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Department of Pathology and Immunology Division of Anatomic Pathology D. Ashley Hill, M.D.

Dear Potential PPB Research Supporter,

As a pediatric pathologist with a special interest in the diagnosis and biology of pediatric cancer, I understand very well that rare diseases often receive less recognition and support from governmental and other large granting agencies than diseases which are more common. It often takes decades to learn basic principles about a disease. In stark contrast to many other rare tumors, our understanding of clinical, pathologic and biologic aspects of PPB have grown tremendously in the past 20 years with the inspired contributions of Dr. Jack Priest, Dr. Louis P. Dehner and colleagues. This work would not have been possible without the generous support of the PPB Registry by the Pine Tree Apple Tennis Classic and the Theodora H. Lang Charitable Trust.

We are now at a very exciting time in the study of PPB. With recent advances in technology, the recruitment of additional scientists to collaborate with the PPB Research team and key developmental grant support from the Siteman Cancer Center at Washington University we are now prepared to take the next step toward understanding the genetic causes of PPB. Our goal is to learn the cause of PPB at its most basic level.  This will help us understand how the disease is inherited, how and why it develops, and hopefully give us insight into new approaches to therapy.

We have a lot of work left to do. Call us today to join our team and help us get to our most important goal – finding a cure for PPB. 

Respectfully yours,

D. Ashley Hill, M.D.
Director of Pathology Operations, International PPB Registry
Assistant Professor, Department of Pathology and Immunology
Washington University Medical Center