Announcing the Megan Bugg Global Rhabdomyosarcoma Research Laboratory at cc-TDI

Join in the development and dedication of the “Megan Bugg Global Rhabdomyosarcoma Research Laboratory” at cc-TDI. Your donation creates a dedicated rhabdomyosarcoma (RMS) research space within the cc-TDI lab and funds the training, supplies, and ongoing salary for a full-time scientist (Megan Bugg Fellow) to continue cutting-edge RMS research.

Many of you have closely followed Megan Bugg’s 7-year cancer journey as she graciously and openly shared her battle with Alveolar Rhabdomyosarcoma (ARMS). Since her own diagnosis, Megan made it her mission to meet the need for childhood cancer research by becoming a passionate advocate raising awareness and fundraising for the cause. Megan’s efforts serve the 450 children, adolescents, and young adults in North America, and more than 9,900 worldwide diagnosed with RMS. Here at cc-TDI we affectionately refer to Megan as our superstar for her passion and advocacy she showed the childhood cancer research community. Over the past five years, and with the unwavering support from the Team Megan Bugg community, Megan raised more than $1.2 million in support of cancer research discoveries, international collaborations, and clinical trials – all while fighting for her life against ARMS.

The terrible reality is that no new agents have emerged to be tested in clinical trials for high-risk or released RMS in the last 8 years. The disease-free survival for metastatic and alveolar rhabdomyosarcoma (43% and 8%, respectively) have remained unchanged for 50 years. No primary drug approvals for rhabdomyosarcoma have occurred in history ever, with only 12 drugs developed for childhood cancer approved by the FDA in 44 years. By comparison, on average more than 12 adult cancer drugs receive FDA approval for effectiveness ANUALLY.

Megan’s steadfast support, both as cc-TDI’s Resident Citizen Scientist and as our champion advocate, is the cornerstone for the RMS work being done in the lab. To recognize her ongoing efforts in 2022, cc-TDI is embarking on this new, ongoing initiative in Megan’s honor – the development of the “Megan Bugg Global Rhabdomyosarcoma Research Laboratory” at cc-TDI. This allows cc-TDI scientists to continue working daily to fulfill “Megan’s Mission” to change outcomes for children fighting RMS - trying everything possible to develop safe, effective, and less toxic treatment options, so that children can go on to live healthy lives after treatment.

After a seven year battle with stage 4 Alveolar Rhabdomyosarcoma, Megan tragically passed away on March 9, 2022. However, her life and legacy lives on as she touched countless lives with her message of courage, determination, positivity, and hope. When faced with her own personal battle with ARMS, Megan was committed to making her fight about something bigger than herself. Her mission was to end childhood cancer so that no more kids had to go through what she went through at the hands of this vicious disease.

Megan wanted to be remembered as the “kid who did something”. We ask that you consider supporting the “Megan Bugg Global Rhabdomyosarcoma Research Laboratory” at cc-TDI as we fulfill “Megan’s Mission” and continue our fight against this disease.

To follow Megan’s story more closely, please visit: meganbuggsjourney.wordpress.com

To see “Megan’s Mission”, please watch this video at: https://youtu.be/8tUIBIPLAao