Dear Friends of R33M,

 

As the door opens to 2025, this very special letter announces the gentle closing of the doors to The Ross K. MacNeill Foundation following 11 years of commitment to our mission to pediatric brain cancer research and awareness.

 

This work began because Ross asked us to “not let another child go through what I’ve gone through.” His “ask” to our family was following the moment that we shared with him that his doctor had just called and told us there was nothing else medically that could be done for him. Three months later, Ross passed away. The promise that our family made on February 5th, 2013, to Ross, began to take form as a charity later that fall. No one could have imagined at that time that R33M would have thrived for 11 years.

 

It was with sheer determination that we leaned into the complexity of charitable fundraising and understanding the needs of pediatric brain cancer. Both of these are vast and difficult, I can assure you. However, the formula for our success remains a simple one of two components- relentless devotion and YOU. 

 

The most important message I can send in this letter of our departure is one of deep, genuine, and unparalleled gratitude to every donor, sponsor, volunteer, partner, friend, family, scientist, physician, surgeon, and advocate supporting R33M. For without every one of you, our 11 years would have been shorter and far less successful. YOU are the collective success of this promise, and YOU have made an impact on the achievements in research along with the new understanding of pediatric brain cancer patients’ needs. 

 

There was not a plan for a time or year to leave this work. I always knew that when the time was right, it would be clear to me. I’m so overwhelmed with hope as I look over these 11 years, and see the momentum in research, drug development, federal involvement and investment, industry involvement and investment, and collaboration across the research community worldwide on behalf of children like Ross whose lives are depending on it. The landscape of work today is incredibly promising. I’ve had the privilege of serving in the role of representing R33M nationally, bringing our investments to the collaborative research making the greatest impact, and standing up with a voice of personal experience and tireless pursuit of changing the massive lack of commitment to this community of children. Standing alongside some of the most impressive, educated, experienced, and passionate professionals in this field has been an honor. This continuing work is in fantastic hands.

 

Because of you, R33M departs this work with a total of $4.95 million raised while managing 82% of that to our mission. The research investments of R33M, along with our voice to raise awareness, are highlighted on our website, R33M.org. The website will remain open through 2025, and communication can be received at info@r33m.org or at P.O. Box 333, Wheaton, IL 60187. 

 

As of today, January 3, 2025, The Ross K. MacNeill Foundation has retired. All donations that come to R33M will automatically be routed to our newly established legacy Fund, The Ross K. MacNeill Fund, with our long-time research partner, The Children’s Brain Tumor Network (CBTN). Through this Fund, we are happy to know that our 11 years of work will continue inside this perfect home of the most visionary research. We have served on CBTN’s Executive Council since 2017 and have financially supported research through CBTN since. Their mission and ours have aligned completely- driving innovative discovery, pioneering new treatments, and accelerating open science, all to improve the health of children with brain cancer. I hope that you will continue to support pediatric brain cancer research through our Fund at CBTN. The cause remains in need of your support and CBTN’s vision and results are groundbreaking. 

 

I think the best and only way to close this letter is with the same words I’ve closed nearly every speech I’ve made these past years. 

 

I’m glad this work has been on our shoulders because 

we are relentlessly devoted, 

tireless in our pursuit, 

and humbled to be healthy. 

This work has been a privilege. 

Thank you for your support and kindness along the way.