Mary Schultze with Fred Hundt, 2005-2006 CCRF Board President

Cancer Center staff member Mary Schultze received the Butterfly Award for Medical Contribution from the Children's Cancer Research Fund (CCRF) at the organization's annual meeting on September 26. She was recognized for her work as CCRF's primary liaison with the Cancer Center.

Schultze is executive assistant to John Wagner, M.D., director of the Division of Pediatric Hematology-Oncology and Blood and Marrow Transplantation, and also assists Wagner and Julie Ross, Ph.D., in their capacities as co-chairs of CCRF.

CCRF supports research at the University of Minnesota Cancer Center to find novel methods of preventing, treating, and curing childhood cancers. Since 1980, CCRF has raised more than $82.3 million through events such as the Dawn of a Dream gala, KS95 for Kids® Radiothon, and Macy's Glamorama, as well as individual and corporate donations.

"I was introduced to Children's Cancer Research Fund on my first day [at the Cancer Center], and little did I know what a major impact it would have on me," Schultze says. "It didn't take long to understand the magnitude of the dedication and abilities of everyone in this organization, and its importance to my Division.

"While I don't work directly with the kids, I do have occasional contact with their parents," Schultze says. "As I learn about their individual, inspiring stories and what they go through to get here, I am truly grateful to be supporting Children's Cancer Research Fund and our outstanding researchers who offer them hope."