Wilms Cancer Foundation
Defeating Childhood Kidney Cancer
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Wilms Tumor (Nephroblastoma) in Children: Symptoms, Diagnosis, Treatment, Survival, Relapse, Long-term Effects & Childhood Kidney Cancer Support
The international Wilms tumor charity website of the Wilms Cancer Foundation providing the world's most comprehensive free resource dedicated to Wilms tumor (nephroblastoma) and childhood kidney cancer, featuring evidence-based information on symptoms, diagnosis, staging, treatment, surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, relapse, survivorship, long-term effects, clinical trials, patient support, nutrition, and family resources for children, parents, caregivers, survivors, healthcare professionals, and childhood cancer communities worldwide.
Operations, Executive & Advisory
TJ Hodgkinson
Chief Executive Officer
TJ Hodgkinson is the Founder and Executive Director of the Wilms Cancer Foundation (WCF), responsible for shaping its strategic vision, mission, and international growth. Under his leadership, WCF has developed into a globally focused organization advancing Wilms tumor awareness, education, and international collaboration. A recognized childhood cancer advocate, Mr. Hodgkinson has established strategic collaborations with leading organizations, including the World Health Organization (WHO), St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, pediatric oncology networks, healthcare institutions, and patient organizations. He has expanded WCF’s educational resources, digital services, and awareness initiatives to include South America, the Middle East, Sub-Saharan Africa, and Asia, supporting earlier diagnosis, improved treatment knowledge, and survivorship care. Mr. Hodgkinson also serves as a reviewer for the U.S. Congressionally Directed Medical Research Programs (CDMRP), specifically its Kidney Cancer Research Program (KCRP). His commitment is deeply personal. Following his son William’s diagnosis with Stage IV Wilms tumor, he combined lived experience with strategic leadership to build an organization dedicated exclusively to the disease.
Jennifer Foley
Operations Director
Jennifer Foley is an international branding, communications, and social media specialist with extensive experience in strategic marketing, organizational positioning, and emerging communications technologies. Her expertise focuses on strengthening organizational visibility, international engagement, and sustainable growth. Ms. Foley has worked with Fortune 100 organizations and leading businesses across North and Latin America, Europe, Asia, and emerging markets, specializing in international brand strategy, audience engagement, and market development. At the Wilms Cancer Foundation (WCF), Ms. Foley supports international development, philanthropic engagement, and institutional partnerships, working with clinical, research, and operational leaders worldwide to advance the Foundation’s global initiatives. Her work particularly focuses on developing partnerships in low- and middle-income countries, connecting healthcare institutions, research organizations, corporate partners, and philanthropic stakeholders to expand access to resources and sustainable funding. Through her international expertise, Ms. Foley helps strengthen WCF’s global presence and advance its mission to improve awareness, access to care, and outcomes for children and families affected by Wilms tumour.
Robert Appelman
Strategic Partnerships
Robert Appelman brings extensive experience in developing strategic partnerships and collaborations across the nonprofit, healthcare, and business sectors. His expertise in relationship management, stakeholder engagement, and organizational development supports the Wilms Cancer Foundation’s (WCF) mission and long-term growth. Throughout his career, Mr. Appelman has cultivated relationships with donors, corporate sponsors, institutions, and key stakeholders, focusing on sustainable partnerships, philanthropic support, and opportunities for organizational development. A dedicated advocate for children affected by cancer, Mr. Appelman is committed to raising awareness, encouraging philanthropic engagement, and connecting organizations and individuals whose resources and expertise can advance childhood kidney cancer initiatives. At WCF, Mr. Appelman contributes to strategic partnership development, donor engagement, and collaborative opportunities that strengthen the Foundation’s international programs and financial sustainability. His commitment to building meaningful relationships helps expand WCF’s global reach and improve outcomes for children and families affected by Wilms tumour.
