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North Castle Releases

Collaborative Clinical Trial for Children with Brain Tumors Launched

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A Kids’ Brain Tumor Cure Foundation, Solving Kids’ Cancer and the Ty Louis Campbell (TLC) Foundation Co-Fund the Launch of International Immunotherapy Clinical Trial for Children with Brain Tumors

 Collaborative Research Funding Helps to Advance Innovative New Treatments for Pediatric Brain Tumors

September, 2016 – NEW YORK, NY:  A Kids’ Brain Tumor Cure Foundation, Solving Kids’ Cancer and the Ty Louis Campbell (TLC) Foundation announce their joint financial support of a Phase 1 clinical trial to test the safety and efficacy of combination checkpoint inhibitors in the treatment of children with brain tumors.

The collaboration of these three like-minded nonprofits will result in a total contribution of $185,000 to bring this clinical trial to fruition for children battling brain tumors, today. The trial will be led by Dr. Ira Dunkel, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center (MSKCC) and enrollment is expected to open some time in the first quarter of 2017.  The International trial will be available to children in six esteemed cancer centers to start, including MSKCC, Dana Farber/Boston Children’s Hospital, Johns Hopkins/Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Great Ormond Street Hospital (UK), Institut Curie Research Centre (France) and Children’s Hospital Colorado.  It is also likely that this innovative study will expand to additional centers in upcoming months.

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Scott Kennedy, Solving Kids’ Cancer & Cindy Campbell, TLC Foundation, proudly wearing AKBTC’s #ChappaCure hats! 

Pediatric brain tumors can be very difficult to treat because of the unique anatomy of the central nervous system, making brain cancer the number one cause of cancer-related deaths among children,” said Principal Investigator Dr. Ira Dunkel, Pediatric Oncologist, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center. “Checkpoint inhibitors are not showing the same kind of side-effect profiles or toxicities seen in the standard treatments kids with brain tumors currently receive like high-dose chemotherapy and radiation, which can be critical for increasing quality long-term survival.”

Checkpoint inhibitors are humanized antibodies that take the “brakes” off immune cancer cells to effectively and efficiently kill cancer cells.  This combination treatment targets the immune system rather than the cancer itself.

In this case, children will be treated with a combination approach leveraging two agents, an anti-PD1 antibody (nivolumab), and another antibody targeting CTLA-4 (ipilimumab), a combination that has been highly effective in several high-risk adult cancer trials already. The hope is that children with malignant brain tumors will have similar results while reducing the toxicities that these kids usually receive from treatment.

“Checkpoint combination therapy is the most exciting breakthrough in cancer research this decade.  Adults with previously untreatable cancers like metastatic melanoma and lung cancer have been cured in clinical trials, and we are passionate about partnering with A Kids’ Brain Tumor Cure Foundation and the TLC Foundation to lead the charge in bringing this innovation to children battling brain tumors,” said Scott Kennedy, Executive Director, Solving Kids’ Cancer.

By working together across borders, nonprofits and medical institutions can move the needle faster, which has otherwise been quite stagnant for pediatric brain tumor patients.  Progress has often been slow in recent decades, having little to no improvement in survival rates for many young brain tumor patients with relapse or metastatic disease.

“One of the most frustrating roadblocks we have faced in the childhood cancer community is the lack of collaboration and information sharing – not only across institutions, but also across borders and among nonprofits.  This clinical trial is so exciting because the parameters for funding ensured that the study would be offered across several medical institutions, and it is co-funded by three nonprofits with a shared mission.  It’s a win-win that breaks down these barriers and puts children first,” said Amy Weinstein, Executive Director, A Kids’ Brain Tumor Cure Foundation.

This innovative trial marks the first time this encouraging immunotherapy combination of agents is being used in children with brain tumors. All three collaborating partners expect this study may provide a completely new avenue for treating deadly brain tumors in children.kidcancer2

ABOUT A KIDS’ BRAIN TUMOR CURE FOUNDATION

Cancerous brain tumors are the #1 cancer related death in children.  Current treatments are toxic, cause permanent cognitive and physical impairments, and severely diminish quality of life.  Pediatric brain cancer research is severely under-funded, and as a result, there have been no new treatment breakthroughs in over 20 years.  The mission of A Kids’ Brain Tumor Cure (AKBTC/PLGA Foundation) is to raise funds and awareness for scientific research leading to new, promising treatments and a cure for children’s brain cancer.  For more information, visit www.akidsbraintumorcure.org; contact info@akidsbraintumorcure.org; or connect on social media at www.facebook.com/PLGAFoundationAKBTC/, or #AKBTC or @PLGA

ABOUT SOLVING KIDS’ CANCER

Solving Kids’ Cancer is not just our name, it’s our mission. We focus on aggressive childhood cancers with low survival rates—because Every Kid Deserves to Grow Up. Solving Kids’ Cancer helps accelerate new, next-generation treatments, including immunotherapy, cancer vaccines, and new drugs by applying an understanding of the entire childhood cancer research landscape to wisely invest in innovative projects.  Visit  www.solvingkidcancer.org, @SolveKidsCancer, or www.facebook.com/solvingkidscancer for more information.

