A $100,000 grant from AutoNation to CURE Childhood Cancer will help advance research into a promising new treatment for diffuse midline glioma (DMG), a rare and aggressive brain cancer that primarily affects children.

Presented by Associates at AutoNation Toyota Mall of Georgia, the donation will support Mayo Clinic research on advancing a potential new therapy toward FDA review and a Phase I clinical trial in children. DMG tumors develop in critical areas of the brain and spinal cord, making them particularly difficult to treat. Through its Precision Medicine Program, CURE Childhood Cancer has supported more than 1,500 pediatric cancer patients by using genetic sequencing to help identify targeted treatment options tailored to each child. This grant builds on the organization’s commitment to advancing innovative pediatric cancer research that improved outcomes for children facing cancer.

 

“AutoNation’s support for CURE has been extraordinary, not just in their generosity but in the heart their Associates bring to children with cancer year after year,” said Kristin Connor, CEO of CURE Childhood Cancer. “Diffuse midline glioma is one of the most heartbreaking diagnoses a family can receive, and for decades there has been very little to offer these children. AutoNation’s gift will help move a promising therapy out of the lab and toward a clinical trial, and that is how hope becomes real for families. We are truly honored and humbled to be chosen as one of AutoNation’s partners in this milestone year, and deeply grateful for everything they have done for the children we serve.”

 

The donation is one of 10 $100,000 grants AutoNation is making to longtime cancer partners nationwide in celebration of the 10th anniversary of DRV PNK and more than $50 million raised and donated to drive out cancer. The grants support cancer research, education, prevention, and direct patient support.

 

“CURE Childhood Cancer has made a meaningful impact on families across Georgia, and we are proud to support research that could lead to new treatment options for children facing this devastating disease,” said Younes Bougrine, general manager of AutoNation Toyota Mall of Georgia. “As we celebrate 10 years of DRV PNK, this donation reflects AutoNation’s continued commitment to advancing promising cancer research and supporting the organizations that are making a difference in the lives of patients and families.”

 

As part of AutoNation's annual DRV PNK Across America day, Associates from AutoNation Toyota Mall of Georgia also delivered Totes for Hope care bags filled with comfort items to Children's Healthcare of Atlanta. The annual initiative brings together thousands of Associates nationwide to assemble and hand-deliver care bags to pediatric and adult cancer patients at partner hospitals and organizations. Earlier this year, Associates also collected and delivered in-kind donations to support patients staying at the American Cancer Society Hope Lodge.

 

Over the past decade, AutoNation Associates have contributed more than 7,500 volunteer hours packing and delivering more than 40,000 Totes for Hope. DRV PNK has also funded more than 170,000 hours of breast cancer research and inspired more than 1 million individual customer donations.

Across AutoNation's nationwide network of more than 300 locations, Associates participate in community races, golf tournaments, supply drives and other activities throughout the year to raise funds and support cancer patients and their families. To learn more, visitautonation.com/our-purpose/drive-pink.