Andrea Dass
Donor Relations (Key Accounts)
Andrea Dass brings over a decade of administrative and operational experience, including more than six years in the nonprofit sector, to her role in Donor Relations at the Wilms Cancer Foundation (WCF). Her expertise includes donor engagement, fundraising, stakeholder relations, and organizational management. Ms. Dass holds a Bachelor of Business Administration in International Business from Hawaii Pacific University, an After Degree in Education from the University of Calgary, and a qualification in Non-Profit Management from the British Columbia Institute of Technology. Her career spans the nonprofit, healthcare, and education sectors, including positions with Vancouver Coastal Health and Yorkville University. She has managed donor databases of approximately 3,000 supporters and converted hundreds of one-time contributors into monthly donors, contributing to annual donation growth of approximately 20%. Her expertise includes donor retention, fundraising communications, and Raiser’s Edge software. Beyond her professional career, Ms. Dass has volunteered with individuals with physical and intellectual disabilities, reflecting her commitment to community service and healthcare advocacy. At WCF, Ms. Dass applies her experience to strengthen donor relationships, advance fundraising initiatives, and support the Foundation’s international mission to improve outcomes for children and families affected by Wilms tumour.
Shashank Bhangde
Donor Relations (Key Accounts)
PENDING
Sophie Chan
Donor Realations (Key Accounts)
Ms. Chan supports the Wilms Cancer Foundation’s (WCF) international operations, partnership development, and regional initiatives, with a particular focus on Asia. Having initially joined the Foundation in donor relations, her responsibilities have expanded to include stakeholder engagement, strategic partnerships, and international development. Born and raised in Asia, Ms. Chan brings valuable regional knowledge, cultural understanding, and an international perspective to WCF. She is committed to strengthening the Foundation’s presence across Asia, fostering relationships with regional organizations and healthcare communities, and encouraging international collaboration. Through her work, Ms. Chan helps build connections across geographical and cultural boundaries, promoting awareness and ensuring Asian communities are represented in WCF’s global initiatives. Working alongside the Foundation’s international network of volunteers, partners, and supporters, Ms. Chan contributes to WCF’s mission to improve awareness, care, and outcomes for children and families affected by Wilms tumour.
Siddharth Parekh
Global Operations & Support
Siddharth Parekh is a biotechnology professional with a strong background in the life sciences and a keen interest in scientific research, healthcare innovation, and improving patient outcomes. He brings scientific knowledge, analytical skills, and a commitment to advancing medical research and patient care. With experience in biotechnology and life sciences, Mr. Parekh recognizes the connection between scientific discovery, healthcare advancement, and patient support. He is particularly passionate about cancer awareness, research collaboration, and translating scientific progress into improved patient care. As a member of the Wilms Cancer Foundation (WCF) Support Team, Mr. Parekh contributes his expertise to the Foundation’s operations, international initiatives, and programs supporting children and families affected by Wilms tumour. Through his commitment to research and collaboration, Mr. Parekh supports WCF’s mission to raise awareness, advance childhood kidney cancer research, and improve outcomes for children affected by the disease.
Tanushree Maheshwari
Grants & Market Research Analyst
Tanushree serves as a volunteer Grant Writer with the Wilms Cancer Foundation (WCF), supporting fundraising and resource development initiatives that advance the Foundation’s international mission. She holds a Master of Science in Biotechnology, with a concentration in Enterprise, combining scientific knowledge with business strategy, innovation, and the commercial development of emerging technologies in healthcare and biotechnology. Tanushree has professional experience in business development within the field of artificial intelligence-driven drug discovery. Working with an AI drug discovery startup, she contributed to strategic business initiatives, investor presentations, and market research supporting commercial opportunities and organizational growth. At WCF, Tanushree applies her scientific background, analytical skills, and business development experience to identify funding opportunities and develop grant proposals supporting the Foundation’s international programs, research initiatives, and commitment to improving outcomes for children affected by Wilms tumour.
Sai Siddarth Ramas
Market Research & Data Analyst
Sai Siddharth Ramasamy is a finance and business professional with over seven years of experience in auditing, financial planning and analysis (FP&A), financial consulting, and business analytics. He brings financial expertise, analytical skills, and strategic business insight to the Wilms Cancer Foundation (WCF). He holds a Master of Business Administration (MBA) and is a QuickBooks Online Certified ProAdvisor, with expertise in financial management, accounting systems, reporting, and business strategy. Throughout his career, Sai Siddharth has developed extensive experience in financial analysis, budgeting, financial reporting, and business performance evaluation. His multidisciplinary background supports financial transparency, operational efficiency, and informed organizational decision-making. At WCF, Sai Siddharth applies his financial and analytical expertise to support responsible financial management, sustainable growth, and the effective allocation of resources, helping advance the Foundation’s international mission to improve outcomes for children affected by Wilms tumour.