ABOUT THE TY LOUIS CAMPBELL (TLC) FOUNDATION

The TLC Foundation is a nonprofit organization that funds innovative research and clinical trials specifically geared toward the treatment of pediatric cancers (including brain and spinal cord tumors). TLC seeks less toxic, more effective treatments designed for children fighting cancer. Their ultimate mission is to help fund the intelligence and technology that will uncover new ways to cure children with cancer.  Visit www.thetlcfoundation.org, @SuperTyCampbell or www.facebook.com/TLCF.org for more information.

 

55th Annual Armonk Outdoor Art Show: Coming Soon!

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To Benefit the North Castle Public Library

Saturday & Sunday, September 24 & September 25, 2016 10 a.m. – 5 p.m., Rain or Shine.

Ranked one of “The Top 50” Fine Art and Fine Craft Fairs in the US by Art Fair Sourcebook and named among the top “Fine Art and Design Shows” in the New York Metro Area by Sunshine Artist Magazine, the 55th annual Armonk Outdoor Art Show will continue its long tradition of showcasing a fresh and diverse array of art.

Over 185 juried artists from 33 states, Israel and Canada, will be featured, with 46 new artists added to the show this year. A broad spectrum of mediums to suit every taste and budget will be on display, including painting, mixed mediums, printmaking, drawing, pastels, sculpture, photography/digital art, wearable art, and fine crafts.

Above and below water view of an American alligator.
Above and below water view of an American alligator.

This year’s show will feature free guided tours, emerging artists, and fun-filled, kid-friendly activities. We will once again offer free personal consultants, trained in fine art and home design, who will help visitors find and select art that best fits their taste and decor.

There is ample free parking on site, as well as a diverse food court.

 

Hunnicut Joel wood
Hunnicut Joel wood

The North Castle Public Library presents free events for the public to enjoy at
Whippoorwill Hall, 19 Whippoorwill Road East, Armonk:
– Thursday, September 22 at 6:30 p.m.: Classical pianist Janine Knox de Nigris.
– Friday, September 23 at 7 p.m.: Film titled “Beltracchi: The Art of the Forger” with
commentary by LIU professor Valerie Franco.
– Saturday, September 24 at 8 p.m.: Jazz legend Charlie Lagond & Friends.

The Art Show is sponsored by Friends of the North Castle Public Library, Inc., and net proceeds benefit the town’s libraries. Admission price: $12.00, $10.00 for seniors or with coupon, children under 18 free. Sorry, no dogs allowed. For further information, as well as discount coupons, visit www.armonkoutdoorartshow.org. Day of show call: 914-806-6307

205 Business Park Drive, Armonk, N.Y. (Exits 3/3S off Route I-684). Ten miles north of I-287 and I-95, 5 miles from Merritt and Hutchinson Parkways, 20 minutes from the Tappan Zee Bridge.

Rasko, Wesley glass
Rasko, Wesley glass

 

 

 

Congregation B’nai Yisrael in Armonk: Prospective Member Barbeque, June 10!

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Congregation B’nai Yisrael is hosting an end of the year and prospective member BBQ on Friday, June 10 at 6:30pm, followed by Shabbat Services at 8 p.m. Come meet our clergy and members and learn what makes our community so unique. Open to everyone. RSVP at cbyarmonk.org/bbq.

Founded in 1970, Congregation B’nai Yisrael is a Reform congregation with over 300 family members.
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The Small Town Theatre Company Summer Concerts

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Save the dates!
July 9 • July 23 • August 6 • August 20 • 8 PM
Wampus Brook Park • Armonk, NY
small town theater

Admission is free . . . just bring your lawn chair, your picnic basket, your family and friends.

Blues and Swing
The Swingaroos
July 9 • 8 pm

NYC/Westchester blues and swing group, The Swingaroos, entertain with their original 1930-40’s-inspired tunes as well as forgotten goodies by world-famous bandleaders Tommy Dorsey, Glenn Miller and Artie Shaw. Their jive is hot swing with Hollywood class and a Vaudeville spirit. Members include Kimberly Hawkey, Assaf Gleizner, Dan Glaude, and Nat Ranson.

