The Aubrey Fund for Pediatric Cancer Research
Established in 1997
Meet Aubrey Adam Barr
When Aubrey was just 4 years old, she was diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukemia and given a prognosis of six months to live. Thanks to the innovative treatment protocol she underwent at MSK Kids, the pediatric program at MSK, Aubrey survived and continues to thrive today.
In the decades since her time as an MSK Kids patient, Aubrey has become an accomplished runner and is a longtime member of Fred’s Team.
Aubrey has run 39 marathons around the world with Fred’s Team and has no plans to stop. For Aubrey, running is not only a reminder of the health she’s grateful to have today but a way to give back to MSK in recognition of the lifesaving care she received. Through Fred’s Team and the Aubrey Fund for Pediatric Cancer Research at MSK Kids, Aubrey continues to make an impact with every stride.
Watch this inspiring video to learn more about Aubrey and why she runs and raises money with Fred’s Team.
25 Years of the Aubrey Fund
In 1997, the Aubrey Fund for Pediatric Cancer Research at MSK Kids was established, named in honor of Aubrey Adam Barr. In the past 25 years, Fred’s Team runners have raised more than $35 million for the Aubrey Fund, providing crucial funding to leading pediatric oncologists and researchers at MSK Kids — the same hospital that saved Aubrey’s young life.
When Aubrey came to MSK Kids for care in 1971, her chance of survival was less than 10%. Today, thanks to incredible advances in pediatric cancer diagnostics and treatment — many of which were made at MSK Kids with support from the Aubrey Fund — survival rates for children with cancer have increased to more than 85%.
Over the past quarter century, there have been significant improvements in the safety and efficacy of treatments for childhood cancers, so kids with cancer are living longer and with fewer long-term side effects than ever before.
Much of this progress can be traced back to discoveries led by MSK Kids, including some that were supported through the Aubrey Fund. Today, the Aubrey Fund continues to be an important resource for doctors and scientists tackling the most pressing challenges in pediatric cancer diagnosis and care. From new T cell therapies and immunotherapy protocols, to a more tolerable form of bone marrow transplant and comprehensive survivorship follow-up, the Aubrey Fund is helping lead MSK forward.
We’re so grateful to Aubrey and her family, to her parents, Bruce and Parry Adam, and to every person who has run with Fred’s Team and supported the Aubrey Fund. Your commitment and generosity have inspired countless others to add meaning to their miles, paving the way for a brighter future for kids and families all over the world.