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Syal Foundation Extends Partnership With Multi-Year Deal

Wed, 25 Mar 2026 14:26:04 GMT

Dr. Kris Ann Schultz Named Chief Research Officer at Children's Minnesota

Wed, 21 Jan 2026 18:17:04 GMT

Children’s Minnesota is pleased to announce the selection of Dr. Kris Ann Schultz Pine Tree Apple Tennis Classic Endowed Chair of Blood and Cancer Disorders Research as its new chief research officer at Children’s Minnesota.

“I’m grateful to have Dr. Schultz step into this important role. Her leadership will help us advance our mission of developing a premier pediatric research institute and improving access to cutting edge research for our patients and families,” said Dr. Anupam Kharbanda, vice president and chief of clinical innovation. “Dr. Schultz has been a driving force in pediatric research both internationally and in our community, and I’m excited to see how she’ll build on our legacy and lead our team”.

Dr. Schultz has been a pediatric oncologist at Children’s Minnesota since 2008. Prior to taking on the role of chief research officer, she served as scientific director of the Cancer and Blood Disorders program.

In her 17 years of service at Children’s Minnesota, Dr. Schultz has made significant contributions to pediatric oncology care and research, serving as principal investigator for the International Pleuropulmonary Blastoma (PPB)/DICER1 Registry which includes participants from more than 600 institutions in 60 countries worldwide. In 2020, Dr. Schultz was named the inaugural Pine Tree Apple Tennis Classic Endowed Chair in Cancer and Blood Disorders research.

Dr. Schultz is considered one of the foremost experts on DICER1 research and has published more than 100 peer reviewed articles including first author publications in the Journal of Clinical Oncology and Clinical Cancer Research. Her research focuses on the early detection and the development of novel and precision therapies for DICER1-related cancers. In 2017, Dr. Schultz and the Registry team published the first-ever set of surveillance guidelines for individuals at risk for DICER1-related tumors. In 2025, Dr. Schultz and the Registry team published updated guidelines based on ongoing data collection and assembly of the world’s largest cohort of individuals with DICER1 variation.

She serves as Study Chair for Children’s Oncology Group protocol ARAR2331, the first ever prospective clinical trial for pleuropulmonary blastoma, the most common form of lung cancer in infants and young children. She also serves as Vice Chair for rare tumors for Children’s Oncology Group, an international cooperative group focused on pediatric cancer which includes more than 220 institutions worldwide.

Dr. Schultz is also the founder and serves as the principal investigator of the International Ovarian and Testicular Stromal Tumor (OTST) Registry.

As a result of Dr. Schultz’s contributions, Children’s Minnesota has achieved international recognition for its collaborative research on rare tumors and early detection. This work has contributed to higher survival rates and improved quality of life for children with cancer around the world. Importantly, these research developments are shared not only with clinicians and researchers, but also directly with patients, families and research participants through family education documents, newsletters, and an annual scientific symposium and family meeting attended by participants from across the world.

“This work is inspired by the kids and families we serve. Our research strength comes from the generous contributions of our many research participants and the multidisciplinary teams of kid experts working side‑by‑side, focusing on the health needs of kids and families,” said Dr. Schultz. “I am honored to work with these amazing individuals and look forward to connecting ideas, removing barriers, and accelerating studies so the benefits of our research reach more kids and families in Minnesota and worldwide.”

In her role as chief research officer, she will provide guidance and support to the Children’s Minnesota Research Institute , which is dedicated to advancing research and innovation that directly impacts patient care. She will oversee multidisciplinary teams’ leading efforts in cancer and blood disorder research, cardiovascular research, diabetes and endocrine research. With a focus on improving the daily lives of children and teens, Dr. Schultz and her team will continue to champion initiatives ranging from innovative pain management strategies to the adoption of cutting-edge technologies—ensuring that all research remains centered on the needs of kids and families.

About Children’s Minnesota

Children’s Minnesota is one of the largest pediatric health systems in the United States and the only one in Minnesota devoted exclusively to children, from before birth through young adulthood. An independent and not-for-profit system for more than 100 years, Children’s Minnesota offers more than 60 pediatric specialties through its two hospitals, multiple specialty centers and clinics throughout the metro area. The Kid Experts® at Children’s Minnesota are chosen by more families than any other pediatric health system in the region.