Jazz and Soul
Charlie Lagond
July 23 • 8 pm

Co-Founder of Lagond Music School, Charlie Lagond has worked as a professional musician for over 35 years, performing around the world with artists including Chet Baker, Woody Herman, Buddy Rich, Bernard Purdie, Chuck Mangione, The Jackson Five, the Temptations, Natalie Cole, and Kid Creole & the Coconuts, with whom he has performed at several presidential inaugural balls and at a Command Performance by request of Princess Diana.

Opera
New Rochelle Opera
August 6 • 8 pm

New Rochelle Opera has been thrilling audiences with imaginative full opera productions since 1985. Critics and audiences alike have praised the brilliance and professionalism of their performances. The Company’s mission is to create a deeper understanding and appreciation of live opera by providing top quality, professional opera performances to local audiences, and giving aspiring young singers an opportunity to showcase their talents in a full-length opera production.

Broadway Classics
Hager, Ibarra, Schulman, Spielman, and Johnson
August 20 • 8 pm

Daniele Hager is a NYC based actor and singer who recently portrayed the role of Audrey in Little Shop of Horrors at Curtain Call and ARC Stages. Daniele is the proud founder of We Sing For The World, a music organization focused on making music accessible to communities around the world.
Juan José Ibarra performed Capulet in Romeo et Juliette for the St. Petersburg Opera in Florida. He also performed many times at New Rochelle Opera, One World Symphony, Utah Opera, Natchez Opera Festival, in roles ranging from Jochanaan in Salome to Dauntless in Once Upon a Matress, and from Ping in Turandot to Frederick in A Little Night Music.

Craig Schulman has appeared in the title roles of Jekyll & Hyde, The Phantom Of The Opera, and Les Misérables, on Broadway and around the world. He was chosen to represent the U.S. at the Les Misérables Tenth Anniversary Concert at Royal Albert Hall which can often be seen on PBS.

Lisa Spielman performs as a singer, actor, and director throughout the greater NYC area. Favorite recent projects include Les Miserables, A Minsummer Night’s Dream, Jacques Brel, Parade, and 9 to 5. She appeared as one-third of The Three Sopranos, a standing room only “Sundays at Seven” concert at Elmwood Playhouse.
Eric Thomas Johnson is an award-winning composer and music director. Credits include: Chicago, Into the Woods, The Wiz, The Drowsy Chaperone, Avenue Q, Forty-Second Street, Bye Bye Birdie, Closer Than Ever, The Cradle Will Rock, and Little Shop of Horrors. He is a member of the faculty at the Primary Stages Einhorn School of Performing Arts in NYC.

North Castle Parks and Recreation along with the following sponsors have contributed generously to support this program: Breezemont Day Camp, John Meyer Consulting, Inside Out with Opera, Beascakes Bakery, Craig Schulman Theatre Coach, Veneziano and Associates, Pools of Perfection, Hickory & Tweed

In the event of inclement weather visit the Current Season page of SmallTownTheatre.com for updates and alternate locations

Twigs Presents NWH with $100,000 Gift

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May 11, Armonk– At an annual awards luncheon, Twigs President Maureen Kilfoyle presented a check of $100,000 to Joel Seligman, hospital president and CEO.This donation, made in honor of the hospital’s 100 years of care in the community, will be allocated between two programs: the Cancer Health and Wellness Program and the Ken Hamilton Caregivers Center; both benefit many members of the community.

Twigs President Maureen Kilfoyle presenting the $100,000 donation to Joel Seligman, NWH president and CEO.
Twigs President Maureen Kilfoyle presenting the $100,000 donation to Joel Seligman, NWH president and CEO.

Since opening the Thriftree thrift shop in 1964, Twigs has donated a total of $3,281,000 to Northern Westchester Hospital.

Displays highlighted the efforts of Twigs volunteers in creating layettes for newborns in the hospital’s Prenatal Care Center, in creating tray favors for patients; and sewing cough pillows for surgery patients.

In addition, 25 volunteers were honored at the Whippoorwill Club for their increased levels of service hours, notably Judy McGrath (3,000 hours), Mary Santore (2,500 hours), Betsy Towl and Virginia Yensco (1,500 hours). Twig volunteers donated a total of 9,829 hours to operate the shop.

Twigs is a not-for-profit organization of volunteers dedicated to raising funds for Northern Westchester Hospital, principally by operating the Thrift Shop. They also make comfort items for patients.