We've hit the trail for The Extra Mile 2024. Learn more and follow along here.
Dear Friends and Supporters,
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We are Matt and Linnea Justis, the proud parents of Zain, our beloved son who we lost to a rare and aggressive form of pediatric cancer. After his passing, we founded the Zain Justis Foundation with a mission that drives us every day: to ensure that no other family has to endure the pain of losing a child to cancer.
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This September, we’re setting out on a journey called The Extra Mile. Over the course of several weeks, we will ride 2,500 miles across two countries—the U.S. and Canada—traveling through Washington, Montana, Idaho, and more. This motorcycle ride isn’t just a physical journey; it’s our way of honoring Zain’s memory and raising awareness for the fight against pediatric cancer.
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Why Your Support Matters
When you donate to the Zain Justis Foundation, your contributions directly fund critical research that could change the future for children diagnosed with rare cancers. Currently, only 4% of the National Cancer Institute's budget is allocated to pediatric cancer, a disparity we’re determined to change. Your donations will support a groundbreaking study focused on Primary Mediastinal B-cell Lymphoma (PMBCL), a rare and aggressive cancer that affects young people like Zain.
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Where Your Donations Go
The funds raised through The Extra Mile will specifically support a research project at Weill Cornell Medical College. This project aims to use genetic insights to predict relapses and identify novel treatments for PMBCL. Here’s how your donation will be used:
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DNA Extraction of Tumor Tissue: $9,375
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DNA Extraction of Normal Tissue: $9,375
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Whole Genome Sequencing of Tumors: $86,250
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Whole Genome Sequencing of Normal Tissue: $49,375
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Whole Genome Sequencing of Relapsed Tumors: $8,625
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Total Needed: $163,000 over three years.
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This research is the first to evaluate the entire genetic code (whole genome sequencing) of PMBCL. It has the potential to identify which patients are at higher risk of relapse and discover new, less toxic treatment options. By supporting this research, you’re not only honoring Zain’s legacy but also helping to create a future where no child has to suffer from cancer.
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Join Us on the Journey
We invite you to follow our journey on Instagram as we ride for Zain and for every child affected by pediatric cancer. Your support can help fund this vital research and bring hope to countless families. Please visit our website to donate and learn more about how you can get involved. Together, we can make a difference—one mile at a time.
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With heartfelt thanks,
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Matt and Linnea Justis
RESEARCH
Our belief is that raising awareness is crucial to increasing research funding. Awareness efforts alert the public to the magnitude of the problems faced by children and teenagers with cancer and those who survive their cancers. There has to be a better way of treating these cancers so that kids will not only survive their diagnosis but also thrive into adulthood, and we are determined to find it. We will continue to be the voice for Zain, and others facing similar challenging diagnoses.
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RESOURCES
The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society is the largest nonprofit funder of leading-edge research for every type of blood cancer, including leukemia, lymphoma, myeloma, and other rare types of blood cancers.
Cancer Commons provides compassionate support as they identify and help you access the best diagnostic and treatment options. They are unbiased and patient-centric. Their priority is you.
Through CAC2, members share best practices, collaborate, and take action in ways each could not on its own. Explore the outstanding work CAC2 has accomplished together for childhood cancer
The Children’s Oncology Group (COG), a National Cancer Institute supported clinical trials group, is the world’s largest organization devoted exclusively to childhood and adolescent cancer research.