Find us on Facebook @childrensminnesota or on Instagram @childrensmn. Please visit childrensMN.org.

PTACF Names 2026 Board; Matt Narr New President

Mon, 29 Dec 2025 19:20:48 GMT

The Pine Tree Apple Classic Fund is proud to announce our 2026 Board of Directors - a dedicated group of leaders who will guide Pine Tree into its next chapter of impact, innovation, and community support.

2026 Board of Directors

President: Matt Narr

Secretary: Cheryl Yasis

Treasurers: Michael Yates & Lori Yates

Directors: Barry Dobson, Rachel LaTour, Norm Longsdorf & Tobias Wernet

Leadership Transitions and Appointments

Matt Narr has been elected President after serving as Secretary the past 3 years. A tournament player and fundraiser since 2008, Narr has also contributed as Event Co-Chair and Tournament Director responsibilities. With nearly two decades of experience as a teaching professional, he currently serves as Racquet Sports Director at Life Time White Bear Lake - home of the annual Pine Tree Apple Tennis Classic.

Cheryl Yasis moves into the Secretary role following 5 years of service as a Director. A Mahtomedi resident and retired global marketing leader, Yasis brings over 30 years of experience across healthcare, medical devices, and pharmaceuticals. Her career includes leadership positions at Fortune 100 companies and MedTech startups, where she drove strategic, data-informed commercialization initiatives. She is also the mother of a pediatric cancer survivor and an avid tennis player.

Long-time volunteers Michael and Lori Yates of New Brighton, Minn., will transition into the co-treasurer capacity after serving as Directors. Mike is a retired CPA and MBA who spent over 30 years in the financial industry, while Lori began her career as a CPA at a national public accounting firm before transitioning to the insurance/financial services industry as a financial and regulatory reporting specialist for over 30 years. The Yates' have supported Pine Tree in numerous capacities the past 20 years including donor, player sponsor, photographer/videographer, volunteer coordinator, trophy designer and anything else asked of them. Their daughter, Mel, was also multiple time Pine Tree player earning finalist honors.

Barry Dobson , a retired business leader from Vadnais Heights, Minn., returns as a Director. A long-time supporter of Pine Tree, Dobson is the architect behind the organization's Volunteer Give Back program, which engages local high schools and college programs in service, as well as the Game, Set, Cure Luncheon. When not on the tennis court, he enjoys traveling and cooking and spending time with his family and five wonderful grandchildren. Barry looks forward to contributing his experience and energy to the board.

Rachel LaTour of Edina, Minn., brings more than 25 years of non-profit board and committee experience. Pine Tree allows her to combine her passion for tennis and community service with her professional background in Human Resources. For the past 3 years, she has successfully led the Pine Tree Junior Tournament, raising more than $100,000 for the cause.

Norm Longsdorf of Osceola, Wis., a retired financial leader and avid tennis supporter in the community, enters his second term as a Board Director.

Tobias Wernet of Edina, Minn., serves as Customer Success Leader, Cloud + AI at Microsoft, driving strategic initiatives across a $4B+ enterprise customer business with a focus on performance frameworks and business transformation. A long-time supporter of Pine Tree Apple Classic Fund, Wernet has contributed as a player, player liaison, and advocate for expanding donor engagement for many years. He played college tennis at the University of Minnesota.

Thank you to each of these incredible individuals for lending their time, talent, and passion to our mission. Game, Set, CURE!

2025 Pine Tree Apple Tennis Classic Raises Over $600,000

Fri, 15 Aug 2025 18:16:56 GMT

The 40th Anniversary of Pine Tree Apple Tennis Classic Raises Over $600,000 and Still Counting!

40-LOVE!!! We did it! $601,000 raised and still counting!

What an incredible year and a wonderful way to celebrate the 40th Anniversary of the Pine Tree Apple Tennis Classic. THANK YOU to our amazing players, volunteers, sponsors, donors, and everyone who supported the cause! We crushed our 2025 goal of $540,000 by raising over $601,000 this year — the most in Pine Tree history!

