California Here We Come. . .
… because the next step in Michael’s Master Plan takes us to Michelle Monje’s lab at Stanford.
Swifty is bringing a Tissue Navigator to one of the premier pediatric brain cancer research labs in the country! The dream is to raise $300,000 to support a Tissue Navigator at Dr. Monje’s lab for 3 years and extend the network of Swifty supported tissue navigators across the country.
Not only is this network increasing the number of autopsy donations, these labs are also the leading Centers of Excellence for processing and sharing the cell lines and data the tissue generates. Learn More
Michael's Story
Before his death at 15, Michael Gustafson hatched what he called his "master plan" - and laid the foundation for what Swifty does today.
Improving Research
Why are children's brain tumors so tough to beat? The cancer changes as you treat it. Here's how we discover better treatments.
Fundraise For Swifty
Ready to help more kids beat brain cancer? Plan your own fundraiser - it's easy and we will help!
What's Happening? Opportunities To Take Action
The Swifty community is full of people like you. Together, we're moving toward hope one event at a time.
Disturbing Facts About Childhood Cancer
Childhood cancer is the leading cause of death BY DISEASE for children in the U.S. …. It exceeds deaths by all other diseases combined. Only 4 pennies of every FEDERAL dollar available for cancer research goes to fund PEDIATRIC cancer research.
Learn MoreRecent Blog Posts
Together Toward Hope
Whoop! Whoop!!
Whoop! Whoop!!! The check is in the mail! Our first installment for the Tissue Navigator at Stanford has been mailed and Dr. Monje is planning to have that position filled in January. Thank you for helping us reach our Annual Appeal goal and making Swifty’s California Dream a reality! Alas, do not worry if you…
Swifty Family Forum a Rousing Success
I think you can imagine the trepidation I felt going to a two-day meeting of families all of whom had lost a child to brain cancer. My stomach hurt at the thought of facing that much pain in one room. Guess what? We laughed, we cried, we shared 3 things everyone should know about our…
Sing Along
I laughed so hard watching this video as we re-wrote the lyrics to California Dreamin’ for this email. For the full, groovy 60’s experience listen to the Mamas and the Papas as you sing along to our new verse. All the gifts aren’t in (all the gifts aren’t in) But I’m here to say (but…