Awards

IU Indianapolis Spirit of Philanthropy Award - 2013

About Barb Healey

Barb Healey and her husband, Steve, received the IUPUI Spirit of Philanthropy Award in honor of their efforts in fundraising for the A.N.N.A. Fund. Friends of the Healey's started the A.N.N.A. (Anna Needs Neuroblastoma Answers) Fund in 2002 to honor the Healey's daughter, Anna, who suffered from neuroblastoma. The Fund raises money for neuroblastoma research at the Riley Hospital for Children and the Indiana University Cancer Research Institute. The Funds also provides financial assistance to families living with the devastating effects of this rare childhood cancer. With the help of hospital staff, A.N.N.A. gives funds directly to neuroblastoma families in need. The Fund distributes small amounts of money through social services to families visiting Riley for extended periods of time. It provide cash for rent, utilities, dining, shopping, gas or whatever the family needs during the fight to cure their child.

The Healey's efforts and generosity have helped many families since 2002. Their donations have also sparked hope for the future. Through the A.N.N.A. Fund, the Healeys have been supporting the cancer research lab of Dr. Linda Malkas and Dr. Robert Hickey at the IU Cancer Research Institute. The research lab used the funds to work on the development of chemical compounds that could battle neuroblastoma. The compounds, named AOH (Anna Olivia Healey), were used to design a drug that could be used against neuroblastoma. In 2015, after successful animal testing, the research team began the process of receiving federal approval for human clinical trials of the AOH drug. In part because of the fundraising efforts of the Healey and the ANNA Fund, the AOH drug could be available to treat neuroblastoma in the coming years.