Portada » News » Presenting our first research program, Project Gabi
This Friday, February 15, celebrates the International Day of Childhood Cancer. It’s a very important day for us, so we wanted to take advantage of this opportunity to announce a new project that’s very dear to us.
We’re announcing our first step into cancer research, by supporting a group that is very close to us: Project Gabi. This project is part of the Fundación CRIS Contra el Cáncer (CRIS Against Cancer Foundation) developed in the CRIS Unit at Hospital de la Paz (Madrid).
Project Gabi researches cancer treatment for children who have relapsed or do not have any alternative treatment options. The project carries the name of our dear Gabi, one of our ‘aladinas’ with whom we shared many precious moments.
Who better to tell you about this new project than Paco, our president, in his own words in this VIDEO.
Project Gabi uses the patient’s own immune system to fight against tumor cells. Known as Immunotherapy, it’s a clinical process that is becoming increasingly personalized and tailored to each patient.
Specifically, Gabi works to give T-lymphocytes in the patient’s immune sytem the ability to get close to tumor cells and eliminate them, avoiding the patient’s healthy cells. In the case of Gabi, her treatment was achieved by modifying these T-lymphocytes which come from a donor within the patient’s family and are treated within the laboratory before being administered to the patient. This genetic modification allows the T-lymphocytes to be treated with a molecule called CAR, which permits the doctors to address the tumor. This type of treatment is known as CAR T-Cell Therapy.
This project is headed by the recognized Doctor Antonio Pérez Martínez, Director of Pediatric Hema-Oncology Services at Hospital Universitario de la Paz.
The CRIS Contra el Cáncer Foundation has allocated €600,000 to this project, of which Aladina has given €200,000.
Mercedes, Gabi’s mother, has excited us with her great support for this initiative.
“Project Gabi saves lives and cures kids, while Aladina helps them maintain their happiness and will to live… It’s a wonderful combination,” said Mercedes.
“Aladina and CRIS Contra el Cáncer are two foundations that complement each other and are essential for keeping kids living and living well,” she assured.
The president of Fundación Aladina, Paco Arango, emphasized that “this research works and will help so many children.” “We have decided to get involved for the first time in a research project and we are very proud to support the work that Antonio Pérez Martínez and CRIS Contra el Cáncer are currently doing to fight cancer,” he added.
If you want to help us continue to support great projects like these, become a member and join a part of our family HERE.