Supriya Chelley
Market Research & Data Analyst
Supriya Chelley serves as a Grants and Market Research Analyst at the Wilms Cancer Foundation (WCF), bringing scientific expertise, research experience, and analytical skills to support the Foundation’s international mission. Ms. Chelley holds a Master of Science in Biotechnology and a Master of Science in Biochemistry. She has over three years of scientific research experience, including cancer cell biology research at Massachusetts General Hospital Cancer Center, providing valuable insight into oncology and biomedical innovation. At WCF, Ms. Chelley researches funding opportunities, develops grant applications, and identifies potential partnerships. Her scientific background enables her to evaluate research initiatives and communicate their significance to prospective funders and institutional partners. She also supports WCF’s international outreach by translating website content into multiple languages, making essential information more accessible to families and healthcare professionals worldwide. Through her scientific and analytical expertise, Ms. Chelley contributes to WCF’s funding development, research communications, and global accessibility, helping advance its mission to improve outcomes for children affected by Wilms tumour.
Yash Bhutada
Market Research & Data Analyst
Mr. Bhutada is a volunteer Grant Writer and Translator with the Wilms Cancer Foundation, supporting international fundraising, research initiatives, and educational outreach. He holds a Master of Science in Biotechnology and Entrepreneurship from New York University, combining biomedical expertise with an understanding of healthcare innovation and emerging technologies. His research experience includes nanoparticle-based drug delivery, microbiological characterisation, and antimicrobial studies. His academic projects have also explored concussion detection biosensors, stem cell therapies, and innovative healthcare solutions. At the Wilms Cancer Foundation, Mr. Bhutada applies his scientific knowledge and analytical skills to grant development and the translation of educational resources, helping make childhood kidney cancer information more accessible to families and healthcare professionals worldwide. His interdisciplinary background in biotechnology, research, and entrepreneurship supports the Foundation’s commitment to advancing paediatric cancer awareness, education, and research through international collaboration.
Adrian Cook
Communications Director
Adrian Cook serves as Communications Director of the Wilms Cancer Foundation (WCF), bringing extensive experience in visual communications, creative design, and strategic storytelling to support the Foundation’s international mission. With a background in corporate communications, brand development, editorial design, and multimedia content creation, Mr. Cook specializes in transforming complex information into clear, engaging, and visually compelling communications. His expertise includes presentation design, digital and print publishing, information visualization, and brand identity development. Throughout his career, Mr. Cook has collaborated with creative professionals, business leaders, and organizational stakeholders across various industries, including healthcare and corporate services, combining creative innovation with strategic communications expertise. At WCF, Mr. Cook supports the Foundation’s global communications strategy, strengthening its international profile, promoting programs and partnerships, and engaging families, healthcare professionals, researchers, donors, and institutional partners worldwide. Committed to the power of effective communication, Mr. Cook helps advance WCF’s mission by increasing awareness, strengthening engagement, and supporting children and families affected by Wilms tumour.
Alexa Johnson
Media & Communications Strategy
Alexa is a multidisciplinary graphic designer based in the United States, specializing in web design, user experience and user interface (UX/UI) design, and brand development. She combines technical expertise with creativity to develop engaging, accessible, and visually compelling digital experiences. Beyond her professional design work, Alexa is an accomplished creative with experience in visual art, music, editing, and writing. As a published author, she brings a strong appreciation for storytelling and effective communication across diverse audiences. Passionate about using design to inspire positive social change, Alexa focuses on visual communication and digital innovation to help purpose-driven organizations strengthen their identities, raise awareness, and engage their communities. At the Wilms Cancer Foundation (WCF), Alexa contributes her creative expertise to strengthen the Foundation’s digital presence, visual identity, and communications, helping engage families, healthcare professionals, and supporters worldwide while advancing its mission to improve outcomes for children affected by Wilms tumour.
