials represent three critical parts of the fight against blood cancer: advancing research that leads to better prevention and treatment, helping patients access the donors and transplantation resources that can make those treatments possible, and supporting the caregivers and families navigating this difficult journey. They also reflect a commitment to ensuring that cancers connected to environmental and occupational risks are studied, understood, and prevented from continuing to devastate families and communities. Leading the Charge in Cancer Research & Treatment <a href="https://profiles.hopkinsmedicine.org/provider/douglas-smith/2703845">Dr. B. Douglas Smith</a> is an Oncologist in Baltimore caring for patients with leukemias and other blood andbone marrow disorders and he is recognized nationally as an expert in the care of patients with these disorders and as a leader in novel therapeutics for these conditions.He is a member of the American Society of Hematology, the American Society of Clinical Oncology and the American Association for Cancer Research. He has served on the National Comprehensive Cancer Network guideline panel for CML since 2001 and previously served on the AML panel from 2001-2015. Dr. Smith has extensive experience in the regulatory aspects of drug development and he currently serves as the Chair of the Johns Hopkins Institutional Review Board. <a href="https://marybird.org/doctor/veith/">Dr. Robert Veith </a>served as Whitney Christy’s oncologist from his initial leukemia diagnosis through chemotherapy, bone marrow transplantation, and remission. Although Mr. Christy was initially given a prognosis of potentially less than two years, he beat cancer and entered remission approximately three years after his diagnosis under Dr. Veith’s care. Dr. Veith remained involved in his healthcare until Mr. Christy’s passing in 2018—a relationship spanning over 15 years. Dr. Veith is an active member of several prestigious professional organizations, including the American Society of Hematology, the American Association for the Advancement of Science, the American Federation for Clinical Research, the American Society of Clinical Oncology, and the Southwest Oncology Group. His expertise and contributions to the field have seen him featured in 20 publications, reflecting his commitment to advancing cancer care and research. Sources:<a href="https://publichealth.jhu.edu/2025/the-shocking-hazards-of-louisianas-cancer-alley">Louisiana's Cancer Alley is More Deadly Than Previously Imagined</a>Johns Hopkins • August 4, 2025<a href="https://www.nbcnews.com/id/wbna50002725">Foot Soldier’ Plays Bone-Marrow Matchmaker</a>NBC News • November 28, 2012

Driggs Family NTM Research Fund

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The Driggs family has chosen to establish the Driggs Family NTM Research Fund in memory of John Driggs.

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Play Ball for Peyton's Pals 2026

You can support Tom Vartanian as he plays 50 innings of tournament baseball in one week this November to raise money for kids like his 3-year-old grandson Peyton who are receiving care for rare endocrine conditions at Johns Hopkins Children's Center.

We invite you to support this important effort!

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2026 Gulls Way ALS Event in Memory of JR Cropper

By The Robert Packard Center

Support the Packard Center for ALS Research at Johns Hopkins in Memory of JR Cropper.

Support the Packard Center for ALS Research at Johns Hopkins in Memory of JR Cropper. The Robert Packard Center Gulls Way Campground is a family owned & operated campground in Dagsboro, Delaware. It was started by J.R.’s grandparents, the Croppers, in the 1980’s. This campground is a very tight-knit community that comes together in times of need. J.R. Cropper lived his entire life in Sussex County, Delaware and was a friend of many local businesses. Gulls Way’s success with its annual fundraiser has been made possible through the support from friends, family, the Gulls Way community, and local businesses. There are several reasons why this means so much to us. Here are the 3 most important: <ol><li>Finding a cure for ALS (Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis) & New medications with better results – No family should have to go through the devastating process of finding out their loved one has ALS, knowing there is no cure, and the disease is terminal. The medications available right now prolong life for a short period of time, offering limited hope. </li><li>Hard to diagnose ALS– The first symptom J.R. had was a backache. This is not something that concerned anyone, as he was always doing physical labor. After many months of tests (x-rays, bloodwork, MRIs, and a chiropractor regarding his back pain) and the process of elimination, J.R. was finally sent for an EMG test. He was diagnosed with ALS on December 29th, 2020.</li><li> Awareness – Our family had never even heard of ALS before J.R.’s diagnosis. Immediately, we went in search of as much information as possible to learn more about this disease. We believe our fundraiser will bring awareness to this debilitating disease while everyone is in fellowship celebrating the memories of our loved ones that have lost their battle with ALS. </li></ol> The goal of this fundraiser is to bring awareness to this debilitating disease, while also celebrating the memories of loved ones that have lost their battle with ALS. The Packard Center for ALS Research gives hope that someday there will be a cure for ALS and together we can make a difference.

