Let’s Get Specific

This year’s goal is to fundraise for the purchase of a genetic-analysis tool, to be used at the Herman B. Well’s Center for Pediatric Research, located on the campus of Indiana University.

The Wells Center

The Herman B. Wells Center for Pediatric Research is part of the Indiana University School of Medicine. Founded in 1991, the Center has grown rapidly thanks to the national recognition its research programs have achieved, and the outstanding record its faculty have for attaining peer-reviewed, external research funding. The Center also has a long history of collaboration and mutual support with Riley Children’s Hospital — one of only two hospitals in Indiana that offers pediatric surgery.

We like the Wells Center’s approach to research because it’s actionable. I.e. It’s findings can have an immediate positive impact on the kids at Riley’s.

Our Goal

We like hardware. Something you can hold in your hands and say “hey, I helped get part of this.” (As an added bonus, it looks really cool, and just by seeing it you can tell that it’s doing some good.)

The piece of equipment to your right is an Applied Biosystems Real-Time PCR: identified by Wells Center Director Dr. Mervin Yoder, and Associate Director Dr. Mark Kelley, as a tool that would be very beneficial to their neuro-oncology research. According to Dr. Yoder, the machine is important because it permits the measurement of genetic activity in tumors; thus allowing researchers to recognize commonalities and differences across patients, and gain insight into the dynamics of tumor growth.

Cost

Cutting edge research materials come at a high price, and our target, the Applied Biosystems Real-Time PCR, with a tag of $50,000, is unfortunately no exception. Over the course of the next year our members — who are mainly student volunteers — will be hosting events to meet this targeted cost. If you’re touched by the situation these children find themselves in, and feel that you can make a difference, please click on the red donation link and give what you can today.