Cancer has life changing effects on all of us. It knows no boundaries as it attacks both humans and canines alike. Rebecca Reed and John Levy are scientists who spend their days at a biotech company working on cancer treatments. So it would come as little surprise that Rebecca’s 13-year old Allison Reed would have an interest in finding a cure for cancer in canines. Allison could have a lasting impact on future medical breakthroughs with her science fair project researching a cure for canine cancer.

Allison was inspired by her Golden Retriever, Sassy, who died from bladder cancer at the young age of three, when deciding on a topic for her science fair project.

Allison said, “I wanted to know why she died of cancer. So last year, I looked at her p53 gene and it’s the stop gene, and then this year I looked at her gmcsf gene, which is her immune gene.” according to NBC.

Allison’s mom, Rebecca Reed, says, “Allison’s the type of child that’s always, why did this happen and how can we help our puppies and future puppies.”

Allison has worked on her project for about a year by first extracting the mutated cancer genes from her dog’s tumor, and then isolating the cancer-fighting gene. Then she cloned that gene with hopes that it can be useful in creating a vaccine for dogs.

Allison’s step-father, John Levy said “It’s an opportunity I wish that all students had.” according to NBC.

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