As a thank you for your recent generous support of our mission, you’re invited to join Children’s Cancer Research Fund (CCRF) for a special evening to experience an exclusive guided lab tour and learn about new insights into innovative childhood cancer research.
Wednesday, May 6th, 2026
4:00 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.
300 N Mississippi River Blvd,
St Paul, MN 55104
and
2-191 Moos Tower 515 Delaware St.,
SE. Minneapolis, MN 55455
Join us for an intimate evening of connection, impact and discovery
Led in partnership with CCRF and UMN researcher Dr. David Largaespada, Dine and Discover provides a unique experience to learn about transformational, Minnesota-based research that is shaping the future of childhood cancer.
Through a private lab tour at the University of Minnesota, followed by a seated dinner at Town & Country Club, you'll have the opportunity to connect with fellow CCRF supporters and gain a deeper understanding of Dr. Largaespada’s research in developing next-generation therapies for treatment-resistant cancers. Together, we’ll explore CCRF-funded research that is making an impact on the lives of children affected by cancer and celebrate the advancements you make possible.
Program Highlights
Greet and Gather
Guided Lab Tour
Seated Dinner
Featuring:
Dr. Largaespada, PhD - Departments of Pediatrics and Genetics, Cell Biology & Development
David Largaespada, PhD, is a professor in the Departments of Pediatrics and Genetics, Cell Biology, and Development and the Interim Deputy Director for the Masonic Cancer Center at University of Minnesota, where he also co-directs the Brain Tumor Program and the Center for Genome Engineering. He holds the Hedberg Family/Children’s Cancer Research Fund Chair in Brain Tumor Research.
Dr. Largaespada is a leading authority in cancer genetics, functional genomics, and translational modeling, with more than 30 years of continuous research on Neurofibromatosis Type 1 (NF1)–associated tumors. His group employs forward genetic and pharmacologic screening to identify synthetic lethal targets and strategies to enhance adoptive cell therapies for cancer. A recipient of the American Cancer Society Research Professor Award, Dr. Largaespada has co-founded four biotechnology companies translating genetic discoveries into clinical innovation.
Ryla Ecker - Survivor Update
Ryla was diagnosed at age 7 with Neurofibromatosis Type 1 (NF1) before learning she had high-grade glioma (HGG), an aggressive brain tumor, during her senior year of high school.
Since her cancer diagnoses in 2022, she has pushed through radiation and chemotherapy, completing seven rounds so far. Throughout treatment, she has leaned on her faith, music, art therapy and occupational therapy, finding strength and comfort in each day.
Today, Ryla is in remission after a recent MRI revealed that the tumor is no longer showing signs of cancer. We’re excited to celebrate this encouraging news with Ryla and hear more about her remarkable resilience navigating her past and post treatment healing journey.