CURE Childhood Cancer

Since CURE’s beginnings in 1975, we have raised millions of dollars to advance promising research, lobbied for important legislation, and provided tangible support to thousands of children with cancer and their families.

CURE Childhood Cancer was founded in 1975 by Emory University pediatric oncologist, Dr. Abdel Ragab. Recruited from Washington University in St. Louis to head the new Division of Hematology/Oncology in Emory’s Department of Pediatrics, Dr. Ragab arrived in Atlanta as the city’s only pediatric oncologist, confronting skeleton staff, no research budget and two patients receiving infusions in converted closets. Lacking even basic tools such as a proper microscope, he was unable to diagnose different types of pediatric leukemia to determine the best course of treatment.

Dr. Ragab needed support to build a pediatric oncology research program. He first approached members of the Tri Delta sorority’s Atlanta Alumnae chapter and, later, parents of his patients about the need for a microscope. Within a short time, they raised the money to buy it for him while incorporating as a Georgia non-profit organization originally named CURE Childhood Cancer and Leukemia.

For the first few years, the childhood cancer research lab was located at Grady Hospital. But most of Dr. Ragab’s patients were being treated at Emory. In 1981, CURE provided a significant donation to establish a research lab on the Emory campus.