Hope & Heroes Charity Visits Pediatric Oncology Division

A team from the nonprofit Hope & Heroes visited Columbia University’s Division of Pediatric Hematology, Oncology, and Stem Cell Transplantation on Sept. 14, accompanied by professional athletes Ben Shelton and Trinity Rodman, to meet and learn from the patients, families, and the teams who care for them.

Hope & Heroes funds research and treatment for pediatric cancers and blood disorders at Columbia University Irving Medical Center and other medical centers across the tristate area to improve understanding of disease origins, advance new therapies, and expand access to clinical care and resources for patients and families. The nonprofit funds innovative pediatric oncology research focused on precision medicine, brain and nervous system tumor biology, and drug development and delivery at Columbia and NewYork-Presbyterian Morgan Stanley Children’s Hospital of Children’s Hospital of New York.

The day before their visit, Shelton competed in the U.S. Open Tennis Championships men’s final and Rodman played in a match with her team, the National Women’s Soccer League’s Washington Spirit, in Washington D.C. “It was a challenging week, but we were happy to have this visit to look forward to, win or lose.”

Shelton, Rodman, and Hope & Heroes leadership—including executive director Bob Bomersbach, board chair Rob Kapito and founder Michael Weiner, former director of the division—spoke with physicians, nurses, social workers, and other members of the pediatric oncology team to learn about their work caring for children and families throughout treatment. They also met with patients and their families, including seven-year-old Pedro and his mother, and 22-year-old Nicole, who were thrilled to meet the athletes.

“Ben Shelton is a role model both on and off the court. Watching him connect with our patient families made it clear that philanthropy is not simply an occasional gesture for him; it is a reflection of how he lives," Bomersbach said. "Hope & Heroes is honored to have someone with Ben’s platform championing our work to support children and families facing cancer, as well as those who care for them.”

“Hope & Heroes has played an important role in helping us advance both the science and the care of children with cancer and blood disorders,” said Monica Bhatia, the Michael Weiner, MD, Professor of Pediatrics at Columbia University Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons and director of the Pediatric Stem Cell Program. “We’re grateful for their continued support and for opportunities like this that remind our patients and families how many people are standing behind them.”

For Shelton and Rodman, the opportunity to spend time with patients, families, and providers to learn more about the needs of children with cancer was a highlight of their visit. “It was so inspiring to get to know these kids, who are so brave during some of the hardest times of their lives,” Rodman said.

Shelton and Rodman have a meaningful personal interest in Hope & Heroes’ mission. “We know a young girl with leukemia who loves to watch Trinity’s games. Knowing that this bright, happy child has to get chemotherapy the next day really stays with us and motivates us to help,” said Shelton.

Hope and Heroes’ support also offers patients and their families free access to several services that improve quality of life, including integrative therapies, psychosocial programs, and survivor wellness resources.

“We know one child going through this, but there are so many kids and families facing the same thing,” said Rodman. “We appreciate the chance learn more about this important work.”