Sponsor School of Medicine Student Stethoscopes and White Coats

By Johns Hopkins Medicine

We invite you to support this important effort!

Team Borenstein - Packard Center NYRR

By The Robert Packard Center

Greg Borenstein is running the 2026 NYC Marathon in honor of Morris Borenstein on behalf of the Robert Packard Center for ALS Research.

Team Carneal - Packard Center NYRR

By The Robert Packard Center

Tabb Carneal is running the 2026 NYC Marathon in honor of Duane Herbel on behalf of The Robert Packard Center for ALS Research at Johns Hopkins.

Team Lubin - Packard Center NYRR

By The Robert Packard Center

Kari Lubin is running the NYRR marathon in memory of her dad. Funds raised will go towards ALS Research at The Robert Packard Center

Team Wright - Packard Center NYRR

By The Robert Packard Center

Jake Wright is running the NYRR marathon in memory of his grandmother. Funds raised will go towards ALS Research at The Robert Packard Center.

Cancer Research Bike Tour VII

By Johns Hopkins Medicine

Cancer survivors pedaling their bikes to raise awareness and fund cancer research at Johns Hopkins Medicine.

Centro SOL: Center for Salud/Health & Opportunities for Latinos

Every Gift Makes a Difference

Whether you give $25 or sponsor a full program experience, your support strengthens community partnerships and creates pathways to health and opportunity.

Every gift makes a difference

Every gift makes a difference <h2>Every Gift Makes a Difference</h2>Whether you give $25 or sponsor a full program experience, your support strengthens community partnerships and creates pathways to health and opportunity. Centro SOL’s mission is to promote equity in Health/Salud and Opportunity for Latinos by advancing clinical care, research, education, and advocacy at Johns Hopkins and beyond in active partnership with our Latino neighbors. Our vision is that all Latinos receive culturally competent healthcare that acknowledges the diversity of the community and respects the dignity of everyone. For more than a decade, Centro SOL has worked alongside Latino and immigrant-origin families in Baltimore to improve health and expand opportunities for the next generation. Through youth mentorship, mental health support, public health education, and community wellness initiatives, we partner with families, schools, clinics, and community organizations to expand access to resources and culturally responsive care. Your support helps sustain these programs and ensures Latino families continue to have trusted partners in health, education, and opportunity. Make an Impact Today Your donation helps Centro SOL expand health, education, and opportunity for Latino and immigrant-origin families in Baltimore. Every gift supports programs that strengthen community wellbeing and empower the next generation. $25 — Support Community Wellness Provides healthy snacks and materials for community family wellness workshops. $50 — Strengthen Youth Programs Supports educational materials and supplies for youth participating in our youth programs. $75 — Promote Family Physical Activity Covers one physical activity session for 60 families participating in our Embajadores de Salud program. $150 — Expand Community Outreach Helps us connect families to trusted health information and resources through our Spanish-language programs and outreach. $250 — Support Youth Leadership Helps fund youth engagement and mentoring opportunities that encourage students to explore careers in health and science. $600 — Expand Mental Health Support Funds one month of culturally responsive mental health support groups for up to 200 participants. $900 — Empower Community Advisors Covers dinner and appreciation gift cards for members of our Family Advisory Board or Youth Advisory Board, ensuring community voices guide our work. $1,100 — Sponsor a Community Health Worker Supports a community health worker delivering supervised depression treatment to four adults over three months, expanding access to culturally responsive mental health care. $1,200 — Promote Mindfulness and Wellbeing Supports three cycles a year of mindfulness training for 120 participants, helping community members build resilience and manage stress. $1,250 — Sponsor a Summer Scholar Sponsors one student for five weeks in the Centro SOL Summer Scholars Program, providing mentorship, career exploration, and leadership development.

