BC Cancer Agency joins cancer 'dream team'

The BC Cancer Agency is teaming up with seven institutions from across North America to fight childhood cancers.

The "Pediatric Dream Team" will receive $14.5 million in funding over the next four years.

Dr. Poul Sorenson, senior scientist with the BC Cancer Agency, said researchers in the medical field are not known for collaborating. But the Pediatric Dream Team decided to do something different.

"Reality is you are dealing with a competitive business. The idea was to put together a formidable group of individuals who could be beat any other team out there," Sorenson said.

"To get the best pediatric cancer researchers and put together a team so competitors work together."

Patrick Sullivans son Finn wasless than two years old when he was diagnosed with cancer.

Finn Sullivan lost his battle with cancer, but his father believes that doctors and researchers working together could make all the difference for other families.

"To see the members of the Dream Team focusing on the same goal that every parent is focused on changes the story for so many other kids," he said.

The team's research will be jointly fundedby the Stand Up To Cancer initiative and the St. Baldrick's Foundation.