Shir for Life gala to spotlight neuroblastoma research and families in New York

Shir for Life will hold its third annual NYC gala on Oct. 19, bringing Pfizer CEO Dr. Albert Bourla, researcher Dr. Robbie Majzner and founder Einat Dado Baralia together for a discussion on advancing neuroblastoma care. The event will raise money for research, family support and advocacy tied to a rare childhood cancer that most often strikes children under 5.

Why it matters: - Neuroblastoma is a rare childhood cancer that develops from immature nerve cells and most often affects children younger than five. - Shir for Life is trying to move research, family support and advocacy forward at the same time. - The organization has become a bridge between families and the experts working on new treatments.

What happened: - Shir for Life will host its Third Annual NYC Gala, “A Night for the Next Breakthrough,” on Oct. 19 in New York City. - The gala will feature a conversation with Pfizer Chairman and CEO Dr. Albert Bourla, pediatric oncologist and researcher Dr. Robbie Majzner and Shir for Life founder and Executive Director Einat Dado Baralia. - The event starts at 6:30 p.m. EDT. - Tickets and support options are available at givebutter.com/c/Shir-For-Life-Gala. - Venue details will be shared after ticket purchase.

The details: - Einat Dado Baralia founded Shir for Life after the death of her two-year-old son, Shir, from neuroblastoma. - Shir was diagnosed at 15 months old. - Shir’s family pursued treatment in Israel and the U.S., including in New York and Philadelphia. - Dr. Majzner is an associate professor at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute and Harvard Medical School and serves on Shir for Life’s Scientific Board. - Dr. Majzner works on new cancer immunotherapies and translating lab advances into clinical trials. - To date, Shir for Life has supported four clinical trials in the U.S. and Israel. - The group’s free International Neuroblastoma Webinar Series has featured more than 20 clinicians and researchers from over 12 institutions across seven countries. - Shir for Life also founded International Neuroblastoma Awareness Day, observed on Dec. 5. - That initiative has reached more than 1.3 million people across over 50 countries. - Event sponsors include Pfizer, Recordati and SERB Pharmaceuticals. - Shir for Life is a global nonprofit that funds research, raises awareness and strengthens connections among families, clinicians and researchers.

Between the lines: - The gala pairs drug industry leadership, academic research and family experience in one setting, signaling an effort to speed up collaboration around a disease with limited treatment options. - Baralia framed the mission as building more options for families than her son had, while Bourla emphasized that families should not face the disease alone. - The organization’s webinars and awareness campaign suggest Shir for Life is building a year-round network, not just hosting a one-night fundraiser.

What's next: - The Oct. 19 gala will raise funds for research, family connection and advocacy work. - Shir for Life says its broader goal is to keep expanding expert access and support for families affected by neuroblastoma. - More information about the organization is available at shirforlife.com.