Four Foundation Hosts Annual Benefit For Brain Tumor Research & Pediatric Programs At Columbia Presbyterian Medical Center

Sean Kenniff, M.D., From the Hit T.V. Show “Survivor” Named National Spokesperson New York, NY (October 2000)— Seven years ago Jeff Tarallo wondered whether he would be able to celebrate his son’s next baseball league victory. Christopher Tarallo, then 14, had been diagnosed with a brain tumor. After successful surgery, radiation, and chemotherapy treatment, Christopher recovered and his family established the “Four Foundation” - named after Chris’ baseball jersey number, which he had worn as an accomplished player before his illness. The foundation assists researchers in developing new and successful treatments for children with brain tumors. “The mission of the foundation is to increase the cure rate of those children stricken with brain tumors to spare them and their parents the anguish of such a horrible illness. Only with research can children have a fighting chance to overcome, with complete confidence, brain tumors,” says Jeff Tarallo, founder of the Four Foundation. “We are proud to support the efforts of Columbia Presbyterian’s brain tumor research lab, led by Dr. Jeffrey Bruce. The Four Foundation is my family’s way of giving back to a wonderful institution that saved our son’s life.” On Friday, Nov. 3, the Four Foundation will host its fifth annual dinner dance to support the world-renowned Brain Tumor Research Laboratory and research programs in pediatric oncology at Babies & Children’s Hospital of New York. The Four Foundation has given generously to spare other children and families anguish and to provide a token of appreciation for the expert care given by Babies & Children’s staff. All proceeds from the evening will support ongoing programs, such as research scholars, throughout the year. “The Four Foundation’s research support efforts allow us to make significant contributions in the struggle against brain tumors,” says Jeffrey Bruce, M.D., associate professor of neurosurgery at Columbia University College of Physicians & Surgeons and Christopher’s doctor. “The Four Foundation’s dedication and contributions toward the goal of finding a cure for pediatric cancers represent a major coup in gaining support for many children stricken with brain tumors who are in desperate need of new and successful treatments,” says Darryl C. De Vivo, M.D., professor of neurology and pediatrics at Columbia University College of Physicians & Surgeons and director of the Neurology Division at Babies & Children’s Hospital of New York. Sean Kenniff, M.D., from the hit show “Survivor” will be the national spokesperson of the event which begins at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $100 per person. For more information, please call the Four Foundation at 201-265-8440.

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