Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP) has announced a $6.4 million gift over three years in support of research in osteosarcoma and other rare cancers.

The gift from the family of Connor Boyle, a Central Bucks East High School graduate who died in 2022 at age 18 from osteosarcoma, will name the Connor Initiative: Precision Therapeutics for Osteosarcoma & Rare Cancers, which aims to unlock novel therapies that will change the standard of care for osteosarcoma—a disease that has not seen significant treatment changes for more than 30 years. The initiative will support researchers and clinicians developing novel therapies using advanced models, state-of-the-art tumor profiling techniques and real-time feedback from active patients as well as a dedicated nurse navigator so that patients and families have a trusted advocate and resource every step of the way.

While osteosarcoma is the most common malignant bone tumor in children and young adults, outcomes are poor in those whose cancer spreads or recurs. Boyle endured more than 20 rounds of chemotherapy, 15 rounds of radiation, and 12 surgeries, all while he maintained a 4.0 grade point average and was slated to join the class of 2026 at Villanova University.

“Our family has made this investment because we believe the time is now to bring together a talented, collaborative team from CHOP with promising new scientific models and methods,” said David Holveck, Boyle’s grandfather.

(Photo credit: Getty Images/HRAUN)