Founded in 2002 by Dr. William Noyes after his 19 year old son was diagnosed with a highly malignant brain tumor, “Dentists with a Dream” is a not-for-profit organization, under the auspices of the Noyes Brain Tumor Foundation, whose goal is to encourage dentists and other health care professionals to support both the research and treatment of pediatric brain tumors.
Although survivor rates in childhood cancers have improved dramatically, overall, pediatric brain tumors have not shown the same improvements. In fact, pediatric brain tumors have the highest mortality rate of all pediatric cancers. According to the National Cancer Institute (2006), children with brain tumors, who are cured, have a poorer quality of life than other childhood cancer survivors. They suffer from diminished cognitive capacity and delayed mental development.
Working closely with the world’s premier pediatric brain tumor program at St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital in Memphis, Tennessee, funds raised through this program have helped in the development of novel research treatment protocols for a variety of pediatric brain tumors. Once the treatment protocols are completed, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital disseminates information regarding better treatment strategies to all of the major treatment centers in the United States and internationally.
This program is staffed by dedicated volunteers and health care professionals who have given countless hours of service to this most important cause.
The long-term goal of the Dentists with a Dream program is to reach out to dentists throughout the United States and internationally to join in my efforts to find a cure for pediatric brain tumors.
OFFICERS
PRESIDENT- WILLIAM NOYES
TREASURER- PAUL ROSSEAU
SECRETARY- FRED HEROS, DDS
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
- WILLIAM NOYES, DDS, PA
NANCY NOYES
FRED HEROS, DDS
CHRISTOPHER ROWLAND, DDS