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Supporting Cholesteatoma Research at Johns Hopkins

By Otological Research Lab

We are asking for your support of cholesteatoma research at Johns Hopkins, research that we hope will change the future of treatment for patients

We are asking for your support of cholesteatoma research at Johns Hopkins, research that we hope will change the future of treatment for patients Otological Research Lab We are asking for your support of cholesteatoma research at Johns Hopkins, research that we hope will change the future of treatment for patients. Cholesteatoma is a condition in which abnormal skin cells grow in the middle ear and can slowly damage hearing and surrounding structures if left untreated. It is difficult to recognize early, and many patients face a long path to diagnosis. Such was the experience of one of our trainees (an aspiring ear doc): “In 2022, I developed persistent hearing loss, ringing in my ear, and repeated ear infections. These symptoms were debilitating – disrupting my sleep, concentration, and ability to function as a first-year medical student. After months of uncertainty, I was diagnosed with cholesteatoma, a destructive and often hidden middle ear condition that had already eroded my hearing bones which required reconstruction. I was fortunate to receive a timely diagnosis, as many patients live with symptoms for years before the disease is recognized. Surgery is the primary treatment, but the disease often comes back, leaving many patients, including myself, living with ongoing uncertainty about the need for future intervention. This experience inspired me to become involved in research to help advance our knowledge of cholesteatoma. However, federal funding for this condition remains limited, leaving key questions about the disease unanswered. Why does cholesteatoma return in some patients but not others? What is happening within the tissue that makes it so destructive? Why does it behave differently from person to person?” We are launching this fundraising effort to help address these questions. Your support will directly fund advanced analysis of tissue from cholesteatoma surgeries at Johns Hopkins, helping researchers understand the disease at its most fundamental, cellular level so we can identify new avenues for treatment. As a high-volume center treating patients at every stage of disease, we have a unique opportunity to understand cholesteatoma at its root, what makes it recur, and what biomarkers predict clinical outcomes. This knowledge will pave the way for more effective treatments, fewer repeat surgeries, and a future with less uncertainty for patients and their families. Thank you for considering a gift for cholesteatoma research at Johns Hopkins.

3rd Annual Say Sarcoidosis Fundraiser

By Johns Hopkins Medicine

We invite you to support this fundraising effort!

Ethan Neumann Fellowship

By Johns Hopkins Medicine

We invite you to support this important initiative!

We invite you to support this important initiative! Help establish the Dr. Ethan Neumann Memorial Research Fellowship at Johns Hopkins to support young scientists advancing research on fibrolamellar hepatocellular carcinoma. Who was Ethan and what happened to him Dr. Ethan Neumann was a dedicated PhD student in the Graduate Training Program in Cellular and Molecular Medicine at Johns Hopkins University. He was a cherished member of the laboratories led by Drs. Mark Yarchoan and Chi Dang and his impact was greatly appreciated within the wider scientific community. He was a kind soul and a joy to work with. Ethan died at the age of 27 after living for five years with fibrolamellar hepatocellular carcinoma (FLC)—the cancer he devoted his research to understanding. How did Ethan approach being a patient-scientist He approached both his diagnosis and his research with extraordinary courage and purpose, dedicating his work to understanding and fighting his disease. Co-mentored by Drs. Chi Dang and Mark Yarchoan, Ethan embraced his unique role as a patient-scientist with sincerity, humility, and quiet determination. He participated in clinical trials for FLC, always aware that his efforts could help others who would face the same difficult journey. Those who worked with Ethan witnessed firsthand how he transformed personal hardship into a commitment to improve the lives of future patients. What did Ethan accomplish in his short time During his time at Hopkins, Ethan made important scientific contributions that will continue to influence the field. In the month before he passed, he co-authored two manuscripts, including work that advanced our understanding of fibrolamellar carcinoma metabolism and contributed to the discovery of a promising new biomarker for FLC How will the fellowship help new researchers To honor Ethan’s legacy and continue his impact, we are establishing an endowed research fellowship in his name at Johns Hopkins. This fellowship will support other talented scientists, allowing them to continue the research Ethan began and further the understanding and treatment of FLC. How can you help We invite you to help carry on Ethan’s legacy by supporting this fellowship. Your generosity will empower future researchers and honor Ethan’s extraordinary commitment to science and to helping others. Thank you for any support you can give.

Baby Harrison Mullins Perinatal Memorial Fund 2025

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Support families cared for by the pediatric palliative care team at Johns Hopkins Children's Center, in memory of Harrison Mullins.

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Taghva Family Experiential Learning Fund

By Johns Hopkins Medicine

We invite you to support this important initiative!

Scrambler Therapy Fundraiser

Help Support Scrambler Therapy Research

I invite you to help raise money for an additional Scrambler Therapy machine!

