Tampa, Fla. -- This week, we brought you the story of a Tampa Doctor making headway on a vaccine for childhood leukemia.
Since the story on Dr. Cameron Tebbi and the 1 Voice foundation aired, U.S. Representative Kathy Castor met with both, Thursday afternoon, to learn about what she can do to help.
Dr. Cameron Tebbi has spent the last 40 years researching to find a preventative end to the disease.
Tebbi has created and patented a protein that can differentiate between normal and leukemic cells.
This means doctors can tell which child is more likely to develop cancer, so only the children whose cells react differently when exposed to this, will get the vaccination.
But the research to develop the vaccine still has a long way to go.
Representative Castor was able to see firsthand the patent paperwork for his protein.
She also was able to learn about the research he's been able to gather throughout the years regarding his leukemia vaccine.
Getting more funding for pediatric cancer was also discussed. Right now, it gets only 4 cents from every research dollar.
“Dr. Tebbi is doing fantastic research to screen for and prevent pediatric leukemia. I will keep fighting for funding and resources for this type of innovative medical research. My hope is that no child or family should ever have to suffer the devastating impact of childhood cancer.” – U.S. Rep. Kathy Castor (FL14)
Bonnie and Scott Woodworth are just one of the parents fighting to get more.
They lost their 4-year-old daughter Tatumn to a brain tumor, they thought was an ear infection.
The 1 voice foundation, which offers 20 different programs for pediatric cancer families in Tampa Bay, is the reason the family has been able to get through the pain.
Now, they’re continuing to educate state lawmakers on childhood cancer.
“A lot of people don't understand that there is a lack of funding for childhood cancer. People are shocked to hear that. That's why we don't have any new treatment options. Your coverage with channel 10 has been phenomenal, thank you so much, I couldn't be more thankful,” says Woodworth.
Dr. Tebbi retired recently, to focus full-time on this vaccination and does not get a dime for his work.
To learn more about the 1 Voice Foundation or how to donate, click here.
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