Our Impact
Collaboration to find a cure for Medulloblastoma. Brain cancer is the deadliest disease facing kids in the United States. We are one of the only nonprofits whose research investments are solely dedicated to medulloblastoma.
RESEARCHERS ROUND UP
Every 2–3 Years | June/July
The Researchers Round Up is a high-level collaboration between the Carson Leslie Foundation and the Cancer Prevention and Research Institute of Texas (CPRIT).
Together, we “round up” the brightest childhood brain cancer investigators across Texas to:
- Discuss emerging data
- Encourage cross-institutional collaboration
- Identify the next frontier of cures
The outcomes of this gathering directly influence CPRIT’s Childhood Brain Cancer Requests for Applications (RFAs), ensuring that state funding supports the most promising and innovative research initiatives.
By bringing the best minds into one room, we accelerate progress toward a world without medulloblastoma.
Research Partners
Funded Projects
ASCO YOUNG INVESTIGATORS
Starting in 2026, we are supporting the Conquer Cancer Young Investigator Award with the American Society of Clinical Oncology. This program advances promising early-career researchers as they pursue innovative, mentor-guided work in clinical oncology. It provides critical funding during the transition from fellowship to faculty, helping launch the careers of physicians dedicated to improving cancer care and outcomes.
CBTN Medulloblastoma Liquid Biopsy Program
We are proud to support a multi-year initiative with the Children’s Brain Tumor Network to advance its Medulloblastoma Liquid Biopsy Program. This work focuses on validating a promising biomarker, mir-216b-5p, using cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) to enable earlier and less invasive monitoring of disease recurrence and treatment response. By expanding one of the largest longitudinal CSF biobanks and integrating biomarker, imaging, and clinical data, this initiative is helping lay the foundation for more precise, real-time diagnostics in pediatric brain cancer.
DR. TAYLOR BIOMARKER PROJECT
We are supporting the groundbreaking pediatric brain tumor research led by Dr. Michael Taylor. This work focuses on uncovering the molecular genetics of medulloblastoma and ependymoma, two of the most common malignant brain tumors in children. By advancing the development of a simple blood-based biomarker test, this initiative aims to enable early detection, potentially identifying tumors in infancy and allowing for earlier, less invasive intervention that can significantly improve outcomes and quality of life.
Encouragement
We provide specialized mental health support and moments of joy that empower kids and teens to reclaim pieces of their childhood while in the heat of the battle.
HEART OF GOLD HOOTENANNIES
Monthly Giving Initiative
Each Hootenannie is a carefully curated delivery of joy and comfort, providing:
Interactive Play: Remote-control toys, STEM kits, LEGOs, art supplies, and engaging activities that keep young minds active.
Essential Comfort: Soft blankets, cotton hats, and “fun socks” that bring warmth to the clinical hospital environment.
Unfailing Consistency: Every month, kids are reminded they are not alone — and that they are deeply cared for.
For kids battling cancer, the hospital room can become a place of isolation. Born from an urgent request by child-life specialists at Children’s Health Dallas, the Heart of GOLD Hootenannies program delivers a monthly “bright spot” to patients on the oncology and blood disorder floor.
Just $50 per month provides one child with a Hootenannie delivery.
Your recurring gift ensures that joy, comfort, and hope continue to arrive — month after month — when it’s needed most.
UNDER ARMOUR® BACKPACK PROGRAM
Sponsored by the Jordan Spieth Family Foundation (JSFF)
In partnership with the Jordan Spieth Family Foundation, the Carson Leslie Foundation provides newly diagnosed teens across Texas with Under Armour® backpacks filled with essentials and a few fun surprises, like a harmonica. Each backpack includes a CLF leather-bound journal, soft blanket, socks, and an overnight kit to help make the hospital experience a little easier.
The program serves major children’s hospitals across Texas, including Children’s Dallas, University Health San Antonio, MD Anderson, and Texas Children’s Hospital in Houston, and has even reached teens as far away as Italy and the Philippines.
CLF TEEN OUTINGS
The Carson Leslie Foundation takes teen cancer patients out across Dallas for unforgettable experiences, from Mavericks, Cowboys, and Rangers games to special events like the Dallas Symphony. Teens travel in style and get the VIP treatment that makes them feel celebrated and confident. Beyond the fun, these outings create lasting memories and meaningful connections.
Teens form friendships that carry into the hospital and clinic, share laughter and hope, and experience moments of courage and acceptance. Like a young man who walked confidently through the stadium with his new prosthetic leg, or two teens who bonded over the night and became lifelong friends. For some, it’s a dream come true; for all, it’s a reminder that even in the fight against cancer, life is meant to be lived fully.
Advocacy & Action
We turn awareness into action to address the critical funding needs of medulloblastoma research. Through advocacy and community engagement, we help amplify the voices of kids with cancer and bring their needs to the federal level.
GOLDEN TOAST
September | Washington, D.C.
The Golden Toast is an annual celebration of the legislative victories driven by the Congressional Childhood Cancer Caucus (CCCC). What began in Congressman Michael McCaul’s living room has grown into a powerful bipartisan movement transforming the future of childhood cancer in America. Hosted in Washington, D.C., it serves as both a celebration and a call to action, honoring progress while recommitting to the work ahead until every child has a chance at a cure.
Through collaboration and unity, this movement has successfully championed life-changing legislation, including:
- The STAR Act – The most comprehensive childhood cancer bill in history, advancing research and survivorship initiatives at the NIH.
- The RACE for Children Act – Requiring innovative adult cancer treatments to be studied for pediatric use.
- The Mikaela Naylon Give Kids A Chance Act – Reauthorizing the FDA’s priority review voucher program to incentivize development of treatments for rare pediatric diseases.
