GREENWICH — The Vivienne C. Finn Foundation Inc. celebrated its launch Nov. 13 with a founder’s dinner at the Greenwich Country Club.
The foundation, which is named after the late Vivienne Cecilia Finn, is a nonprofit organization committed to transforming the experience of pediatric cancer for children and their families. Vivienne died in 2020 at age 11 from diffuse intrinsic pontine glioma (DIPG), one of the most aggressive forms of pediatric brain cancer.
The foundation directs funds to advance pediatric cancer research, provide support for affected families, and create a lasting impact in Vivienne’s nameß
The evening included a fireside chat featuring two nationally recognized Yale pediatric neuro-oncologists, Dr. Asher Marks and Dr. Vidya Puthenpura.
More than 60 guests gathered to honor Vivienne’s legacy. The foundation was created by her parents, Mairead and David Finn.
“Tonight, we give birth to the Vivienne C. Finn Foundation Inc,” Mairead Finn said. “Vivienne survived four months on a groundbreaking trial that ultimately helped lead to FDA approval of the seventh oncological drug ever designed for a child’s body.”
“Her courage helped move the field forward. Now it’s our turn to move it further.”
Mairead Finn, who is the foundation’s president, recounted Vivienne’s extraordinary kindness, creativity, faith, and fierce spirit, as well as the heartbreaking challenges of navigating pediatric cancer. She shared the family’s resolve to ensure no parent faces this journey unprepared and no child is denied access to promising treatments.
A powerful conversation
During their chat with philanthropist and professional fundraiser Sue Moretti Bodson, Drs. Puthenpura and Marks offered a rare, behind-the-scenes look at the realities of caring for children with brain tumors and the urgent need for faster, more equitable drug development.
The doctors reflected on their personal connection to Vivienne and how her legacy continues to influence their work. They guided attendees through the complex journey families face, from the moment of diagnosis to trial selection, highlighting the importance of Yale’s multidisciplinary Tumor Board in tailoring each child’s treatment plan.
They shared insights on emerging therapies – including immunotherapy and AI-driven innovations – while outlining the systemic challenges that slow progress. Those challenges include scarcity of pediatric-specific drugs to the emotional and financial burdens families shoulder.
The foundation’s purpose
The foundation’s mission is to transform outcomes for children with cancer, particularly those facing rare and devastating diagnoses like DIPG. precisely where the Vivienne C. Finn Foundation Inc. steps in.
Guests heard deeply personal reflections from Mairead Finn about the realities of pediatric cancer; from the terror of initial diagnosis to the complexities of genomic testing, trial navigation, and treatment side effects. Finn underscored the urgent need for collaboration across hospitals, foundations, researchers, and lawmakers.
The foundation will advocate for state and federal policies, including legislation such as the Give Kids a Chance Act, to modernize clinical trial structures, expand access to combination therapies, and secure increased funding and accountability for pediatric cancer research. She also announced that the Foundation has recently received approval as a certified 501(c)(3) organization.
“We all live under the shade of trees planted by others,” Finn said. “Tonight, we plant a few of our own in Vivienne’s name.”
