A Scientist and Mom Working to Cure Childhood Cancer

At ICRF, we support brilliant scientists who aren’t just experts in the lab—they’re also parents, caregivers, and children themselves.

Professor Efrat Shema is one of them. She’s a leading pediatric cancer researcher, a driven scientist, and a mom to three boys: Yonatan, Elan, and Uri.

She credits her mother for inspiring the path she’s on today.

“My mom gave me the freedom to explore different interests and be whoever I wanted to be. It wasn’t about grades or success—it was about passion. That shaped who I am. Now I try to do the same for my kids—and it’s made me a better mom and scientist.”

Prof. Shema also recognizes the role her children play on her research journey.

“My children are my anchor. They inspire me to keep going through the setbacks, and to always try my best. I love them more than anything.”

With support from an ICRF Acceleration Grant, which fast tracks high-impact, high-reward research, Prof. Shema is developing liquid biopsy technology that could diagnose cancer earlier—and save lives. This research is specifically focused on an aggressive and deadly type of childhood brain cancer, but it has implications for many other types of cancer, too.

“I think of the parents facing terrifying uncertainties, and I know what they’re fighting for—time with their children. This isn’t just their fight—it’s mine—it’s all of ours.”

“I want to ensure that every child has the chance to grow up.”

Prof. Shema knows that success is not linear. Failure is an important part of the process, and she’s proudly teaching her sons to not fear it.

“When my oldest son was in first grade, we worked on a science fair project growing bacteria on petri dishes around the house. We went to my lab to prepare the dishes, but I overheated the agar, and it exploded in the microwave! It was a messy yet memorable moment and gave me the perfect chance to teach him one of the most important lessons in science: most experiments fail and the key is to learn, adapt, and keep going.”

Because failure eventually leads to success. And success means lives saved.

Success means more time.

When you support ICRF this Mother’s Day, you’re giving scientists like Prof. Shema the resources they need to turn hope into lifesaving breakthroughs.

And you’re giving families what matters most — more time together.

Now through Sunday, May 11, 2025, all donations to ICRF’s Mother’s Day campaign will be doubled, thanks to an anonymous donor.