Backpacks with Barbara
Carrying comfort, one backpack at a time.
Child-sized medical backpacks designed for pediatric cancer patients receiving life-saving immunotherapy—developed in memory of Dr. Barbara Friedes.
The program
Honoring Dr. Barbara Friedes.
This program was developed in memory of Dr. Barbara Friedes—physician, advocate, and friend—by her family in collaboration with the Madelyn James Pediatric Cancer Foundation. Barbara dedicated her career to pediatric oncology, with a special focus on improving outcomes for children with relapsed leukemia. At the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, her research examined patterns of disease relapse in children receiving CAR-T cell therapy for relapsed acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL), aiming to guide better treatment strategies for these high-risk patients. Barbara believed deeply in caring for the whole child, not just their disease. She was passionate about equitable access to care, and her work was driven by the belief that every child, regardless of background, deserved dignity, hope, and joy during their cancer journey. Backpacks with Barbara reflects that spirit. Through thoughtfully assembled backpacks filled with comforting and practical items, we aim to offer hospitalized children a small but meaningful reminder that they are seen, loved, and not alone.
As featured in
How it works
From treatment to comfort.
Program Purpose
Developed in honor of Dr. Barbara Friedes, in collaboration with her family, to align with the Madelyn James Pediatric Cancer Foundation's mission of improving access and equity in pediatric cancer care.
Medical Context
Focuses on pediatric patients with B-cell Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (ALL). Based on promising results from blinatumomab, a cutting-edge immunotherapy that significantly improves survival rates. At each hospital, about 40–50 children per year receive this treatment.
Treatment Details
Blinatumomab is administered via a 1-month continuous infusion. Hospitals aim to provide this treatment on an outpatient basis, as children tend to do better outside of inpatient settings.
Challenge Addressed
Children must carry a small infusion pump, which requires a properly sized, secure medical backpack. Current bag options are often ill-fitting, creating risks for medication safety. Access to appropriate, kid-friendly bags is especially limited in underserved communities.
Program Solution
Provides child-sized medical backpacks tailored for blinatumomab infusion. Each backpack features flower and bow patches in memory of Dr. Friedes, who championed advancements in immunotherapy and supported the foundation's mission.
Impact
Enhances treatment experience and safety for children. Promotes equity by ensuring all children, regardless of background, can access the tools they need for successful outpatient care.
Designed for kids
What makes this bag different?
Made with a child in mind
These backpacks were made with ease of use for both the child and the parent. They are comfortable and make it easy to carry an infusion for a month.
Fun and personalized
With six designs to choose from, these backpacks have been created knowing that children can choose what they like best. Giving them the dignity of choice.
Learn more
See the backpacks in action.
Frequently asked questions
Right now, bags are only being offered at one hospital. However, we hope this program will be taken national if funded.
This bag was developed by a product designer, a nurse, and from the work from Sick Kids with their original Blina Bags. It is specially made for the drug Blina.
Yes! You can sponsor the Blina Bags. Contact Jackie Didio at jackie@madelynjames.org for more details.
At Madelyn James, we know that cures begin with access. If you do not have a bag that works for your child, they will have to restart this life-saving drug. These bags solve this problem and allow what all cancer parents want: normal moments of joy.
When Barbara passed away, we wanted to do something to honor her life and legacy. Her passion was immunotherapy and giving kids less toxic treatments. That's where these bags come into play. We miss you, Barbara!
You can help by donating to Madelyn James Pediatric Cancer Foundation, and by advocating to your elected officials to fund the NIH and clinical trials that helped make this drug possible.
Help us carry this forward.
Your support helps deliver comfort and dignity to children fighting cancer. Donate today to help take this program national.