These funds go directly to lifesaving pediatric cancer, rehabilitation and point-of-care research initiatives and care at Children’s Minnesota, helping kids and families where they need it most.

From cheering on the great tennis to grabbing an apple treat at the food tent, every bit of energy, generosity, and support added up to this record-breaking total. We are so grateful for each of you who make the Pine Tree community so special and help us make a real difference.

Thank You & Game, Set, Cure!

Lisa Mushett, Executive Director &

Pine Tree Apple Classic Fund Board of Directors

Over $45K Raised At 2025 Game, Set, Cure, Luncheon

Mon, 26 May 2025 14:43:36 GMT

An Inspiring Day At the 2025 Game, Set, Cure, Luncheon

What an incredible way to kick off the 40th Anniversary of the Pine Tree Apple Tennis Classic as over 160 people attended the 2025 Game, Set, Cure Luncheon May 20 at Town & Country Club in St. Paul. A heartfelt THANK YOU to everyone who braved the elements and shared their time and treasure in learning more about our organization and special partnership with Children's Minnesota. Also, a special shoutout to our luncheon sponsor - Royal Credit Union - who continues to be a great community partner with Pine Tree.

Your support is making a profound impact not just in our community, but across the globe as we work towards one day finding a cure. Our hearts are overflowing with gratitude!

Couldn't attend, but would still like to support the cause? There's still time to make a difference by visiting www.ptacf.org .

Game, Set, Cure!

Lisa Mushett Named First PTACF Executive Director

Thu, 23 Jan 2025 15:27:42 GMT

Pine Tree Apple Classic Fund names Lisa Mushett first Executive Director.

PTACF Announces New $1 Million Endowment For Children's Minnesota

Thu, 26 Dec 2024 18:46:13 GMT

Pine Tree Apple Classic Fund and Children's Minnesota are pleased to announce the new Hematology, Oncology Point of Care through Survivorship Research Endowment Fund. The fund will support research by nurses and advanced practice practitioners aimed at addressing any stage of a patient’s care journey with a focus on the unique long-term physical, mental and social challenges patients can face months or years after completing cancer treatment.

“We are grateful to the Pine Tree Apple Classic Fund for this new investment in not only research at Children’s Minnesota, but our nurses and cancer survivorship,” said Caroline Njau, chief nursing officer and senior vice president of patient care services at Children’s Minnesota. “This generous support will give our kid experts the ability to explore new avenues for treatment and care that can improve the lives of children diagnosed with cancer."

The majority of children diagnosed with cancer will survive into adulthood. However, many of the children, adolescents and young adults considered cured can experience health issues long after completing treatment. Survivorship programs monitor survivors for the late effects of cancer and treatment, address any problems and educate them about their health risks.

"Children’s Minnesota is renowned for its exceptional patient care and nursing innovation,” said Kevin Werwie, President of Pine Tree Apple Classic Fund Board of Directors. “Their commitment to groundbreaking pediatric hematology and oncology research aligns perfectly with our mission to be a positive force in the health and well-being of children with childhood diseases. By creating this new endowment fund to address the challenges of pediatric cancer survivors, we are investing in a brighter future for all children affected by cancer."

Pine Tree Apple Classic Fund Awards Its Largest Gift Ever To Children's Minnesota!

Tue, 10 Dec 2024 17:08:28 GMT

Pine Tree Apple Classic Fund President Kevin Werwie and its Board of Directors presented doctors and staff at Children’s Minnesota with a check for $460,000 supporting targeted children’s cancer research and rehabilitation efforts for the largest pediatric cancer and blood disorders program in the upper Midwest. Children’s Minnesota COO Dr. Marc Gorelick and Senior Vice President and Chief Development Officer and President of Children’s Minnesota Foundation Jennifer Soderholm, among others, accepted the gift on behalf of Children’s Minnesota.

Funds were raised as part of the 2024 Pine Tree Apple Tennis Classic, which took place August 1-4, 2024, at Life Time in White Bear Lake, Minn. Celebrating its 39th anniversary this year, the event raised over $600,000.

