Timon was just 12 when he died from a brain tumor in 2024. In the face of this unimaginable loss, his parents, Yury Labintsev and Ekaterina Labintceva, are honoring their son’s memory by investing in research that could change the future for other children facing a diagnosis like his.
Through a generous gift, the couple has established the Timon Labintcev Pediatric Brain Tumor Award, supporting a postdoctoral fellowship in the laboratory of Michelle Monje, MD, PhD.
The world leader of her field, Monje is the Milan Gambhir Giáo sư về Ung thư thần kinh nhi khoa and professor of neurology. Dr. Monje’s Stanford Medicine Children’s Health lab is unlocking new understanding of how the nervous system drives cancers. Her clinical trial treating a previously incurable pediatric brain cancer has achieved unprecedented outcomes, including one patient who has been cancer-free for more than four years.
The fellowship is dedicated to advancing the understanding and treatment of high-grade gliomas, which are among the most aggressive and devastating brain tumors affecting young people.
The recipient of the fellowship is Gloria Byun, PhD, a postdoctoral researcher in the Monje Lab. Dr. Byun has recently generated some promising early findings related to high-grade gliomas. With Yury and Ekaterina’s support, she is taking a deeper dive into this area of research.
In recent years, the Monje Lab has discovered that certain neurons (nerve cells) can encourage pediatric brain tumors to grow, spread, and resist treatment. Dr. Byun’s research focuses on a specific group of neurons that releases stress-related chemicals and sends signals through the brain. By studying how these neurons communicate with tumor cells, she aims to identify ways to interrupt the signals and slow the cancer’s growth.
The ultimate goal of this research is to pioneer new therapies for young people with aggressive brain tumors to both cure their cancer and help prevent devastating neurological impacts, like the loss of the ability to walk, talk, and eat.
“We are honored to support Dr. Monje and Dr. Byun in this groundbreaking work,” says Yury. “And we’re excited to see how their research deepens our understanding of what drives this devastating cancer and opens the door to new treatment possibilities.”
Yury and Ekaterina’s investment in research is helping scientists move closer to better treatments and brighter futures for young people facing brain tumors. Timon dreamed of becoming a neurosurgeon to help other children like him. Through their gift, his parents are honoring his dream and ensuring that Timon’s legacy lives on in work that brings hope to others.
Những đột phá được thúc đẩy bởi hoạt động từ thiện
Dr. Monje’s extraordinary progress has been powered by philanthropy. Join the community supporting her life-saving research.
