MAKING THE
HEADLINES
MBI updates No. 9 – September 2025
1
MBI gains spotlight on two major
US news programs
Recently, two major US news outlets featured MBI’s efforts to spare children from toxic treatments and move closer to a cure.
Gold September — Childhood Cancer Awareness Month — opened with. MBI’s founder speaking with Bret Baier at FOX NEWS on September 1st.
He discussed funding challenges in pediatric cancer research and shared his journey after his son’s
medulloblastoma diagnosis, which led to founding MBI with Dr. Roger J. Packer and launching two clinical trials in record time.
On August 7, MBI founder Fernando Goldsztein spoke on MSNBC’s Morning Joe about the initiative’s global impact, highlighting its consortium of 16 leading institutions and top scientists advancing pediatric brain tumor research.
The MBI model — called a ‘new playbook for curing rare childhood diseases’ by MIT — is becoming a global reference in rare disease research. By uniting speed, scientific excellence, and a worldwide network of experts, MBI accelerates access to new therapies for children who cannot wait. Every child deserves a future.
2
These institutions unite scientific excellence and global collaboration. New partners — Seattle Children’s and the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia — strengthening our efforts.
These institutions unite scientific excellence and global collaboration. New partners — Seattle Children’s and the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia — strengthening our efforts.
Consortium meeting:
Expanding the network
In July, at the latest Cure Group 4 Consortium meeting in Washington, D.C., Seattle Children’s and the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia joined the network, expanding it to 16 laboratories worldwide. Their addition strengthens CAR T-cell research already underway at Children’s National and other sites, as the Consortium prepares to launch multiple trials for Group 4 tumors this fall.
The meeting also highlighted progress on MBI’s first two FDA-approved trials at the University of Florida: Dr. Duane Mitchell’s MATCHPOINT trial, which has enrolled its first patient, and Dr. Elias Sayour’s mRNA vaccine trial, soon to begin patient recruitment.
Cure Group 4 Consortium researchers also recently co-authored groundbreaking scientific articles in Nature and Nature Biomedical Engineering. The studies revealed how medulloblastomas develop resistance and introduced a new way to make tumors more responsive to immunotherapy — advances that could directly benefit children with few treatment options.
3
Lemonade for a Cure
Seven-year-old Kennedy Ransom has already led several fundraising campaigns for pediatric cancer. In 2025, with the support of her family and community, she dedicated her efforts to MBI, setting up her lemonade stand throughout the summer. On August 28, she proudly handed Dr. Roger J. Packer a $2,000 check — double her original goal — to support the Cure Group 4 Consortium.
We are incredibly grateful to Kennedy, her family and friends for helping us fulfill our mission—to support the world’s best research that will find a cure for medulloblastoma.
4
Testimonials
The Ransom family
Saying yes to donating to MBI was aneffortless decision, fueled by our desire to create a brighter future for Kennedy and all children affected by cancer. We make this donation in honor of all of the kids who lost the battle in hopes that one day that number reaches zero.
The Ransom family
“ Saying yes to donating to MBI was aneffortless decision, fueled by our desire to create a brighter future for Kennedy and all children affected by cancer. We make this donation in honor of all of the kids who lost the battle in hopes that one day that number reaches zero. ”
For families navigating the uncertainty of a rare diagnosis, this effort represents more than research; it’s a tangible model of hope and progress. The inspiring work led by MBI sets a powerful example of how determination and innovation can reshape the future for children and families facing rare diseases.
“ For families navigating the uncertainty of a rare diagnosis, this effort represents more than research; it’s a tangible model of hope and progress. The inspiring work led by MBI sets a powerful example of how determination and innovation can reshape the future for children and families facing rare diseases.”
Michelle Riley-Brown MHA, FACHE
President & Chief Executive Officer Children’s National Hospital
Children’s National Hospital is proud to stand beside the Medulloblastoma Initiative in fighting for children and families. We are grateful for the passion and visibility you bring to such important work.
Michelle Riley-Brown
MHA, FACHE
President & Chief Executive Officer Children’s National
“ Children’s National Hospital is proud to stand beside the Medulloblastoma Initiative in fighting for children and families. We are grateful for the passion and visibility you bring to such important work. ”
5
MBI’s Voice in The Washington Post
The Washington Post featured our founder’s voice in its letters to the editor section.
Families like mine, and thousands of others around the world, are forced to fight not only the disease but also the structural indifference that hinders research progress and the development of new therapeutic alternatives.
“ Families like mine, and thousands of others around the world, are forced to fight not only the disease but also the structural indifference that hinders research progress and the development of new therapeutic alternatives. ”
Report No. 9 – September, 2025.
Produced By The Medulloblastoma Initiative and Children's National Hospital
The Medulloblastoma Initiative
Team
Fernando Goldsztein: Founder
Mauro Dorfman: Strategic leader
Claudia Buchweitz: Team leader
Iago Paz: Design and social media
Alessandra Chang: Project manager
Martina Fischer: Philanthropy & relationships manager
Advisory Board
Paula Puppi
Claudio Galvão de Castro
Ricardo Sales
Claudia Buchweitz
Fernando Goldsztein
Children’s National Hospital Foundation
Mandy Ranalli: Associate Vice President, Major, Principal and International Giving
Andrew Miller: Director of Development, Neurosciences & Behavioral Medicine
Erin Whiteman: Associate Director, Major Gifts
Paige Mulry: Development Coordinator, Major Gifts and International Advancement
Emma Younger: Development Assistant