Why Research?
Bryan and I were approached by a researcher from UT Southwestern in the waiting area the day she was diagnosed with brain cancer. “Would it be ok if Layla’s tumor was used as part of a study on cancer cell metabolism,” she asked? Without hesitation, we agreed. We knew that even if the information didn’t help Layla directly, one day it could help another child.
We had the opportunity to meet the woman who ran the research study a year later. Her name is Dr. Elizabeth Maher. I introduced myself as “Layla’s mom”, and Dr. Maher smiled and said “Of course I know Layla! Everyone in our lab knows Layla.” Dr. Maher went on the tell us that Layla was the first pediatric Medulloblastoma tumor in their study.
The research team had been unsuccessful in gaining consent from parents for years. Due to the overwhelming amount of paperwork and emotions the first day a child is diagnosed with cancer, it’s no wonder parents had a hard time digesting one more request. I’m not sure what made us say yes that day, but I’m so glad we did. Layla’s tumor is continuing to driving innovative research to understand a cancer cell’s metabolism. In a nutshell, what makes it “Go”. Here is what Dr. Maher had to say about it:
Layla’s Legacy Foundation is a 501(c)(3) organization funding innovative pediatric brain cancer research while bringing hope and help to families impacted by the disease.
Sara Stamp
Layla’s Legacy Foundation is a 501(c)(3) organization funding innovative pediatric brain cancer research while bringing hope and help to families impacted by the disease.
Our Story
In October 2016, the Stamp family was devastated by the news that their 4-year-old daughter, Layla, had a form of pediatric brain cancer called Medulloblastoma. Even after surgery, months of chemotherapy and radiation, Layla’s cancer returned. For 14 months the family fought and tried every possible treatment available only to lose Layla on November 11, 2017, shortly after her 5th birthday.
During their journey, the Stamps learned just how little funding there was for pediatric cancers and also how difficult it can be for families financially. Layla’s Legacy was founded to create change in research, to be advocates of the disease and to help support families by offsetting costs where needed. In their mind, it was time to Do More for our kids.
