One family’s loss has grown into a global effort to change the future for children with neuroblastoma. Founded by Einat Dado Baralia after the death of her two-year-old son, Shir, Shir for Life now funds research, connects families with leading experts and mobilizes an international community around this rare childhood cancer. 

On October 19 in New York City, Shir for Life’s Third Annual NYC Gala, “A Night for the Next Breakthrough,” will feature a conversation with Dr. Albert Bourla, Pfizer’s Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, pediatric oncologist and researcher Dr. Robbie Majzner, and Einat Dado Baralia, in a panel bringing pharmaceutical leadership, clinical research and family experience to the same table. The evening will support the organization’s research, family connection and advocacy work.

Shir was diagnosed with neuroblastoma at 15 months old. His family sought treatment in Israel and the United States, including in New York and Philadelphia, pursuing every available possibility for him. That search for options continues to shape Einat’s work for other children and families.

“Shir did not get the breakthrough he needed. I cannot change that. But I can fight to make sure more children have more options than he did. That means bringing families into the same room with the scientists, clinicians and leaders who can help move progress forward. The next breakthrough will not come from any one of us alone. It will come from all of us choosing to act together,” said Einat Dado Baralia, Founder and Executive Director of Shir for Life.

“Behind every diagnosis is a family facing an extraordinarily difficult journey. No one should face it alone,” said Dr. Albert Bourla. “When families, clinicians, researchers and advocates come together to listen, learn and support one another, they build something stronger. I’m honored to join this gathering and proud to be part of a community working to bring new answers and hope to patients and their families.”

Dr. Majzner, Associate Professor at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute and Harvard Medical School and a member of Shir for Life’s Scientific Board, develops new cancer immunotherapies and works to translate laboratory advances into clinical trials. He will bring the clinician and researcher perspective to the discussion.

Neuroblastoma develops from immature nerve cells and most often affects children younger than five. Shir for Life helps families connect with expert knowledge and a community that understands their experience, while supporting research into better treatments.

To date, the organization has supported four clinical trials in the United States and Israel. Its free International Neuroblastoma Webinar Series has featured more than 20 clinicians and researchers from over 12 institutions across seven countries, connecting families and medical professionals directly with experts for research updates and live questions and answers.

Shir for Life also founded International Neuroblastoma Awareness Day, observed on December 5. The initiative has reached more than 1.3 million people across over 50 countries, bringing families, hospitals, researchers and advocates together to raise the profile of the disease and build a global community working for change.

Families, clinicians, researchers, advocates, philanthropic supporters and industry leaders will come together on October 19 to help sustain this work. The evening carries forward the purpose that led Einat to establish Shir for Life: to help ensure that more children have more options than Shir did, through research and a community committed to moving progress forward together. The gala begins at 6:30 p.m. EDT on October 19. Tickets and opportunities to support the event are available at givebutter.com/c/Shir-For-Life-Gala. Venue details will be provided with ticket purchases.

Shir for Life gratefully recognizes event sponsor Pfizer and Advocacy Partners Recordati and SERB Pharmaceuticals for their support.

About Shir for Life
Shir for Life is a global nonprofit founded in memory of Shir, who died from neuroblastoma at age two. The organization funds research, raises awareness and strengthens connections among families, clinicians and researchers. Its initiatives include a free international webinar series, International Neuroblastoma Awareness Day, and family connection and advocacy programs. Learn more at shirforlife.com.

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