This holiday season, a small group of partners came together to create something truly special for Eva – an eight-year-old with a remarkable spirit and courage far beyond her years.
Eva is living with diffuse midline glioma (DMG), a rare and aggressive brain cancer that has long been incredibly difficult to treat. Each month, Eva and her family travel nearly seven hours roundtrip from their home in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, to Minnesota, so she can receive care. It’s a journey that speaks volumes about their resilience, love, and determination.
Eva is also part of something extraordinary.
She is one of fewer than a dozen children worldwide participating in a groundbreaking clinical trial available only in the Twin Cities – the culmination of decades of earlier research at the University of Minnesota, funded by Children’s Cancer Research Fund. For families facing DMG, this trial represents long-awaited progress and a new reason to hope.
“For far too long, there hasn’t been an effective way to fight DMG,” said Anne Bendel, MD, director of Neuro-oncology Research at Children’s Minnesota and Eva’s physician. “This clinical trial is a critical step toward changing that reality for kids. Caring for patients like Eva reminds us why research matters – every child deserves a healthy, happy future with the people they love most.”
Major U.S investment firms and the top wealth advisors from across the country came together with Children’s Cancer Research Fund at the 2025 Forbes | SHOOK Top Advisor Summit in Las Vegas in October to raise $1.5 million in support of this new clinical trial. Philanthropists like OddsJam co-founder Alexander Monahan further ensured funding stability for this project.
“Science is powerful, but people make progress happen,” said Kenna Dooley, chief development officer for Children’s Cancer Research Fund. “Researchers, clinicians, donors and families are all part of this fight. For more than twenty years, supporters have invested in this work so moments like this are possible – a real chance for more days, more childhood, and more joy.”
When Mall of America® learned Eva’s story, they knew they wanted to help make this season brighter. Partnering with Children’s Cancer Research Fund and Children’s Minnesota, they planned a holiday surprise filled with joy, wonder and togetherness.
Eva thought she was spending a simple night at a hotel to go swimming. Instead, she was guided by Santa’s elves into a cozy Christmas cottage, complete with stockings, presents, festive characters and a kids’ movie nook. The biggest surprise of all? Her cousins from Virginia and South Dakota were in attendance, “magically” arriving to spend the weekend with her at the Mall – a wish Eva has been holding onto for months.
For Mall of America, the moment reflects a deeper purpose.
“We believe in creating moments that truly matter, especially for families facing the unimaginable,” said Jill Renslow, chief officer of Marketing and Business Development at Mall of America. “Eva’s strength reminds us how powerful community can be. It’s an honor to surround her family with joy and light this holiday season.”
Eva’s story is about more than a magical winter morning. It’s about what’s possible when research, community and generosity come together – and why continued support for childhood cancer research matters.
You can help make more special moments possible for children and families facing cancer.
To support promising emerging research as well as essential programs for families touched by childhood cancer, please consider donating to Children’s Cancer Research Fund this holiday season: https://ccrf.org/holiday.