Advisory
Professor Kathy Pritchard-Jones
United Kingdom & Europe
Professor Kathy Pritchard-Jones is Professor of Paediatric Oncology at University College London (UCL) Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health and former President of the International Society of Paediatric Oncology (SIOP, 2021–2022). She is an internationally recognised authority on childhood kidney cancers and a leading expert in Wilms tumour research and treatment. Her distinguished career includes extensive leadership in international clinical trials, translational research, epidemiology, and outcomes research, with a particular focus on improving treatment and survival for children with Wilms tumour. Professor Pritchard-Jones has played an influential role in fostering international research partnerships and improving cancer care through the Children's Cancer and Leukaemia Group (CCLG), SIOP, and SIOP Europe. With over 250 published scientific articles, she has made significant contributions to advancing childhood cancer research, clinical collaboration, and treatment worldwide.
Professor Paul Grundy
North America
Professor Paul Grundy is Emeritus Professor of Pediatrics and Oncology at the University of Alberta, Canada, where he has served since 1988. An internationally recognised authority on Wilms tumour, his research spans molecular biology, translational research, and clinical trials. A major legacy of his work is the establishment of a childhood renal tumour tissue bank containing specimens from over 6,000 patients, supporting research worldwide. Professor Grundy has chaired both the National Wilms Tumor Study Group and the Children’s Oncology Group Renal Tumors Committee, fostering international collaboration with European colleagues through SIOP. He directed the University of Alberta’s Division of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology (1999–2010) and was a founding member of C17, serving as its first Research Committee Director and later Chair (2006–2011). C17 supports international clinical trials, evidence-based guidelines, and multidisciplinary cancer care. From 2010 to 2015, Professor Grundy served as Chief Program Officer and Senior Medical Director of CancerControl Alberta, Alberta Health Services.
Professor Guillermo L Chantada
Central & South America
Professor Guillermo L. Chantada, MD, PhD, served as President of the International Society of Paediatric Oncology (SIOP, 2023–2025). He holds senior clinical and research appointments at Hospital Sant Joan de Déu in Barcelona, Argentina’s National Scientific and Technical Research Council (CONICET), Hospital Universitario Austral in Argentina, and Hospital Pereira Rossell in Uruguay. An internationally recognised paediatric oncologist, Professor Chantada specialises in translational retinoblastoma research, including innovative treatments, molecular dissemination, and improving outcomes in developing countries. His research also encompasses neuroblastoma vaccine development, paediatric lymphomas, and histiocytosis. He leads Latin American treatment protocols through GALOP, serves on its Board, and coordinates the European Retinoblastoma Group (EURbG). Professor Chantada is a member of St. Jude Global’s Pediatric Medicine Department, Editor-in-Chief of Oncopedia on the Cure4Kids platform, and a Board member of the Latin American Society of Pediatric Oncology (SLAOP), advancing international collaboration and childhood cancer care.
Professor James Geller M.D.
North America
Professor James I. Geller, MD, is a leading paediatric oncologist and member of the Children’s Oncology Group (COG) Renal Tumor, Liver Tumor, Retinoblastoma, and Central Nervous System Committees. He serves as Vice Chair of the Renal Tumor Committee and its liaison to the COG Developmental Therapeutics Committee and Pediatric Preclinical Testing Program. Professor Geller chairs the Renal Tumor Developmental Therapeutics Working Group and leads high-risk renal tumour trials, including AREN1721, investigating immunotherapy and anti-angiogenic treatments for TFE renal cell carcinoma, and AREN1921, addressing relapsed and anaplastic Wilms tumour. He has also developed a research concept combining epigenetic therapy and chemotherapy for rhabdoid tumours. He serves as Co-Chair of the international Pediatric Hepatic International Tumor Trial (PHITT/AHEP1531) and leads translational renal cell carcinoma research initiatives, including a TFE RCC registry. His research focuses on developing innovative treatments for childhood solid tumours, particularly cellular and immunotherapies, novel interventional approaches, and improved treatment strategies for relapsed paediatric liver cancers.
