2025 Year In Review

This year was a big one for Hepatoblastoma Resource Network- one that was marked with change and progress forward for the Network. Our founder and President, Christina Stiverson has lovingly been referring to our newly resurged team as HRN 2.0! Here's a brief review and some highlights from the year, with the direction that HRN is headed in 2026.

Pediatric Liver Tumor Conference

This summer’s 5th International Pediatric Liver Tumor Research Meeting in San Francisco brought together global experts, survivors, families, and caregivers for an unprecedented collaborative event. The Patient & Family Advocacy Day, put on by HRN, enabled over 50 family members the ability to connect with clinicians and researchers, share experiences, and build support networks. Highlights included survivorship panels, therapeutic art activities for kids, social events like a San Francisco Giants game, and a hands-on science experience provided by our proud partner, Eureka Therapeutics. The Advocacy Day showcased advances in research, clinical practices, survivorship care, and psychosocial support for survivors, siblings, and caregivers.

Pediatric oncologist Dr. Jim Geller reflected in this blog post on the scientific depth and collaborative spirit of the 2025 Conference. Over 70 presentations spanned clinical updates, novel trials, translational research, biomarkers for personalized therapy, surgical techniques, transplant considerations, and emerging immunotherapies. Importantly, parent and survivor voices were integrated into discussions, highlighting shared priorities in research and care. The overall tone was one of optimism and strengthened global partnership. This event was a collective success, plans are already underway for the next meeting in 2027.

Resources and Support

As the year closes, we shared a roundup of key financial and family support resources for families facing pediatric cancer. The article found here underscores that beyond medical care, families often need help with housing, travel, bills, emotional support, and community connection. It lists trusted organizations like B+ Foundation, FamilyReach, PinkySwear Foundation, Ronald McDonald House Charities, and platforms like CaringBridge — and offers practical guidance on seeking help through hospital social workers and online directories.

In the spirit of resources and assistance for families currently in treatment with Hepatoblastoma, HRN also partnered with the Bear Fund this holiday season. We teamed up on the project, Hearts for Hepatoblastoma, to provide financial aid to two families in need of support during this inexplicably difficult time. The impact of these gifts and the gratitude expressed by the sponsored families was palpable. Additionally, we are actively pairing newly diagnosed families with Parent Connect mentors. These programs are some seemingly small ways that HRN continues to facilitate help for our community, but they have great and meaningful impact.

A Sincere Thank You

As we close 2025 and look forward to the new year ahead, there are many things in store for Hepatoblastoma Resource Network. We have restructured our Parent Team with updated titles and roles, and we are looking to continue the forward momentum of HRN 2.0 with new and renewed partnerships and programs. If you have been following along for awhile, we want to communicate our gratitude for your ongoing support. If you are new around here, thank you for starting the connection. We are stronger together. And together, as a network, we can make a significant difference for families experiencing a hepatoblastoma diagnosis. Here's to a new year of continued advocacy and increased support for families. Thank you!