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Why is the Caroline Symmes Endowment important to you?

Given my personal relationship with the Symmes family, I got an up-close experience of what it’s like to experience the pain of losing a child.  Although I don’t claim to fully understand the depth of that pain, I thought as least I can try to do something to lessen the chance it happens to another family.  This endowment is clearly dedicated to the treatment and potential cure of many pediatric cancers.

Why is the Caroline Symmes Endowment important to you?

Nearly my entire career has been spent in healthcare delivering unique and life-saving technologies. Clinical research and collaboration with physicians, researchers, academia and industry are the life blood of breakthrough therapies. The need related to pediatric cancer research is apparent and significant. Nearly everyone has been touched by cancer in their families, however it is even more tragic when it affects a child whose life is just beginning and blossoming. Through our efforts, we can truly make a difference for these patients, families and our communities. Please join us on the journey as I assure you it is a worthwhile mission and both meaningful and gratifying. Let’s share the blessing of life and a healthy wellbeing!

Endowment Advocate
Joey currently studies Vocal Performance at NYU’s Steinhardt School, with double minors in Producing and the Business of Entertainment. He is a proud graduate of North Central High School in Indianapolis. He first became involved with the cause when he directed the 2017 North Central Lip Dub, which raised over $21,000 for the Caroline Symmes Endowment.

Why is the Caroline Symmes Endowment important to you?

When we were planning the Lip Dub, we knew we wanted to find a cause that would inspire people and help bring about change. The Symmes family has taken something harder than we could ever imagine and used it to provide hope for so many other families. After learning about their selflessness, I felt like I had a responsibility, in the best sense of the word, to do whatever I could to help. Once the video was released, it was clear to me that it was just the beginning of an exciting partnership, and I feel very grateful for every step we take towards funding a cure.

Andy Thornton has more than 20 years of experience in the banking industry. He began his career with Bank One, followed by Regions Bank. He then joined The National Bank of Indianapolis in 2007 and is VP and Corporate Banking Officer. Andy is President of the University Club of Indianapolis, serves as Treasurer for the Volunteers of America of Indiana, Random Acts of Flowers and The Woodstock Club. He is a former Treasurer of the Penrod Society.  

Why is the Caroline Symmes Endowment important to me?

  More families than not have been touched by cancer and unfortunately, my family is no exception. However, it was not until volunteering at the Riley Cancer Prom that pediatric cancer really grabbed my attention. I unexpectedly ran into a client whose daughter was one of the many kids in the room that were battling this terrible disease. This chance meeting really hit home that it can happen to anyone, including kids. I never had the pleasure of meeting Caroline, but I hope to utilize my financial background and contacts to help move the needle for the endowment and in turn pediatric cancer research.

Roxanne has been working with non-profits for the last twenty years. After attending Austin College in Sherman, Texas, Roxanne put her education in sociology, psychology, and communication to work for the good of others. She is responsible for building and maintaining rapport with our current donors while also reaching out to other potential people interested in contributing to the amazing work the endowment is doing for pediatric cancer research. It’s her goal to increase the Caroline Symmes Cancer Endowment’s annual contribution to Riley to be greater than the $250,000 we usually give. If you share that goal, get in touch!

For many years we had donated time and money to various causes, but never had a cause close to our hearts. When Caroline was diagnosed, our cause was dropped in our lap. During her hospital stays and visits to clinic, we would talk about raising money for research once she was out of treatment and healthy. Caroline never made it out of treatment.

With encouragement and seed money from our friend, Paul Hutter, we formed the Caroline Symmes Cancer Endowment at Riley Children’s Health. It was formed with the expectation that children’s cancers will one day no longer be considered ‘orphan diseases’. With the knowledge that with every dollar donated to the Caroline Symmes Endowment, we open the door to a further $10 in government funding.

Dr. Clapp said. “The work that will come from this endowment over the next 5-10 years will be astounding.” We expect nothing less.

For many years we had donated time and money to various causes, but never had a cause close to our hearts. When Caroline was diagnosed, our cause was dropped in our lap. During her hospital stays and visits to clinic, we would talk about raising money for research once she was out of treatment and healthy. Caroline never made it out of treatment.

With encouragement and seed money from our friend, Paul Hutter, we formed the Caroline Symmes Cancer Endowment at Riley Children’s Health. It was formed with the expectation that children’s cancers will one day no longer be considered ‘orphan diseases’. With the knowledge that with every dollar donated to the Caroline Symmes Endowment, we open the door to a further $10 in government funding.