I invite you to help raise money for an additional Scrambler Therapy machine! Help Support Scrambler Therapy Research Imagine putting your hands and feet in a vat of boiling cooking oil and leaving them there. Then, brutal electric-like shocks, head to toe, leaving you completely debilitated and home-bound. That describes the excruciating pain I have been suffering from. Hospital stays and countless blood and neurological tests later led to a diagnosis of Idiopathic Small Fiber Sensory Neuropathy. There is no treatment, and no drugs that stop the pain. In June, I found a 2023 New England Journal of Medicine report about "Scrambler Therapy" for chronic, unrelenting pain written by a Johns Hopkins oncologist using this therapy on cancer patients left with neurological pain from chemotherapy. Luckily Dr. Tom Smith took me on as his patient. Scrambler Therapy, pioneered in Italy, administers electrical stimulation through the skin via electrodes placed in areas of the body above and below where chronic pain is felt. Generally hands and feet. The goal is to capture the nerve endings and replace signals from the area experiencing pain with signals coming from adjacent areas experiencing no pain, thus scrambling the signals sent to the brain. My first several treatments (there will be more) have helped me start to walk unaided, drive again and decrease my pain meds. While Scrambler Therapy received FDA approval in 2009, most insurance companies and Medicare will not pay for it (mine is contributing.) Because of that, Johns Hopkins Sidney Kimmel Cancer Center has only one machine for hundreds of desperate patients. My goal is to raise $75,000 to buy another. Since I am already in the program, none of the money raised will benefit me, but it will help those waiting and suffering. There's an old African proverb that says, "When you pray, move your feet." Well, my feet are moving again, and I pray that with your help, more patients suffering unimaginable, chronic pain will finally get some relief. Thank you so much for any contribution, small or large, to this worthy case. Jennifer Johnson

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Mark McDaniels Rare Malignant Hematology Hope Grant

By Johns Hopkins Oncology

For some cancer patients, the fight isn’t just against cancer– a rare blood type can delay or prevent treatment. Your gift helps make treatment possible.

For some cancer patients, the fight isn’t just against cancer– a rare blood type can delay or prevent treatment. Your gift helps make treatment possible. For some cancer patients, the fight isn’t just against cancer– a rare blood type can cause treatment to be dangerously delayed or even impossible. Your gift helps open the door to treatment. Johns Hopkins Oncology Mark Alan McDaniels February 25, 1967 - December 12, 2024 Mark’s diagnosis of stage 4 non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma was sudden and devastating, yet he faced it with remarkable courage and unwavering optimism. Throughout his treatment, Mark’s determination never faltered, even as his body struggled against the disease. For Mark, like many cancer patients, blood transfusions are not just a treatment– they are a lifeline. When low blood levels made him symptomatic, an emergency transfusion was needed, but after a week with no match, we learned the true complexity of his situation. The cancer in his spleen created a rare blood antigen (anti-ANWJ), found in fewer than 15 cases since 1972, which exists on 99.99% of all human red blood cells. This rare condition made Mark both alloimmune and autoimmune, meaning his body was attacking both donor blood and his own red blood cells. This created a life-threatening challenge: finding compatible blood for transfusions became nearly impossible. Despite an exhaustive national and international search, only four units of matched blood were found for Mark. He spent half of his 74 days since diagnosis hospitalized, relying on these limited, rare transfusions to maintain the blood counts necessary to tolerate chemotherapy and fight his cancer. Throughout Mark’s treatment, his attitude and spark remained bright, even as his body struggled with limited resources. Eventually, Mark’s body, with chemotherapy treatments, couldn’t maintain the blood levels needed to survive. After an intense 10-week fight with tremendous medical efforts, Mark lost his battle with cancer and passed away on December 12, 2024. Mark’s story reveals the insurmountable challenges faced by patients with rare hematological cancers. The Mark McDaniels Rare Malignant Hematology Hope Grant was created to honor his legacy and spirit in supporting patients facing these complex conditions. Donations to this fund support Dr. Cole Sterling and the Johns Hopkins Oncology team in providing specialized care specifically for patients with rare hematological malignancies.

Training Tomorrow's Leaders: 50 Years of MSTP at Johns Hopkins

By Johns Hopkins Medicine

We invite you to support this important effort!

The Gift of Every Day

By Johns Hopkins Medicine

Help us support Dr. Ken Pienta as he and his team transform groundbreaking discoveries into meaningful advances in cancer diagnosis, treatment, and prevention.