The allocation of the $460,000 will be distributed between three different initiatives including the Pine Tree Apple Tennis Classic Endowed Chair in Cancer and Blood Disorders Operating Fund ($160,000) and the Pine Tree Apple Classic Endowment Fund ($150,000) supporting targeted research needs of DICER1 related tumors and coping with the long-term effects of cancer treatment.

The remaining funds ($150,000) will support a new partnership announced between Pine Tree Apple Classic Fund and Children’s Minnesota in August - the Hematology, Oncology Point of Care through Survivorship Research Endowment Fund. This new endowment funds much-needed research initiatives by nurses and advanced practice practitioners aimed at addressing any stage of a patient’s care journey with a focus on the unique long-term physical, mental and social challenges patients can face months or years after completing cancer treatment.

“We are thrilled to donate a record amount of $460,000 to Children’s Minnesota this year and not only continue the incredible outcomes being generated from the rare tumor registries and rehabilitation research, but also add a third area of research with the Hematology, Oncology Point of Care through Survivorship Research Endowment Fund,” Werwie said. “We are so thankful to all Pine Tree sponsors, donors, tennis players and volunteers for their continued generosity and support of our mission and these targeted research areas. The Pine Tree Apple Classic Fund is proud to partner with Children’s Minnesota and build on its impressive 100-year legacy of exceptional care for children and promise for a better future.”

Since 1986, the Pine Tree Apple Tennis Classic has raised over $8.5 million for childhood cancer research efforts at Children’s Minnesota and around the world, and since becoming a non-profit entity in 2018, Pine Tree Apple Classic Fund has generated almost $2 million.

“The Pine Tree Apple Classic Fund and the tennis tournament continue to amaze everyone at Children’s Minnesota by finding new and innovative ways to make a difference in the lives of the patients and families we serve,” Soderholm said. “We are profoundly grateful for your remarkable decades-long partnership.”

The 40th Anniversary of the Pine Tree Apple Tennis Classic is scheduled for July 31-August 3, 2025, at Life Time in White Bear, Minn. Details about the tournament, and how to get involved in this amazing event, are available at www.ptacf.org .

How Your Gift Transforms Children’s Lives Around the Globe

Sun, 01 Dec 2024 17:15:31 GMT

When Dr. Lynn Tanner, one of the physical rehabilitation researchers that PTACF supports, peers into her clinic waiting room at Children’s Minnesota, she sees few children in wagons or wheelchairs. As the mother of a pediatric cancer survivor treated at Children’s, I’ve spent a good amount of time in that same waiting room with my son and can verify that I’ve rarely seen kids in wagons or wheelchairs at clinic. I didn’t realize how unique this is until I learned that pediatric cancer clinics across the nation frequently have waiting rooms filled with kids with both. Are the kids at our local pediatric hospital simply lucky or is there something different about the services kids receive at Children’s Minnesota?

Over the years, PTACF has helped fund over 25 research papers and projects focused on understanding and improving physical movement in children undergoing treatment for cancer. As a result, Children’s Minnesota is well known for their physical rehabilitation research and programs nationally. While this knowledge is published and shared with the global medical community, simply publishing research findings does not typically result in dramatic change to clinical practice. Clinicians must also receive training and education on how to incorporate the knowledge into their everyday workflows.

The CREATE™ Childhood Cancer Rehabilitation Program was born at Children’s Minnesota in 2021 out of the need to translate the evidence produced from the scientific research funded by PTACF and other organizations into practical training and tools that result in outcomes like the ability for kids with cancer to walk into a clinic, run with friends at recess, or play on the high school hockey team. This is no small feat. It requires special equipment designed for children and collaborative efforts among researchers, oncologists, physical therapists, scheduling, and patient families. In short, it requires an overall change in how hospitals approach patient care.

With rehabilitation rates among children with cancer as low as 1-2%, CREATE provides clinicians with desperately needed skills required to “create” and sustain the change needed for a successful cancer rehabilitation program. Over 200 professionals from 30 states and seven countries have participated in CREATE since its inception, including clinicians from renown pediatric cancer hospitals in the United States. The result is a cadre of clinicians reimagining how they care for kids and recognition of the importance of physical therapy in the overall quality of life for our youngest patients.