A recent graduate of Davidson College (’19), Isaac brings with him a wealth of experience in the nonprofit sector from his time working as both a teacher and administrator at Summerbridge Hong Kong. He was first introduced to the Caroline Symmes Endowment through the efforts of his brother, Joey Mervis, and is excited to be a part of the team and help empower students to make a difference.

My name is Kendall Claymon and I am a (rising) Senior at Brebeuf Jesuit Preparatory School! I am a part of the Women’s Cross Country and Tennis teams, NHS, VP of DECA, Carmel WyldLife, Brebeuf YoungLife, GEMS club, running club, Students Against Childhood Cancer Club, and a volunteer at North Side Food Pantry. I chose to be a part of this amazing endowment through the Teen Board as I am extremely passionate about being part of something bigger than myself. As I watched a close friend beat cancer, I felt pushed to be part of a group that lessens the number of kids that have to experience that. The teen board has provided me with the ability to make more people smile and I am forever grateful for that. A fun fact about me is that I have climbed a 13,783 foot mountain, repelled off a cliff, and had a close encounter with a wild moose all in the span of one week!

 Hi! My name is Rhea Bhatia and I will be a senior at Carmel High School this upcoming fall. For the last couple of years, I have had a passion for volunteering and giving back to the community. In particular, I have been heavily involved in the Leukemia Lymphoma Society, which allowed me to better understand the importance of research and raising awareness in hopes of finding a cure for cancer. As I learned of the Caroline Symmes Foundation, I was drawn to the cause and Caroline’s story, further inspiring me to advocate for funding by being a part of the teen board. By being a part of the teen board, I hope to become a larger part of the fight against cancer and broaden the impact I can make on others.

Hello!  My name is Teren Dubash, and I am a senior at Zionsville Community High School.  At school I am involved with National Honor Society, Business Professionals of America, and the Student Council.  Outside of school, I work as a math instructor at Mathnasium of Carmel.  I joined the Caroline Symmes Children’s Cancer Endowment Teen Board because I was inspired by the organization’s mission and the opportunity to make an impact in the community.  I am eager to help raise funds for pediatric cancer research and work towards fulfilling the endowment’s objectives.  A fun fact about me is that I once ate fried alligator at a restaurant in New Orleans.  I am honored to serve on the Teen Board!

Hi! My name is Zainab Syed, and I am a junior at Avon High School. I am very involved in various clubs and activities within school such as DECA, The Avon Symphony Orchestra, Spanish Honors Society, and our Thespian Troupe. I am so excited to be back for my second year on the teen board and help make this our most successful year yet! I have always found fulfillment through helping others, and this board allowed me the opportunity to do so. The work we do as a board is so rewarding, and I am beyond blessed to be a part of something that changes lives.

Hi, my name is Gabe Mervis and I am currently a senior at University High School. Outside of the Teen Board, I am a part of my school’s Jewish Affinity Club, Community Service Club, Model UN Club, Baseball, and Soccer team. I joined the Teen Board because it is a great opportunity to work alongside peers as we help raise awareness and funding for pediatric cancer. I am very grateful to be a part of this Teen Board that has made an immense impact on the research for pediatric Non-CNS Solid Tumors.

Hi! My name is Hannah Loewen and I am a junior at Park Tudor School. Outside of school I spend a lot of my time doing theater, singing and acting, working at a kindergarten, and learning about fashion! A fun fact about me is that I love watching old movies, and my favorite film is Breakfast at Tiffany’s! I joined the teen board because I was a patient at Riley as a kid, and it really inspired me to help other kids. I’m so excited to be a part of something that can make such a difference to so many lives!

I am going into my sophomore year at Park Tudor. I play soccer and lacrosse for Park Tudor. I chose to be part of the teen board because I want to be able to take action to help fight pediatric cancer. When I am not in school or working, I enjoy cooking and baking. 

My name is Lucy Neal, and I am a senior at North Central High School. This is my third year serving on the Teen Board. I’m involved with show choir, theatre, and student council. I joined this endowment because I am incredibly passionate about helping people. I have a family member who is a cancer survivor, and I’m honored to do what I can to help other kids.

My name is MaKayla Waugh, and I am going into my senior year at Homestead High School. During my four years of high school, I have been President of our Dance Marathon, Vice President of Best Buddies, member of National Honor Society, Student Government, as well as Key Club, DECA, and Student Ambassador Officer. Outside of school, I love watching sports, working as a CNA, spending time with family and friends, and traveling. I believe service above self has helped me strive to be a better leader, serve others, and develop a better understanding of others. I am proud to be a part of the Caroline Symmes Teen Board because of all the phenomenal philanthropic values of the Symmes family. After losing a close friend of mine to pediatric cancer, I couldn’t pass up the opportunity to raise funds and awareness for pediatric cancer research because no kid fights alone.

