I’m honored to participate in the 10th anniversary UC Irvine Anti-Cancer Challenge in support of #TeamJenika and the work to advance cancer research at the UCI Health Chao Family Comprehensive Cancer Center and CHOC, part of Rady Children’s Health.

As a physician involved in pediatric hematology, oncology, blood and marrow transplantation, and cell therapy at CHOC and UC Irvine, I see firsthand that progress against cancer depends on more than a single treatment or a single care team. It depends on patients and families who meet extraordinary challenges with courage; the clinical and laboratory teams who deliver complex care; donor generosity; and research that turns today’s unanswered questions into tomorrow’s treatments.

Jenika’s journey is a powerful example. I had the privilege of serving as her transplant physician and playing a small role in her recovery. Her strength, along with the support of her family, teammates, and the entire #TeamJenika community, is a reminder of what is possible when people come together around a shared purpose.

For a decade, the UC Irvine Anti-Cancer Challenge community has helped launch innovative pilot projects and early-phase clinical trials that can lead to new advances in cancer prevention, treatment, and cures. Your support helps sustain that momentum—and helps bring promising discoveries closer to the children, adolescents, and adults who need them.

Please consider making a donation to my fundraiser today. Any amount makes a difference and brings us one step closer to a world without cancer.