Help us support Dr. Ken Pienta as he and his team transform groundbreaking discoveries into meaningful advances in cancer diagnosis, treatment, and prevention. You have been there for me since my early stages of treatment for the Stage IV Prostate Cancer I was diagnosed with over nine years ago. I am doing very well, having finished a clinical drug trial, surgery, and radiation treatments. A long road it has been, made easier by the support of all of you! Thank you. Credit for “quarterbacking” my case goes to my oncologist at Johns Hopkins University Hospital, Dr. Ken Pienta. He and his staff, especially my research nurse Carolyn and physician's assistant Diane, have been amazing. Solid advice, the best treatments and technologies, and a humanity that has made all the difference. By treating my cancer, Dr. Pienta has literally given me the gift of every day. Every day with my family, every day with my friends, every day with colleagues, every day of quiet reflection, and every day of love, I owe to him and his determination to treat and ultimately cure cancer. Dr. Pienta is head of the prostate research program at Johns Hopkins and has personally pioneered many of the cutting-edge treatments available in the battle to end prostate cancer. Now he is taking it one MAJOR step forward with a very important discovery … we believe that Dr. Pienta and his dynamic team have discovered the reason for therapeutic resistance for metastatic cancer. <a href="https://cancerecology.com/our-audacious-goal">Our Audacious Goal — Cancer Ecology Center</a> This effort could quite literally change the landscape of how clinicians treat and cure not just prostate cancer, but ALL cancers. And now…Dr. Pienta needs OUR help. I encourage you to take a few minutes to watch the astounding video below, which highlights Dr. Pienta’s truly groundbreaking work. <a href="https://vimeo.com/bonnemaison/review/341835068/effe884bf0">https://vimeo.com/bonnemaison/review/341835068/effe884bf0</a> I am thankful for my everyday and determined to help. I am mindful of the fact that, at this time of year, many worthy organizations are asking for help. Nonetheless, I am asking you to please donate to the research efforts of Dr. Pienta so that he can continue to give the gift of every day. Again, thank you for your thoughts, prayers, and support for us and our beloved kids and grandkids– Jackie, John, Nikki, Molly, Perry, Kelli, Jameson, Lyra, Meg, Nick, and Cara. Mike and Lisa

Charash Foundation Dementia Research Fund

By Johns Hopkins Medicine

We invite you to support the Charash Foundation Dementia Research Fund! Join us in finding a cure for Dementia and Neurodegenerative diseases.

We invite you to support the Charash Foundation Dementia Research Fund! Join us in finding a cure for Dementia and Neurodegenerative diseases. Charash Foundation Dementia Research Fund "Help Science Remember, So We Never Forget." Dementia is one of the most devastating neurological conditions, stealing memories, independence, and the ability to connect with loved ones. While progress has been made, we still have much to learn about how dementia develops, how to slow its progression, and how it may be connected to other neurodegenerative diseases like Parkinson’s disease. To help drive this mission forward, the Charash Foundation, led by Neil and Heather Harris and their family, is establishing an endowed fund at Johns Hopkins Medicine to support research into dementia, Parkinson’s, and other neurodegenerative diseases. This fund will serve as a permanent source of funding for pioneering studies, innovative treatments, and cutting-edge discoveries led by world-class researchers in the Department of Neurology at Johns Hopkins. Exploring the Link Between Dementia & Parkinson’s Emerging research suggests that dementia and Parkinson’s disease may share underlying mechanisms, with some forms of dementia—such as Lewy body dementia—being closely tied to Parkinson’s. By studying these conditions together, researchers can uncover new insights that could transform the way we diagnose, treat, and potentially prevent these diseases. The Charash Foundation Dementia Research Fund will fuel critical research into dementia, while also advancing our understanding of how it may overlap with Parkinson’s disease and related neurodegenerative disorders. By supporting this research, donors play a direct role in accelerating discoveries that could lead to earlier detection, better treatments, and ultimately, hope for millions of families impacted by dementia and Parkinson’s disease. Help Us Build a Legacy of Hope Our goal is to raise $100,000 over the next five years to establish the Charash Foundation Dementia Research Fund. Once fully endowed, this fund will exist in perpetuity, continuously providing resources to advance dementia research. Every contribution—big or small—brings us closer to breakthroughs that could transform dementia and Parkinson’s care, offering new hope to millions of families. Double Your Impact Many companies match charitable contributions made by employees, doubling or even tripling the impact of your gift. <a href="https://giving.jhu.edu/ways-to-give/annual-giving/matching-gifts/">Check if your employer participates here: Matching Gifts</a> Join Us in the Fight Against Dementia & Neurodegenerative Diseases Your generosity has the power to drive real change. Donate today and be part of a movement dedicated to finding answers, offering hope, and improving lives. "Advancing research is only possible with dedicated partners like you. Thank you for supporting this important cause and making a difference." *To establish the Charash Foundation Dementia Research Fund, we must raise $100,000 over the next five years. If we do not reach the full endowment goal by June 30, 2029, all funds raised will still be directed toward critical dementia research at Johns Hopkins. The Department of Neurology at Johns Hopkins operates under the tax-exempt 501(c)(3) status of the Johns Hopkins School of Medicine. EIN: 52-0595110.

