WHAT IS CAR T-CELL THERAPY? CAR T-cell therapy removes immune system cells known as T-cells from each child and genetically modifies the cells in the laboratory to attack and kill leukemia cells. The genetically modified cells are then put back into the child. The child’s own immune cells then fight the cancer without needing chemotherapy or radiation.

Dana Mecum showsChase around atMecum Chicago.

WHY IS THIS IMPORTANT?

CAR T-cell therapy was designed for children with Leukemia. Leukemia is a cancer of the blood and bone marrow and is the most common childhood cancer in the United States. The treatment was originally given to children who were on hospice care and it had a 94-percent success rate.

For the past three years, Curing Kids Cancer founder Grainne Owen has said that this will change the way childhood cancer is treated. CAR T-cell therapy has now been approved for use by the FDA, which stated that the treatment had the potential to transform medicine and the way cancer is treated. Curing Kids Cancer is now funding research that will adapt CAR T-cell therapy for all types of childhood cancer, not just Leukemia.

VISIT CURINGKIDSCANCER.ORG TO LEARN HOW TO MAKE A DONATION

Childhood cancer patientElla slams the hammerat Mecum Dallas.

MECUM AND CURING KIDS CANCERCuring Kids Cancer is the “charity of choice” for Mecum Auctions, the world leader of collector-car, motorcycle and Road Art sales. Every day of every annual auction,a Mecum neon “Sold” sign is personally signed and dated by Dana Mecum and given to whoever makes the largest donation to the charity. Curing Kids Cancer founder Grainne Owen said she is amazed by the continuous generosity she has seen fromMecum patrons.

The enthusiasm Mecum brings to its partnership with Curing Kids Cancer is matched only by our appreciation.

HOW IT ALL BEGAN The Mecum Auctions and Curing Kids Cancer partnership began in 2011, when the Curing Kids Cancer organization received a donation of a one-of-a-kind café racer motorcycle that had been created on the show “Café Racer.” When considering what to do with the donation, the idea to auction it off at a Mecum auction was brought to the table. Without hesitation, the motorcycle was sent to Mecum’s Kissimmee auction, and the rest is history. Today, Curing Kids Cancer and Mecum Auctions have been partners for four years and are on the way to raising $5 million together.

“I’m proud to say this has been like the little train that could. This is a small group but they are at the cornerstone of this research. I’m very, very proud to be part of it, and it’s a wonderful thing,” said Dana Mecum.

Clay and Grainne Owen with Christian at Mecum Chicago.

VISIT CURINGKIDSCANCER.ORG TO LEARN HOW TO MAKE A DONATION