WHY IS CHILDHOOD CANCER SO TOUGH TO BEAT?
Brain tumors are the #1 cancer killer among children in the United States.
WHY?
We just don’t have enough information. Without a deeper understanding of the biology behind brain tumors, we can’t improve our treatments.
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
Cancer is a Journey, Not a Battle
I cringe every time I read or hear someone is “fighting cancer or battling cancer”. This language implies a war, which means there is a winner and a loser. I’m betting you know someone who died from cancer and you also know that person was anything but a loser. I realize it’s difficult to know…
When I Think of Michael
When I think of Michael, many of the images I have of him are often frozen in the seventh grade. That school year, by some stroke of luck, he, Bridget and I all had lockers next to each other. Everyday when I got to my locker, I could always count on Michael to greet me…
The Misleading Statistics
When I hear 90% cure rate for childhood cancers I want to scream or possibly throw up! That stat is SO misleading. That stat is talking about surviving 5 years. Living with cancer for five years IS NOT CURING cancer! Especially if you are 6 years old when you are diagnosed. This steers research…