2026 Honorees
Anne Elizabeth Bendel, MD
Anne Bendel is a pediatric neuro-oncologist at Children’s Minnesota, where she is the director of pediatric neuro-oncology research and the inaugural recipient of the Harper Family Foundation Endowed Chair for Cancer Research and Novel Therapies. She has spent her entire 32-year career at Children’s Minnesota. Anne has a true love for patient care and a strong passion for clinical research. Anne believes that research is the only way to continue to advance knowledge and improve outcomes in pediatric neuro-oncology. Anne actively collaborates with multiple national and international clinical research groups, including the Children’s Oncology Group, Pediatric Neuro-oncology Consortium, Next Consortium and others, thus allowing Minnesota patients access to multiple clinical trials using novel therapies. A highlight of her career has been the opportunity to work with the Children’s Brain Tumor Foundation, which has provided invaluable support services for her pediatric neuro-oncology patients and families, such as regular support groups, community building activities, and summer camp experiences. Anne is extremely grateful and honored to be the 2026 recipient of the Leary Legacy Award.
Jessica Schulte, MD, PhD
As a neuro-oncologist at NYU Langone Brain & Spine Tumor Center, I specialize in treating patients with primary and metastatic brain tumors, neurofibromatosis, and schwannomatosis, with a clinical focus spanning late adolescence through adulthood. My work emphasizes personalized, biology-driven care with a strong commitment to maintaining quality of life and daily functioning. My research centers on molecularly targeted, function-sparing glioma therapies to improve outcomes and survivorship for adolescents and young adults (AYA). I serve as global study chair for a long-term outcomes study through the Pediatric Neuro-Oncology Consortium, collecting critical data on neurocognition, quality of life, and functional independence for up to 20 years post-diagnosis. I am actively involved in the Society for Neuro-Oncology, contributing to AYA care guidelines and co-chairing a Special Interest Track, while also mentoring young adult support groups. I earned my M.D. and Ph.D. from Northwestern University, completed neurology residency at Columbia University, and pursued fellowship training at UCSF before joining NYU Langone, where I direct the AYA Neuro-Oncology Program and care for adults with neurofibromatosis and schwannomatosis.
Sponsorship & Event Inquiries
For inquiries regarding the Dream Makers Gala, including sponsorship opportunities, ticketing, and event details, please contact Stacia Wagner at swagner@cbtf.org or (314) 346-6457.
We invite you to partner with the Children’s Brain Tumor Foundation in advancing critical support for children and families affected by pediatric brain and spinal cord tumors.