#Team Laura Establishing an ALS Research Endowment

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Riding the Miles, Sharing the Stories, Transforming Lives

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Johns Hopkins Bayview Medical Center 250th Anniversary

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Make a gift in honor of Johns Hopkins Bayview Medical Center's 250th Anniversary

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Lillie Shockney Patient Advocacy Fund

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Support Lillie Shockney's Patient Advocacy Efforts

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Kids Helping Kids - Share Kindness & Hope!

Kids Helping Kids provides students the opportunity to learn the importance of giving to others by supporting children impacted by pediatric cancer. The program currently consists of a service project called Buy a Bracelet, Gift a Bracelet.

Kids Helping Kids provides students the opportunity to learn the importance of giving through the Buy a Bracelet, Give a Bracelet program.

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Carol Moeller ALS Research Endowment

By The Moeller Family

We are establishing a permanent ALS research endowment in Mom's name at the Robert Packard Center for ALS Research at Johns Hopkins.

We are establishing a permanent ALS research endowment in Mom's name at the Robert Packard Center for ALS Research at Johns Hopkins. The Moeller Family Our goal is to establish an endowment* that will live on forever at The Robert Packard Center at Johns Hopkins to help fund ALS research in honor of Carol Moeller. Carol Moeller was a proud wife, mother and grandmother who was an avid runner, dental hygienist and active member of her temple and her community. Carol ran every morning for over 30 years and completed one marathon, multiple half-marathons and numerous 10k races. Although she maintained an extremely healthy lifestyle, in January of 2016, Carol noticed numbness in her face. In March of 2016 she was diagnosed with Bulbar Palsy, an aggressive form of ALS. In April of 2016, Carol lost the ability to speak and eat. She postponed a feeding tube surgery so that in May of 2016, Carol could run her last 10k race with her family by her side. In October of 2016, eight months after being diagnosed, she passed away, with her family by her side. Our family, with the support of the Charash Foundation led by Neil and Heather Harris and their family, has a goal of honoring Carol Moeller by funding ALS research for many years to come. We are determined to prevent others from experiencing what Carol did. We count on your contributions to make this dream become a reality. We are thankful for your consideration in helping us achieve this goal. It means the world to us! *To establish this endowment in Carol Moeller's name, we must raise $100,000 in five years. If we do not reach the endowment goal, the funds raised will be used for ALS research. The Robert Packard Center for ALS Research at Johns Hopkins operates under the tax-exempt 501(c)(3) status of the Johns Hopkins School of Medicine. The EIN number of the School of Medicine is 52-0595110. Does your company match gifts? You can check here: <a href="https://giving.jhu.edu/ways-to-give/annual-giving/matching-gifts/">https://giving.jhu.edu/ways-to-give/annual-giving/matching-gifts/</a>

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Founded in 1994, the Kids Helping Hopkins program supports the Child Life Department at Johns Hopkins Children's Center.

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Support Dr. Jin He's research in honor of Dr. Matthew Gornet

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Support Dr. Jin He's research in honor of Dr. Matthew Gornet