Professor Jeffery Dome
North America
Dr. Jeffrey Dome is Senior Vice President of the Center for Cancer and Blood Disorders and Chief of Oncology at Children’s National Hospital in Washington, DC. He is Professor of Pediatrics at George Washington University and holds the Thomas Willson and Lenore Williams McKnew Professorship in Pediatric Oncology. Dr. Dome earned his MD from the University of Pennsylvania and PhD from Erasmus University in Rotterdam. He completed his paediatric residency at Yale-New Haven Hospital and oncology fellowship at Johns Hopkins Hospital. Previously on the faculty at St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, he joined Children’s National in 2006. An internationally recognised expert in childhood solid tumours, particularly kidney cancers and sarcomas, Dr. Dome chaired the Children’s Oncology Group (COG) Renal Tumor Committee for over a decade. He serves on the COG Scientific Council and the editorial board of Pediatric Blood & Cancer. He is a former Chair of the American Board of Pediatrics Hematology/Oncology Subboard and serves as North American President of the International Society of Paediatric Oncology (SIOP).Dr. Dome has authored over 200 scientific publications and serves on numerous cancer foundation medical advisory boards.
Professor M.M van den Heuvel-Eibrink
Europe
Professor M.M. van den Heuvel-Eibrink is Professor of Translational Paediatric Oncology at Utrecht University and a leading researcher at the Princess Máxima Center for Pediatric Oncology in the Netherlands. Previously a Senior Consultant at Erasmus MC-Sophia Children’s Hospital, she helped establish the Princess Máxima Center’s national programme integrating specialised care and research for children with kidney tumours. She chairs the International Society of Paediatric Oncology Renal Tumour Study Group (SIOP-RTSG), leads the UMBRELLA clinical trial programme across more than 25 countries, and co-chairs the international HARMONICA consortium with the Children’s Oncology Group. Her previous leadership includes chairing the EWOG-MDS Foundation and contributing to the Dutch Childhood Cancer Survivor Study. Professor van den Heuvel-Eibrink leads a research team of 25 doctoral and postdoctoral researchers and has supervised over 50 PhD projects. Her research focuses on childhood kidney cancers and genetic factors influencing early and long-term treatment toxicity.
Professor Jarno Drost
Europe
Professor Jarno Drost obtained his PhD from Erasmus University Rotterdam, researching tumour suppressor genes in the P53 pathway at the Netherlands Cancer Institute. He subsequently undertook postdoctoral research at the Hubrecht Institute, developing innovative cancer organoid models using CRISPR/Cas9 genome editing to investigate tumour development. In 2016, Professor Drost became a research group leader at the Princess Máxima Center for Pediatric Oncology in the Netherlands. His laboratory investigates molecular alterations in childhood solid tumours, developing advanced preclinical models to identify new therapeutic targets. His team pioneered the application of organoid technology to paediatric cancers, including Wilms tumour, malignant rhabdoid tumours of the kidney, and renal cell carcinoma, contributing to advances in childhood kidney cancer research. Professor Drost has received numerous prestigious research awards, including an NWO Veni Fellowship, the Dr. Patrick Hanlo Award, the Dutch Cancer Society’s Bas Mulder Young Investigator Award, ERC Starting and NWO Vidi grants, and the AACR–St. Baldrick’s Career Development Award, recognising his contributions to paediatric oncology and innovative cancer research.
Dr. Angela Polanco (BSc MRes PhD)
International
Dr. Angela Polanco, BSc, MRes, PhD, is a UK leader in patient and public involvement (PPI) in health research. Following the loss of her eight-year-old daughter Bethany to Wilms tumour in 2012, she established Bethany’s Wish, a charity supporting research into high-risk and relapsed Wilms tumour. For over a decade, Dr. Polanco has championed the voices of children and families in childhood cancer research internationally. She has served as Senior Consumer Representative for the National Cancer Research Institute Children’s Group and as an expert adviser to the World Health Organization, SIOP, SIOPE, Cancer Research UK, and CCLG. She founded the Childhood Cancer Conference UK, bringing together families and healthcare professionals, and advises major organisations on developing effective PPI strategies. A published researcher and experienced scientific grant reviewer, Dr. Polanco contributes to international research funding and assessment committees. She is also a practising midwife whose PhD examined communication of the long-term reproductive risks associated with childhood cancer treatments.
Small nutritional changes can make a big difference
Supporting your child’s nutrition is one of the most important ways you can help during treatment.