2012 was a transformative year in my life for several reasons, both personal and professional, and one that I feel had the potential to change the trajectory of where research against childhood cancer is headed.

Recently, a news story documented the fact that dozens of children's cancer drugs are running out for reasons that include manufacturing problems and reduced production due to lower profits with generic drugs.

She was just shy of 10 years old when her brother, almost four years old, passed away from leukemia. Back then, her family didn't have much money, she said, and she watched as her parents had to pay the medical bills after her brother's death.

After mastering the art of developing game apps, 11-year-old Conner Haines figured out how to commit his skill to helping kids with cancer. Conner'...