Support Dr. Jin He's research in honor of Dr. Matthew Gornet In March 2022, Dr. Matthew Gornet began having pain in his abdominal region. After delaying the inevitable trip to the hospital, he was finally admitted and quickly found that, unfortunately, he had pancreatic cancer. The Gornet / Ratts family faced the unbearable realization that Matthew –father, husband, and soon-to-be grandfather – had one of the deadliest and most pervasive diseases this world offers. With only 15-20% of pancreatic tumors being resectable and resection necessary for a cure, the whole family struggled to find hope in a path forward. Luckily, Dr. Valerie Ratts, his wife, had strong ties to the St. Louis medical community, and Dr. Gornet would soon after be admitted to one of the leading cancer institutes in the country for the beginning of his treatment. He quickly started on a chemotherapy regimen, eight weeks of being pumped with some of the harshest chemicals created. Despite the sickness and fear that ensued, the whole family rallied together with the hope and faith that miracles could happen. For in the darkest times, God provided the family with beacons of light to see them through: positive reactions of Dr. Gornet to the chemo, a beautiful, healthy, and wonderful first grandchild of the Gornet family, and a soon-to-be daughter-in-law (the Gornet family knew at the time) in Christina Douglas. The darkness began to clear, and things were looking positive until, in the final weeks of his chemotherapy and a month or so before surgery, the doctors revisited his original scans of the tumor to find a second tumor inside the liver (“a met or metastasized cancer”). With this newfound knowledge, he was diagnosed with Stage IV pancreatic cancer, with an average life expectancy of 3-5 months. After review by the tumor board, the doctors decided they would no longer move forward with surgery, effectively telling the family that there was nothing more they could do and they should get their affairs in order… With this death sentence, the only path forward was a miracle from God. After shedding many tears that day, the family decided to get one more second opinion from Dr. Jin He at John Hopkins Medicine. Hopkins Medicine was Dr. Gornet’s and Dr. Ratts's former medical school, and the current OBGYN and plastic residencies of Dr. Megan Gornet and son n’ law Dr. Nicholas Calotta, respectively. The Gornet family flew the next day to see him and his team – who said that he had seen cases like this prevail and that he would perform the Whipple surgery in August. After a successful surgery by Dr. Jin He, a final round of chemotherapy, the incredible support of the medical community at Hopkins, and a miracle, the pancreatic cancer has been completely removed from Dr. Gornet, who walks cancer-free. As a result of the blessings that our family has been given, we are encouraging any who are willing to provide further monetary support to Dr. Jin He’s research in pancreatic cancer. Having Dr. Gornet (father, husband, colleague, mentor, friend) with us today would not have been possible without Dr. Jin He. We hope you would consider making a contribution to this very important work that impacts many families like ours across the world. With love, Valerie, Megan, Zach, Cameron, Nicholas, Lil Mac

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Support Research for ALS & Cancer in Memory of Keith F. Lee, Sr.

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The goal of this fundraiser is to support the research by The Robert Packard Center for ALS Research and Kimmel Cancer Fund at Johns Hopkins.

The goal of this fundraiser is to support the research by The Robert Packard Center for ALS Research and Kimmel Cancer Fund at Johns Hopkins. What is ALS?   ALS, or Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis, is a disease that causes the mind and body to degenerate to the point where basic life functions become significant daily tasks. People with ALS struggle to eat, walk and breathe, and often suffer from a loss of all basic motor functions. Typically, patients diagnosed with ALS will pass from respiratory failure and have a life expectancy (after onset) of 2-5 years. Challenges in Diagnosis Keith Sr. struggled with health issues, including dizziness and light-headedness, as early as September 2022. After multiple visits to his general physician and several incidents of falling, he was diagnosed initially with vertigo in late 2022. He accepted this early diagnosis until May 2023, when he checked himself into an ER in Sacramento. At this time, the neurologist had speculated that he had suffered from the effects of multiple strokes. In late May 2023, as Keith was continuing to deteriorate, he was checked into another ER in Burlingame where the neurologists suspected ALS. Many tests, including MRI scans and electromyography tests, or the diagnostic recording technique that detects electrical activity of muscle and fibers, proved inconclusive. In mid-June 2023, an ALS specialist suggested a preliminary diagnosis of ALS with a rare variant, Mills Syndrome. Three days later, on June 22, 2023, Keith passed away and no formal diagnosis has been completed. Support for ALS - The Lee boys and their families hope to achieve the following with ALS or Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis: 1. Find a Cure – ALS has a life expectancy of 2-5 years from onset. Current medications do little to prolong patients’ life spans. No family should have to go through the devastating process of finding out their loved one has ALS, knowing there is no cure, and that the disease is terminal. The medications available right now prolong life for a short period of time, but hope for any improvement in the patient’s condition is extremely limited. 2. Easy Diagnosis – ALS typically takes one year to diagnose. This is due to limited resources dedicated to the illness, resulting in a lack of testing available, limited information, a shortage of neurologists, and a shortage of ALS specialists. In fact, Keith did not even live long enough to get formally diagnosed with ALS. Going through end-of-life care, watching our father rapidly deteriorate in front of our eyes, and only having limited information and certainty was extremely difficult for our family, as we had no way to treat him and no way to focus on getting better care. 3. Build Awareness – Our family had a basic understanding of and exposure to ALS before Dad’s battle.  Immediately, we went in search of as much information as possible to learn more about this neurodegenerative disease. We believe our fundraiser will bring awareness to this debilitating disease. Goal for the Lee boys The goal of this fundraiser is to support ALS research, in all its variants, in order to support those impacted by this disease in the future. The <a href="https://packardcenter.org/give/">Robert Packard Center for ALS Research at Johns Hopkins</a> quickly funds cutting edge ALS research around the world and gives hope that someday there will be a cure for ALS. We can all make a difference by helping to support our cause.

