Odin Baer was a sweet boy with large, warm brown eyes. He loved cuddles, books, Curious George, music, dancing and playing with his baby sister, Scotland. He was often quiet and observant, but boy could he make you laugh. He called Batman, “Fatman,” even after being corrected. He woke up each morning with a smile. He enjoyed roaring like a bear and even taught Scotland to roar. He loved everyone and gave amply hugs and kisses. 

After experiencing balance issues and a slight inward turn of his right eye, Odin’s pediatrician scheduled him for an MRI at Levine Children’s Hospital on Oct. 3, 2013. The results of Odin’s MRI changed everything. At just 2-years-old, he was diagnosed with DIPG, an aggressive and fast-growing brain tumor. He took part in a clinical trial at Duke Hospital which consisted of standard radiation and an experimental drug therapy. Through treatment, Odin developed a severe anxiety and had to be placed on anti-anxiety medication. Despite his debilitating illness and side effects from treatment, Odin continued playing with instruments, singing songs, running wildly pushing his toy cars, laughing, smiling, roaring like a bear and bringing joy to the people around him.

Odin Baer’s 18-month battle came to an end on April 29, 2015, one month shy of his fourth birthday. His brief but amazing life was shaped by a personality that was quiet, thoughtful and kind, yet still passionate and unflinchingly brave.

"Funding for pediatric cancer research brings our family hope that one day doctors will be able to tell parents like us that they have treatment options for their child rather than “there is nothing we can do.” -  The Dougherty Family

Thank you for choosing to donate to The Cure Starts Now Foundation. 100% of this donation, after credit card processing fees, goes directly towards research to find the homerun cure for cancer starting with pediatric brain cancer research.

If you would like to make a donation by mail please send a check to:  The Cure Starts Now Foundation; 10280 Chester Road; Cincinnati, OH 45215 and put the child's name in the memo.

The family receives notification of all donations made to this tribute fund automatically.