Your Support Means So Much
These friends and family members helped us raise funds for childhood cancer research in honor of Danny! See the 2015-2024 list.
Hero Fund Oh Danny Boy, I Love You So: The Danny O'Brien Rhabdoid Tumor Research Fund
Danny Boy was 5 months old when he was diagnosed with a malignant rhabdoid tumor on his liver. This cancer is extremely rare and aggressive. Danny has known nothing but love and affection for his short life. We started this fund to honor Danny and to help fight this awful disease.
2025
$66,149
Funds Raised in 2025
2024
$72,827
Funds Raised in 2024
$711,438
Total Funds Raised
The Story Behind This Hero Fund
Danny was diagnosed with a malignant rhabdoid tumor on his liver when he was 5 months old.
He endured a few months of chemotherapy to shrink the tumor and prepare for surgery.
Sadly, the chemotherapy treatment was not effective at slowing this aggressive cancer and the tumors started growing again. Surgery was never an option. At 9 months of age Danny passed.
The Oh Danny Boy, I Love You So: The Danny O’Brien Rhabdoid Tumor Research Fund was started to honor Danny and help fight this awful disease.
Highlights & Happenings
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St. Baldrick’s Funding in IllinoisSt. Baldrick's has funded research grants around the world. Learn more about the funding in Illinois. -
What You Should KnowChildhood cancer affects thousands of kids and families around the world every year. This infographic shows a few realities you should know.
Photo Gallery
https://www.stbaldricks.org/file/website_content_images/hero_funds/oh-danny-boy/Thumb/danny and sisters.jpg
https://www.stbaldricks.org/file/website_content_images/hero_funds/oh-danny-boy/Thumb/danny sleeping.jpg
https://www.stbaldricks.org/file/website_content_images/hero_funds/oh-danny-boy/Thumb/danny smiling.jpg
https://www.stbaldricks.org/file/website_content_images/hero_funds/oh-danny-boy/Thumb/going home.jpg
https://www.stbaldricks.org/file/website_content_images/hero_funds/oh-danny-boy/Thumb/our angel.jpg
https://www.stbaldricks.org/file/website_content_images/hero_funds/oh-danny-boy/Thumb/prayers form archbishop Cupich.jpg
Funding in Action
Donations made to the Oh Danny Boy, I Love You so: The Danny O'Brien Rhabdoid Tumor Research Fund have funded a St. Baldrick's Scholar grant for Kelly Faulk M.D., a St. Baldrick's Research Grant for William Tansey, Ph.D., and a St. Baldrick's Fellow grant for Samara Potter M. D., M.B.A.
The St. Baldrick's Foundation is guided by a Scientific Advisory Committee, comprised of leading experts in the childhood cancer community, to ensure that every dollar makes the greatest impact for kids with cancer.
Who's Involved
These people make us smile - they’re the doers and money-raisers on behalf of the Oh Danny Boy Hero Fund. They’re shaving their heads, hosting events, starting fundraisers and more to make childhood cancer research possible.
2025 Events
Get Involved Your Own Way
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Create An Event
Start your own St. Baldrick’s head-shaving event to support our Hero Fund! A dedicated staff member will guide you every step of the way—and you’ll have fun doing something great for kids with cancer.
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Be a Shavee
Register to shave your head and support our Hero Fund at any St. Baldrick’s event worldwide! No event nearby? Go virtual and shave anytime, anywhere.
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Start a Fundraiser
Not into head-shaving? No problem! Start a fundraiser for our Hero Fund doing something you love—bike a marathon, host a bake sale, anything goes!
Need help? Email us at Funds@StBaldricks.org
