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World-first mRNA CLINICAL TRIAL

Every child deserves better options.

Right now, a world-first Australian clinical trial is testing personalised mRNA cancer vaccines for children and adolescents with advanced or treatment-resistant brain tumours — including ependymoma, medulloblastoma and high-grade gliomas.

This groundbreaking trial, PaedNEO-VAX, represents years of research, collaboration and hope — and it has been made possible by community support.

Your donation today helps move this research forward, giving families facing brain cancer new possibilities where few have existed before.

Marcus' Story

The announcement of the clinical trial coincides with what would have been Marcus Rosin’s 21st birthday. Diagnosed with ependymoma at just four years old, Marcus passed away in 2014 after years of intensive treatment. Since his death, his family has worked to change outcomes for other children through the Marcus Rosin Fund.

Marisa Rosin said contributing to the trial was deeply meaningful for her family, particularly given the lack of options available when Marcus was diagnosed.

“We are incredibly proud and deeply honoured to be part of an Australian-first, cutting-edge clinical trial that is leading the way for children with paediatric brain cancer,” Ms Rosin said.

“Our son Connor passed away in 2013 from an ependymoma brain tumour at the age of 18. When we established the Foundation in his name, we made a conscious decision to focus our efforts on improving the dire outcomes faced by young people with brain cancer.

Over the past 12 years, we have worked closely with key researchers in Australia and globally on making their most promising research a reality. This clinical trial is a wonderful result of our efforts.”

- Liz Dawes OAM, Connor's mum, RCD Foundation Founder & CEO