Soupy for Loopy funds child cancer vaccine

Date: 3/31/2010

March 31, 2010.

By Katelyn Gendron

Reminder Assistant Editor



WEST SPRINGFIELD -- A new clinical study at Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center in New York City is giving children and their families hope for lives without pediatric cancer.

The study, partially funded by the Soupy for Loopy Foundation in West Springfield, features a new vaccine called trivalent, which may eradicate neuroblastoma, a form of pediatric cancer. The foundation was established in honor of Laura Sypek, an 11-year-old sixth grade student at West Springfield Middle School, who succumbed to the disease in 2006.

"We are well on our way to meeting our goal for patients enrolled in our new clinical study," Dr. Brian Kushner at MSKCC, said. "Over the last [eight] months, since the trial opened, several patients have received the trivalent vaccine for the treatment of neuroblastoma. There have been no severe side effects.

"At this rate, we anticipate continued accrual and completion of enrollment within the next one to two years," he continued. "That is a tremendous pace for an undertaking of this type, and we are thankful to Soupy for Loopy for your support of our efforts. Studies like this one bring us one step closer to being able to provide effective treatments for neuroblastoma and putting an end to the suffering caused by the disease."

One such child receiving the vaccine is six-year-old Alyssa Ramos of Queens Village, N.Y. She was first diagnosed with stage IV high-risk neuroblastoma in 2005 at 26 months of age and underwent six surgeries. She relapsed in 2007 and had seven additional cycles of chemotherapy and radiation before going into remission in 2008.

"Anything we can do to keep her in remission we'll try," Laura Ramos, Alyssa's mother, said of entering her daughter into the study.

Laura Ramos explained she is eternally greatful for the Soupy for Loopy Foundation for helping fund the study and for their compassionate founders, Sandra Kosko, Laura's aunt, and her parents, Mark and Debra Sypek.

"Speaking to Laura's mom, I feel bad that my kid has survived but it could all be taken away from me with the next scan," Laura Ramos said.

She explained her daughter is just like any other first grader today, aside from being involved in the clinical study. Alyssa enjoys spending time with her three-year-old brother, going to school, drawing pictures and playing dress up.

"Without this funding from Soupy for Loopy, this trial would not have been an option for Alyssa and many other children," Kosko said. "Knowing this makes it all worthwhile and so very rewarding.

"It has been and continues to be a heartwarming experience to see the outpouring of support from kids as well as adults who have been drawn to our cause," she continued. "Through the Soupy for Loopy Foundation, we have provided a way for many to do their part to help children like Alyssa get better and give them hope for a healthier future."

When asked if she was pleased with the clinical advances made at MSKCC, Kosko replied, "We are very pleased. The trial was opened in a timely manner and enrolling patients immediately. Timing is critical when there are no options left available to patients.

"Alyssa Ramos has already received six of the series of seven shots, which are to be given over a period of one year," she continued. "When a child relapses there are several clinical trials but your child must meet the criteria for the trial. We should never be at a point where there is 'nothing' left to try."

To learn more about the Soupy for Loopy Foundation and how to make donations to the cause, visit www.soupyforloopy.org.