Dr. Tanner’s most recent PTACF-funded research study found that children receiving physical therapy during cancer treatment may reduce the severity of neuropathy, a condition causing pain and difficulty with coordination and balance–something essential for walking and a common cause of children requiring the use of a wheelchair. The study was small and requires additional research that Dr. Tanner is enthusiastic to take on.

“We can do a better job addressing the challenges kids face during treatment and into survivorship if we have support for more research and how physical therapy improves the overall quality of life for young cancer patients over the long term.”, says Dr. Tanner.

There is still a lot to understand but your donation can help support research and clinician training that fuels the transformative impact of care for pediatric cancer patients in Minnesota and around the world. Funding for these efforts comes from generous donors like you. You can make a one-time, monthly, quarterly, or annual donation. And, any amount helps. Let’s raise more in ’24!

Giving Back ... From As Far As South Dakota

Tue, 23 Jul 2024 17:12:25 GMT

by Jack Allaben, Pine Tree Apple Classic Player & Social Media Assistant

Meet Claudia!

Claudia will soon become the newest member of the Pine Tree family as a volunteer when she and other members of the Brandon Valley High School Girls Tennis Team travel all the way from Brandon, S.D., located just outside of Sioux Falls, for the 2024 Pine Tree Apple Tennis Classic. Why are they traveling all that way for this year's tournament? As Claudia's father, Kyle, explains, the Pine Tree’s mission holds deep significance to Claudia and their family.

“In February 2021, our world was turned upside down," Kyle shared. "Claudia suffered a seizure at home while preparing for Super Bowl LV. This was the first and only seizure Claudia has had, and it really caught us off guard. In the following days, she underwent several tests in Sioux Falls including an MRI. The MRI revealed some brain abnormalities and a tumor in her left occipital lobe. After several appointments and consults, we asked our local oncologist for a referral and a second opinion. That referral led us to Children's Minnesota with Dr. Anne Bendel and Dr. Meysam Kebriaei spearheading the charge. After our first meeting with these two amazing doctors, we knew Children's Minnesota was where we needed to be to face this journey head-on."

In the weeks following, Children’s Minnesota conducted its own MRI, and started developing a treatment plan. The biggest challenge was the tumor was pushing up against Claudia's vision center and vision impairment could be a strong possibility post-surgery. Potential vision impairment versus the long-term prognosis without surgery was contemplated and, in the end, it was decided that surgery to remove the tumor was the best course of action. Soon, Claudia underwent a more in-depth and detailed MRI to map the brain and chart a path to resect the tumor. In April 2021, Claudia underwent surgery at Children’s Minnesota in St. Paul.

"We are extremely happy to report that the amazing doctors, with the technology that they had available, were able to fully resect her tumor," Kyle said.

Three years later, there are no signs of regrowth, and the surgical site has fully healed. Claudia does have some minor vision impairment based on recent ophthalmology tests; however, it certainly doesn’t impact her day-to-day life or slow her down at all.

Today Claudia participates in all the activities that she loves, including the sport of tennis. Claudia will be a junior at Brandon Valley and is preparing for her third season with the tennis program, which starts in a few weeks. She truly has a passion for the sport and puts in countless hours a week working on her game.

"When learning about the Pine Tree Apple Classic late last year, we knew this was an opportunity to help give back to a wonderful organization that has impacted so many lives," Kyle said. "It is a great opportunity to honor Claudia and what she went through, as well as the perfect team-building and bonding opportunity for her and some of her teammates ahead of the upcoming tennis season.

"It is also a tremendous opportunity to raise funds for our tennis program through Pine Tree's Volunteer Give Back Program and the generous partnership with its anonymous donor and USTA Northern, while at the same time volunteering at an event that historically raises significant dollars for Children’s Minnesota. We are forever indebted to Children’s Minnesota and the talented team that they have, and we felt that this is just a small way to give back. It is hard to put into words the impact that they have had on Claudia and our family, and we are eternally grateful that we were brought together.”