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Olivia Runs 50 States for Pediatric Cancer Research

By Johns Hopkins Medicine

We invite you to support this important effort!

Pilot Study for Effective MOG Treatments

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We invite you to support this important effort!

We invite you to support this important effort! ALL DONATIONS ARE TAX DEDUCTIBLE! My name is Audrey Wrenn and I want to tell you about my journey with a rare autoimmune illness called MOG. It began in April of 2019 when I went from having normal vision to near blindness in 48 hours. Doctors at a Raleigh hospital ran a series of tests and diagnosed me with optic neuritis. They treated me with IV steroids for three days. Fortunately my vision was restored to near normal. Eventually, I was diagnosed with MOG. MOG is an inflammatory disorder in the MS family that attacks the central nervous system. The onset of an attack targets the optic nerves, brain, and spinal cord. While there are no exact numbers, rough estimates indicate maybe 10,000 people in the US have MOG. Right now, there is no cure or medication designed specifically for treating patients with MOG. Because MOG is extremely rare, there are no pharmaceutical or federal funds available to fund research into its cause and treatment. Because of this, philanthropy is incredibly important to help Dr. Sotirchos and his team get these studies off the ground. A potential pilot project would analyze abnormal white blood cells in the blood and spinal fluid from people with MOG and compare them to the white blood cells of a control group. This study would gain insight into the mechanisms that cause the cell abnormality and potentially identify targets that would lead to the creation of therapeutic treatments for the MOG illness. In addition, with the data from this study, he hopes to open the door to acquiring the additional funding needed to further the research of MOG on a larger scale. Our goal is to raise the $100,000 needed to complete this two year pilot study. My husband Jim and I would like to invite you to join us in the monetary support for this important research. Please consider making a contribution to this very important study to discover how to treat and hopefully, someday, cure MOG disease.

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Run for Jude 5K

Jude's Family invites you to celebrate a Fighting Spirit and participate in the Run for Jude 5k.

Jude's Family invites you to celebrate a Fighting Spirit and participate in the Run for Jude 5k. Run for Jude 5K Please join us for the Run for Jude 5k! The event is an in person (or virtual option) 5k run that will be held at St. John’s Parish Day School (9130 Frederick Rd, Ellicott City, MD 21043) on April 13th, 2024 from 8:30 am - 11 am. Link for both the registration for the event and to donate: <a href="https://nam02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Frunsignup.com%2FRace%2FMD%2FEllicottCity%2FRunforJude5k&data=05%7C02%7Ckschneider%40jhmi.edu%7C2bcfa518b19f41f1e37308dc27ed21f8%7C9fa4f438b1e6473b803f86f8aedf0dec%7C0%7C0%7C638429146623923055%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=0PnpOEBYATBJRsV5o6%2BjyxQwPE1FOzXjKzA5pyNVehU%3D&reserved=0">https://runsignup.com/Race/MD/EllicottCity/RunforJude5k</a> Please visit Instagram & Facebook under runforjude5k. <a href="https://nam02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.instagram.com%2Frunforjude5k%2F%3Fhl%3Den&data=05%7C02%7Ckschneider%40jhmi.edu%7C2bcfa518b19f41f1e37308dc27ed21f8%7C9fa4f438b1e6473b803f86f8aedf0dec%7C0%7C0%7C638429146623939277%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=EEgyTpsJ6iWwywqfQTsNQp%2B%2Bl3WVc1iutyvqv3sXuew%3D&reserved=0">https://www.instagram.com/runforjude5k/?hl=en</a> In the pool, on the volleyball court, the soccer pitch, and especially the softball field, Jude Jawhar was a competitor who loved sports and loved nearly everyone she met. That love was not dampened when, at the age of 14, she was diagnosed with a rare bone cancer called Osteosarcoma. Despite surgeries, chemotherapy, and even an above-the-knee amputation, Jude never lost sight of the dream to return to the softball field nor of her dream to become an oncology nurse practitioner. Her career goals brought her to Towson University. Unfortunately, Jude's life was too short to accomplish all her goals; she passed away at age 18 in February 2018. In honor of Jude, please consider donating to pediatric sarcoma research led by Dr. Christine Pratilas at the Johns Hopkins Kimmel Cancer Center Division of Pediatric Oncology. Dr. Pratilas and her laboratory are working to identify new targeted cancer therapies that improve the treatment and outcomes of kids with sarcoma. Thank you for honoring Jude and helping kids with cancer!

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