Joining the Fight Against Childhood Cancer

When Krista and Danny Keller’s only son, Enzo, became desperately ill without an explanation, their world spun. Then Enzo could barely breathe and he was rushed to the emergency room, where he was finally diagnosed with Burkitt lymphoma, a rare form of pediatric cancer. In a world with better pediatric cancer diagnostics, and a better understanding of pediatric cancer, Enzo and the Kellers would not have had to suffer for so long.

Although Enzo thankfully recovered, pediatric cancer is a traumatic and life-changing diagnosis for a child and a family. This year alone, the American Cancer Society estimates that 10,470 children will be diagnosed with cancer and 1,050 will die from the disease. Yet, less than 4% of federal cancer funding goes towards researching childhood cancers.

“Statistically, not as many children have cancer,” explains Enzo & Me Co-Founder Krista Keller. “Although there have been improvements in some pediatric cancer outcomes, these are typically cancers that are shared with adult populations. Pediatric cancers are different, and need their own research, funding, and treatments.”

By only directing 4% of funds to pediatric cancer research, the government is contributing to a dangerous environment, ignoring the specific medical needs of young children with cancer. Refusing to let this stand in their way, Danny and Krista started Enzo & Me to bolster the funds going towards pediatric oncology research and to provide scientists with the opportunity to change the world of oncology treatment.

“As parents, the worst feeling is not being able to fix your child,” says Krista. “We’re not oncologists, we’re not researchers, so it’s what we can do to help. If we can provide funding that brings one scientist’s research to the next level, we want nothing more than that opportunity.”

Now seven years old, Enzo is doing better, and the Kellers are relieved but forever changed. Every cough threatens to reawaken their nightmare. The reality is that a child’s journey with cancer doesn’t end with remission. The majority of kids who receive chemotherapy are left coping with late chronic physical and mental health conditions for the rest of their lives.

Through Enzo & Me, Krista and Danny Keller imagine a world where pediatric cancer is a manageable diagnosis. As Danny Keller says, they hope that through proper funding and research, childhood cancer can become “a hurdle, not a wall.”