The DCCF has been created in conjunction with Sparks, the charity which funds high-quality medical research to improve the health of children, babies and expectant mothers.  The aim of the DCCF is to increase substantially the survival rates for children with neuroblastoma in the same way that survival rates for leukaemia have increased over the last twenty years from 10% to 90% due to increased funding.

DCCF - Dubois Child Cancer Fund

Through his Company, Dubois Naval Architects, Ed Dubois has supported child cancer charities since 2007, when he decided to hold the first Dubois Cup.  Ed’s aim was to create a unique event for his clients, guests and contacts within the industry, but also to raise awareness and funds for childhood cancer.  At the second Dubois Cup held in 2009 in Sardinia, Ed once again raised a substantial sum.

In 2010, Ed made a direct approach to a number of his long-tern clients to help fund a specific programme of research into treatment for neuroblastoma.  The wonderful response made Ed realise that significant funds could be raised if he was personally involved with the allocation of the funding.

Ed, Honor and MInna Dubois

It was therefore decided, after discussions with Sparks, to set up the Dubois Child Cancer Fund.  This is an ongoing commitment from Ed and his wife, Honor, following their daughter Minna’s neuroblastoma diagnosis in 2005.  They are now committed to making a broader and more focused impact by directing their efforts into raising funds for neuroblastoma research.

“Most people who organise charitable donations have a good reason to do so,” explains Ed Dubois.  “In our case, our second daughter, Minna, was diagnosed with the rare form of childhood cancer – neuroblastoma.  Her chances of survival, statistically, were about 35 to 40%.  I felt that I could and should do something to make a difference in a real sense.”

Minna doing great

The current protocol of chemotherapy and radiotherapy has been, so far, an effective treatment for Minna and, six years on, she is doing well.  However, all too frequently the treatment is not successful and the Dubois Child Cancer Fund is being set up to aid the various research programs that are already in place but which need ongoing finance to reach successful conclusions.  For Ed and Honor, this move is not a decision that was difficult to make – it simply has to be done.

The Dubois Child Cancer Fund will be administered by Ed Dubois in conjunction with Sparks, and all donations will go directly to dedicated research programmes.  A peer review group comprising some of the world’s best clinicians and research specialists will select each programme individually.  Ed Dubois will join these meetings to understand fully the recommendations of the clinicians.   This will enable him to communicate to donors the reasons for fund allocation.

All donors will be kept informed, at regular intervals, about the progress of the research programmes supported by the Dubois Child Cancer Fund. For further information, please contact CatherineNeal@duboisyachts.com