The Koschmann lab is studying the molecular mechanisms by which mutations in pediatric High-Grade Glioma and Diffuse Intrinsic Pontine Glioma (DIPG) can be therapeutically targeted. The Koschmann Lab’s work in precision medicine pushes the boundaries of targeted therapies and precision diagnostics for children diagnosed with these brain tumors. Through highly collaborative basic, translational, and clinical research, the Koschmann Lab strives towards improving outcomes and providing hope for children fighting these devastating diseases.
Vara's Story
Vara is 10 almost 11 and has stage 3 Wilms tumor, a cancer that makes its start in the kidneys. She relapsed after 9 months off treatment and now must undergo a rigorous treatment that causes her to be terribly ill most days. She will endure 28 weeks of chemo and has had 8 days of radiation to her lungs.
Vara is determined to beat this, and continues to be an advocate for awareness and action in the Pediatric world.
Her diagnosis came in March of 2016. After a Tuesday trip to urgent care with what was initially believed to be a bladder infection, Vara was having her kidney removed and a chemo port placed in her chest on Friday.
Since that day - March 11th, Vara and her mother Emily have been moved to do more as a family and to try their best to ensure nobody else has to hear, “your child is out of options”.
"We have to keep telling people there is this darkness, but in pushing research there is hope."
For Vara and Emily, a relapse was their worst fear. What they thought had been a relatively easy progression through Vara's initial treatment was overshadowed by the news that she would have to undergo a more rigorous regimen after her relapse.
A relapse for any cancer patient is difficult to reckon with. Vara had been through the treatments and put in the work and her odds of reaching remission were high. But cancer is a beast and Emily can't help but feel they were naïve. It is upsetting because many people are naïve and get to stay that way. Emily says, "We have to keep telling people there is this darkness, but in pushing research there is hope."