Raising money for pediatric cancer research at MUSC is McConnell family’s “North Star”

At just five months old, Jen and Josh McConnell’s son, Bodhi, was diagnosed with neuroblastoma – the most common cancer in infants and the third leading cause of cancer-related deaths in children.

“We didn’t Google it,” Jen said. “We didn’t look at the statistics. We couldn’t. We just wanted to believe he would make it.”

What is neuroblastoma?

Each year, 700–800 children in the U.S. are diagnosed with neuroblastoma, according to the National Cancer Institute. Patients are classified into low-, intermediate- or high-risk categories. Survival rates for the first two groups reach 95% or higher. For children in the high-risk group –like Bodhi – the rate drops to about 60%.

Treatment for high-risk neuroblastoma is aggressive, often involving chemotherapy, surgery, stem cell transplants, radiation and immunotherapy. Even with this intensive care, relapse is common.

Why MUSC was the right place for Bodhi

While several hospitals in South Carolina treat pediatric cancer, MUSC offers the most advanced care in the state, especially for complex cases. It is home to nationally recognized specialists and clinical trials unavailable elsewhere in South Carolina.

For the McConnells, staying at MUSC meant Bodhi could receive cutting-edge care close to home. His oncologist, Jacqueline Kraveka, D.O., not only guided his treatment but also leads research aimed at making therapies for neuroblastoma more effective and less toxic for children. Her lab in the MUSC Darby Children’s Research Institute is one of the few in the state dedicated solely to pediatric cancer research.

A milestone – and a mission

With his parents at his side, Bodhi rang the bell on March 29, 2018, marking the end of his treatment. In March 2025, he celebrated seven years cancer-free. Today, he spends his time at the beach, fishing, and cheering for Clemson football.

For the McConnells, their relief was quickly joined by something else: guilt.

“Why were we so blessed to make it through this when so many other families don’t?” Josh asked.

That question became their driving force – especially after learning that childhood cancer receives only about 4% of all federal cancer research funding, despite being the leading cause of disease-related death among children in the U.S.

From that moment, the McConnells say, raising money for pediatric cancer research became their “North Star.”

“Start with what breaks your heart, and let it move you to act,” Jen said.

Turning heartbreak into action

In 2021, the family founded the McConnell Foundation to improve the odds for kids with cancer, especially through research happening in South Carolina.

A year later, they launched the first Shining Stars Gala, a black-tie event honoring children affected by cancer and raising tens of thousands of dollars annually for research.

Since its founding, the McConnell Foundation has contributed nearly $175,000 to Dr. Kraveka’s lab. Their support has helped advance research with global impact – including FDA approval of DFMO, a drug that helps prevent neuroblastoma from returning in children.

“The biggest challenge in pediatric cancer research is funding,” Kraveka explained. “Events like this directly support our work and make a difference in the fight against childhood cancer.”

Josh put it simply: “We didn’t set out to become philanthropists. We set out to say thank you to MUSC. And we’ll keep showing up – for as long as children need healing and families need hope.”