In 1981, Bert and Toby Davidson established the Charley Davidson Leukemia Fund in memory of their son, Charley. That year, Charley, still a toddler, succumbed to leukemia. Each year since, Bert and Toby have reached out to Charley’s family and friends to raise money for the fund, which advances the fight against childhood cancer. Its mission is to improve the quality of life and the chance of full recovery for young patients everywhere.
Administered by dedicated volunteers, Charley’s fund has raised more than one million dollars on behalf of MassGeneral Hospital for Children’s Pediatric Oncology Unit. Seventy percent of its expenditures support research in childhood cancer and 20 percent provide amenities for pediatric cancer patients and their families, from art and music therapy to a DVD library that creates a more pleasant treatment environment. The remaining 10 percent is invested in a perpetual endowment to preserve funding for future needs.
The Davidsons are true champions whose steadfast commitment over three decades has contributed to the dramatic rise in cure rates for acute lymphocytic leukemia.