I will be a sophomore at Zionsville Community High School this fall. My extracurriculars include Student Council and serving as a Junior Counselor for local summer camps.  In addition, I am a VolunTEEN with the Eskenazi Health summer program. I am excited to be a part of the CSCCE Teen Board because I have an innate desire to help and care for others, and I have a passion for service. Serving on the Teen Board provides me an opportunity to have a significant impact on families dealing with pediatric cancer in their lives. A fun fact about me is that I have lived in both Japan and Australia.

Hello! My name Is Hannah Fulford and I am currently a junior at Zionsville Community Highschool. Outside of school, I spend my time volunteering at the Indianapolis zoo, telling my story at various Riley Dance Marathons, playing lacrosse with my travel team and schools varsity team, participating in Sociedad Honoria Hispánica, National Honors Society, as well as being my school’s president-elect for Key Club. I have always had a passion for helping and volunteering whenever I can, ever since I was a child. Being a Riley kid myself, I have always wanted to be able to give back. I was able to get amazing care through Riley because my condition was cardiovascular in nature, which is a department with many connections and much support. After learning about how Pediatric Cancer is not researched or funded at the same level, I felt compelled to get involved. I am extremely grateful and excited to help and be a part of something bigger than me and the CSCCE teen board was an opportunity I could not turn down. 

My name is Sawyer Husain and I am a rising senior at North Central High School. I am a captain of the varsity track and field and cross country teams. I am involved in best buddies, environmental club, spanish honors society, national honors society, and am a 2021 Bezos Scholar. I joined teen board because it was a unique opportunity to create real change and be part of a dedicated community. A fun fact about me is that I am color blind.

Ella Konow is currently a senior at Carmel High School. She runs cross country and track at Carmel. She is also the Dance Marathon Chair in Carmel High School’s Cabinet this year. She chose to be a part of teen board because she has  a passion for helping others and loves being able to do that with people from all over Indiana! A fun fact about Ella is that she is a part of the 2% of people in the world that have red hair and blue eyes! 

My name is Ryan Miller and I am a senior at Franklin Central High School. At school I am involved with Student Council as a senior position and I am President of the Speech Team. I also play cello in three of my school’s orchestras. I chose to be on the teen board because I wanted to help make a difference in the community. One fun fact about me is that I was named after the band R.E.M. My initials make up the band name. 

Hello! My name is Hadley Murphy. I am a sophomore at Park Tudor School where I am involved in multiple clubs including Model United Nations and the Key Club, which is a student-led service program. My favorite extracurricular is working backstage as a member of the technical theatre crew. I also spend a lot of time on the sport’s field, playing varsity lacrosse and soccer. A fun fact about me is that I love to bake. During COVID quarantine, my sister and I attempted to bake every recipe in a cookbook. I chose to get involved with the teen board at the Caroline Symmes Children’s Cancer Endowment because I am interested in both science and philanthropy. I am looking forward to working with like minded teens raising funds and building awareness of pediatric cancer research.

My name is Lara and I’m a rising sophomore at Park Tudor. I’m involved in Model United Nations, Girls in White Coats, volleyball, and DECA. This upcoming school year, I will be serving on my grade’s student council executive board and as the Vice President of my school’s DECA chapter. A fun fact about myself is that I know how to do simple suturing. I am so excited to join the CSCCE teen board and to create an impact in defeating pediatric cancer! I am honored to be selected and want to contribute as much as I can. Let’s make our generation the last to know about cancer!

Hello! My name is Ella Self, and I am a junior at North Central High School. Aside from the CSCCE Teen Board, I am involved in North Central’s Descants and Counterpoints Show Choirs, the Women’s Track and Field team, Student Council, Young Democrat’s Club, the NC Feminist Club, and Pantherquest. I joined the Teen Board because I wanted to amplify the strength of the patients, survivors, and families affected by cancer. By fundraising for Leukemia & Lymphoma in the past, I wanted to find a way to improve resources and research; the CSCCE Teen Board was the next step in doing my part to help others. I have always been passionate about helping others and making a difference, and the board is the perfect place to do so!

