Connor's Heroes Funds Richmond's First Pediatric Brain Tumor Biobank
Children’s Hospital of Richmond at VCU establishes a pediatric brain tumor biobank to advance research and treatment in Central Virginia. The local biobank was funded in part by a $200,000 gift from Connor’s Heroes and will allow for groundbreaking research for children with brain tumors. Watch CBS6 interview with Marisa Cherry, Connor’s Heroes Board Member, and mom to childhood cancer hero, Lauren.
Here is the press release about this historic moment in pediatric cancer research for Central Virginia.
Children’s Hospital of Richmond at VCU Establishes Pediatric Brain Tumor Biobank, Advancing Research and Treatment in Central Virginia
The local biobank was funded in part by a $200,000 gift from Connor’s Heroes and will allow for groundbreaking research to inform treatment for children with brain tumors
Richmond, VA – April 8, 2025– Children’s Hospital of Richmond at VCU has established its first pediatric brain tumor biobank, positioning the hospital among the nation’s top pediatric neuro-oncology institutions and accelerating research for faster, more effective treatments.
Pediatric brain tumors are the leading cause of cancer-related death in children, yet research
progress has been slow due to limited access to viable tumor samples. A pediatric brain tumor biobank allows hospitals to collect, store and study tumor tissue, providing a critical foundation for developing new therapies. This effort was supported by $200,000 in seed funding from Connor’s Heroes, a nonprofit dedicated to supporting families facing childhood cancer and advancing research for a cure.
Dr. David Limbrick (pictured), CHoR’s Chair of Neurosurgery, pediatric neurosurgeon, and leading expert in pediatric brain tumor research, has successfully built similar biobanks at previous institutions. With this funding, Dr. Limbrick will now be able to preserve and analyze tumor samples, participate in multi-institutional trials, and contribute to global advancements in pediatric oncology in the Richmond Region.
“In just the last few years, CHoR has seen an increase in pediatric brain tumor cases, not because they are becoming more common, but because families are seeking out the advanced treatments we now offer,” said Dr. Limbrick. “This biobank is the foundation for future breakthroughs, allowing us to collaborate with top institutions, study rare tumors in greater depth and ultimately provide better outcomes for children battling brain cancer.”
Connor’s Heroes Support Of Research
Founded in 2006, Connor’s Heroes has been a dedicated supporter of CHoR over the years, with this latest gift marking the largest single research commitment to the hospital in the nonprofit’s history.
“Research relies on philanthropy,” said Lisa Spickler Ivins, Founder of Connor’s Heroes. “The hospital is bringing world-class expertise to Richmond, and we are committed to helping them expand their impact. We’re honored to strengthen our partnership with CHoR by supporting research that directly benefits the children and families we serve.”
Since launching this initiative, CHoR has already banked six tumor samples, marking the beginning of a research effort that will place Richmond on the map for pediatric brain tumor
care for years to come.
“We are incredibly grateful for this generous gift from Connor’s Heroes and for Dr. Limbrick’s dedication to investing in the Richmond Region” said Lauren Zaller Moore, President and CEO of Children’s Hospital Foundation.
The creation of this biobank enhances our research capabilities, giving patients access to transformative, life-saving advancements in care. This gift opens new doors for patients and their families, ensuring brain tumor tissue is properly stored and available for future treatment.
Connor’s Heroes Board Member Grateful For Biobank
Marisa Cherry, a board member of Connor’s Heroes, knows firsthand the critical importance of having access to a biobank, as her daughter Lauren (pictured) was diagnosed with a brain tumor at just three years old.
“This biobank will ensure that future families will have access to cutting-edge treatments and clinical trials that could save their child’s life.”
Cherry also emphasized the importance of keeping care local.
“When your child is fighting cancer, you want to be close to home, near siblings, loved ones, and your community. By bringing this level of research and treatment to Central Virginia, CHoR is giving families hope without forcing them to leave their support system.”
Dr. Limbrick has outlined a phased approach for the biobank’s development. The first year will focus on establishing the infrastructure, followed by participation in collaborative research studies with other leading institutions. The long-term vision is for CHoR to become a regional and national hub for pediatric brain tumor research and care.
About Children’s Hospital Foundation
Children’s Hospital Foundation is dedicated to funding and advocating for pediatric initiatives
that improve the status of health care and the quality of life for children in our region. The
Foundation provides support for the programs and initiatives of Children’s Hospital of Richmond at VCU and the more than 80,000 children and families it serves each year. Children’s Hospital Foundation depends on the support of individuals, businesses and other organizations to help us continue our mission of supporting excellence in health care for children.
In 2020, CHoR marked 100 years of treating all children in need of care. CHoR was recently
verified as a Level I Children’s Surgery Center by the American College of Surgeons Children’s
Surgery Verification Quality Improvement Program (ACS CSV), one of only 30 verified children’s surgery centers in the country and the 10th on the East Coast to attain this highest level of designation. In 2023, CHoR opened the Children’s Tower, a 500,000-sq-ft facility dedicated to inpatient, emergency and trauma care.
About Connor’s Heroes
Connor’s Heroes is dedicated to helping families in Central Virginia cope with childhood cancer and our community’s researchers conquer it. Connor's Heroes realized the best way to help a family is to get to know a family. Its Program Team offers personalized financial and emotional support throughout a child’s cancer journey. Connor’s Heroes invests in groundbreaking research studies for better treatments. In 2026, Connor's Heroes will celebrate 20 years of building a community of heroes who provide hope, guidance, and support to children with cancer and their families at Children's Hospital of Richmond at VCU.