Support family of cancer researcher who died tragically

YOUNG CANCER RESEARCHER AND PHYSICIAN DIES OF A

SYSTEMIC AUTOIMMUNE DISEASE

As a pediatric hematologist-oncologist, Kristin Page Chartrand provided cancer patients and their families with expert medical care. Her knowledge and skills were cultivated first at the University of Vermont Medical School, then at Duke Childrens Hospital, and most recently at Children's Wisconsin Hospital. During this journey, Kristin received numerous national awards and accolades for her outstanding work. She continually strived to improve her knowledge and skills to provide her patients with the best care possible. In addition to her scientific knowledge, Kristin was also passionate about understanding the fear, stress, and the unknow that her patients and families were faced with. With wonderful grace and warm personality, Kristin provided an emotional safe harbor during their difficult journey. It was important to her that every patient, every family, felt special and supported. It was this quality that set Kristin apart.

Kristin, having witnessed the struggles and effects of cancer on patients and their families, devoted a large amount of her time conducting cancer research. Kristin was appointed the Director of Data Operations for the Center for International Blood & Marrow Transplant Registry (CIBMTR). In this role she worked with top cancer researchers from around the world. This work resulted in numerous publications, robust cancer research training and mentoring programs, as well as significantly contributing to the advancement in cancer treatments.

In the summer of 2024 Kristin went from being a doctor to being a patient. She was diagnosed with systemic autoimmune disease. After spending her life caring for patients fighting a deadly disease, Kristin herself was in a battle for her life. As with every challenge Kristin had faced, she entered this fight with determination, faith, and grace.

Dr. Kristin Page Chartrand, died tragically on September 6th, 2024. Her passing was a devastating loss for the international cancer research community, her former patients and families, and to her own family.

Kristin left behind a husband, Doug and three teenage children. Nate, a sophomore in college, a daughter Anna, a senior in high school, and Mea, a junior in high school. Kristin’s passing was a crushing blow to our family both emotionally and financially.

The family's cost of living is pressing enough, but medical bills due to Kristin's extraordinary needs are astronomical. We are hoping to raise money to help with these costs, keep Nate in college and help the girls navigate their educational futures. For the first time in their lives, they must turn to family and friends for financial assistance.