My name is Rachel Shore and I became involved with the Caroline Symmes Children’s Cancer Endowment in 2019 in honor of all those in my life who have fought or who are still fighting cancer. I wholeheartedly believe that in order for there to be a change it takes students like us who are motivated self-starters committed to fundraising and raising awareness on pediatric cancer. The endowment has presented me with an opportunity to use my platform to be an advocate for the thousands of children with stories similar to Caroline’s. Together I believe we have the power to make an impact and fund advances within pediatric cancer research. This year I will be a senior at Park Tudor in Indianapolis, where I am involved in several clubs and activities. I am beyond thrilled to be a part of the work the teen board does for pediatric cancer this year!

My name is Keneisha Still. I am a senior at North Central High School. I am in the national honors society. Outside of school, I work a full time job and I volunteer feeding the homeless. I chose to be a part of the CSCCE Teen Board to bring awareness and join the fight against pediatric cancer. Not to mention, being on the Caroline Symmes Teen Board is an amazing way for me to give back to my community. I am truly grateful for this marvelous opportunity to be a member of the teen board. A fun fact about me is that I have been to Ghana in West Africa and I have been on the teen board for 3 years now. 

Hello! My name is Natalie Symmes and I am a sophomore at Brebeuf Jesuit Preparatory School and I am a part of the girl’s golf team. Outside of school I play golf for Indiana Golf Foundation. I chose to be on the teen board because it’s a great opportunity for me to give back to the community and raise awareness for this cause. Seeing the work of other teen board members inspires me to join and help to grow the endowment. Throughout the years, I have been to many CSCCE events and teen board meetings. I’ve fundraised for CSCCE by selling t-shirts and sweatshirts and want to continue during my years on the teen board.  A fun fact about me is that my nickname is Butter.

Hello! My name is Emma Vermilion, I’m going to be a senior at North Central High School, and I’m a technology coordinator for our school’s freshmen orientation, I just ended my term as student council president, I’m in spanish honor’s society, national honor’s society, Women in Business, Best Buddies, and this in my third year on the teen board. I chose to be a part of the CSCCE teen board because I wanted a way to help make a direct change in the Indianapolis area when it came to pediatric cancer research, and I knew that a board of young, talented, and motivated individuals was the place to do it. A fun fact about myself is that I love to travel and have been to over 10 countries!

Maggie will be a senior at Hanover College. She is from Crawfordsville, Indiana and graduated from Southmont High School in 2018. She is a Business and Communication double major and serves on the executive board for Chi Omega Fraternity as the Recruitment Chair and Hanover College Dance Marathon as the Marketing Executive. Through Dance Marathon at Hanover College, Maggie discovered her passion for children’s health. “I am excited to continue following my passion through this internship.”

Zach Yetter is a 2021 graduate of Hanover College in Southern Indiana where he studied communication. He minored in Spanish and Business and is also a member of the Phi Delta Theta Fraternity. He is a proud 2017 graduate of Indianapolis Cardinal Ritter High School as well. Zach interned at the Indiana State Fairgrounds for two years and has been involved in the Caroline Symmes Cancer Endowment since the summer of 2020. He currently works at Epic Systems in Madison, Wisconsin and gained valuable experience and met amazing individuals through the Endowment.

Dr. Saadatzadeh is an Associate Research Professor of Pediatrics. He directs the patient tumor tissue research pipeline for Riley Hospital for Children. He works closely with the Preclinical Modeling and Therapeutics Core in this initiative and has developed over 40 solid tumor models, including four Wilms tumor models from patients seen at Riley Hospital. One of his main research interests focuses on development of targeted therapy for metastatic Wilms tumor.

Dr. Renbarger is the Caroline Symmes Professor of Pediatric Cancer Research and Division Chief of the Section of Pediatric Hematology/Oncology. She is an international leader in pediatric personalized medicine and pharmacogenomics and directs the Pediatric Cancer Precision Genomics Program at Riley Hospital for Children. The program – the only one its kind in Indiana – uses genetic testing to develop highly personalized treatments intended to target a child’s unique cancer. Dr. Renbarger’s research interests are in identifying precision approaches to treatment of aggressive cancers in children, adolescents, and young adults, and in optimizing long-term health outcomes in cancer survivors.

Dr. Pollok is an Associate Professor of Pediatrics, Pharmacology & Toxicology, and Medical & Molecular Genetics. Her research program collaborates with the Precision Genomics team at Riley Hospital for Children to identify molecular signatures that predict relapse, recurrence, and metastasis in children, adolescents, and young adults with solid tumors such as Wilms tumors, sarcomas, and brain tumors. Dr. Pollok’s team is using tumor models developed in her laboratory from patients seen at Riley Hospital to develop and optimize precision genomics-guided therapies that are efficacious and safe. She also directs the Preclinical Modeling and Therapeutics Core for the IU Simon Comprehensive Cancer Center.