The fund provides support to the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute (NHLBI) at NIH in search of a cure for renal cell cancer, a common form of kidney cancer. The fund specifically supports a postdoctoral fellow, who works in conjunction with the laboratory of Dr. Richard Childs at NHLBI and his staff of doctors to explore treatments such as allogeneic stem cell transplants, vaccine therapy and drug treatments. Having been diagnosed with renal cancer, Mr. O'Neill was relentless in learning more about the disease and various cutting-edge treatment options. He was treated with an experimental stem cell transplant through Dr. Childs’ lab.  

In 2007, the first O’Neill Fellow made an important discovery in genetic mechanisms found in 50 percent of all kidney cancer patients. This discovery, made by Dr. Nanae Harashima and the team of doctors in Dr. Childs' lab, has led to new treatments to stem the cancer’s spread and has given new hope for a cure. Learn more about the research of Dr. Childs at NIH.

Organized by the friends and family of Dean O'Neill, the Boo! Run for Life is an annual 10K race and 2 mile walk each October designed to raise awareness and funding for renal cell cancer research. All proceeds from the event support the Dean R. O’Neill Renal Cell Cancer Research Fund. To learn more about the Boo! Run for Life event, please visit: http://www.boorunforlife.com

Watch Bill Rancic, the O'Neills, the FNIH and NIH as they meet to launch the inaugural Rancic-O'Neill Fellowship to support renal cell cancer research.

To make a gift in support of the Dean R. O’Neill Cancer Research Fund, click here >>