Because of your support, researchers are on their way to giving kids with osteosarcoma (bone cancer) a clearer, more effective treatment path.

Dr. Jaime Modiano and his colleagues at the University of Minnesota are developing a groundbreaking blood test to differentiate between aggressive and less aggressive forms of osteosarcoma. Inspired by Nathalia Hawley’s story (below), he aims to create a personalized medicine approach that helps families understand their child’s cancer at diagnosis.

“Intense osteosarcoma treatment has harsh side effects—it literally drains years from a child’s life,” Dr. Modiano said. “So, say our patient had a high probability of the disease being less aggressive, such that it was unlikely to create high morbidity or be terminal in 10 years. We’d manage it differently so the side effects are not worse than the disease itself.”

The research team says not only could this save the children with less aggressive osteosarcoma from harsh side effects of overtreating, but it could help families with more aggressive disease move right from standard treatments, which will likely be ineffective, to newer immunotherapies or clinical trials. They wouldn’t lose valuable time by trying and failing the typical protocols first.

Nathalia (“Nat” for short) was more than just a patient. She was a brave and energetic 12-year-old filled with gratitude even in the most challenging moments. When she was diagnosed with osteosarcoma, her journey became a testament to resilience, love, and hope.

Her story began with subtle signs—months of limping and leg pain initially dismissed as growing pains. But by summer 2016, everything changed. A routine urgent care visit revealed the unthinkable: cancer that had already spread from Nat’s leg to her lungs.

What followed was a whirlwind of treatments. Five cycles of intense chemotherapy, surgeries, and multiple treatment pivots tested Nat’s spirit. When her initial treatment stopped working, she bravely adapted to new chemotherapy protocols—which meant longer hospital stays and missed school days.

Despite the emotional and physical toll it all had on her, she never lost her capacity for gratitude, always taking time to thank the nurses and doctors who supported her along the way.

Even facing such pain and uncertainty, Nat’s primary concern was helping others. She expressed a profound hope that her experience might raise awareness and support for other children battling cancer.

Her mother, Katy, learned to embrace a powerful life philosophy during this journey: “When it rains, look for the rainbow; when it’s dark, look for the stars.” This perspective of finding hope in the most challenging moments became a guiding light.

Tragically, Nat passed away in April 2019 at just 15 years old. But her legacy sparked something extraordinary. Team Nat, inspired by Nathalia’s mission, began fundraising for osteosarcoma research.

Today, thanks to your support, researchers are working to identify biomarkers that will indicate a child’s prognosis. If initial rounds of testing are successful, findings will go to the FDA for review. The team’s goal is that this FDA review will ensure their project is on the right track to FDA approval—fast-tracking the process and avoiding a lengthy revision phase—and setting the team up to start further testing.

“Four years ago, when we started this project, we talked about needing to find some way to get this science to the kids,” said Chris Ghere, Senior Venture Development Manager at the University of Minnesota. “Now we can actually articulate what that path will be, and where that funding will come from to get us there. That is a huge step for this project.”

Her story reminds us that hope is powerful, research is critical, and every contribution can create meaningful change.

When it comes to making progress against diseases as deadly as osteosarcoma, it takes all of us. It’s for kids like Nat that Children’s Cancer Research Fund keeps working to develop better, safer, less painful treatments . . . and your support makes it possible.

Your contribution today will advance groundbreaking research that makes a better, brighter future a reality for all children. Thank you for your compassion and generosity!