HIS FIGHT BECAME OUR MISSION
Marcky’s Fighters was created in honor of Marc “Marcky” Joseph Foster and the incredible courage he showed throughout his fight. We are committed to funding research that can lead to better treatments for children with ETMR and other rare pediatric brain cancers, while helping families who are walking the same difficult road.
OUR MISSION
We are dedicated to advancing research for ETMR and other rare pediatric central nervous system cancers, while providing support to families facing these devastating diagnoses.
Fund Critical Research
We partner with leading doctors and hospitals advancing research into rare pediatric central nervous system cancers, including ETMR, to help accelerate new treatments and create more options for children and families facing these devastating diagnoses.
Support Families in the Fight
Having walked this path ourselves, we understand the challenges families face when a child is diagnosed with a rare and aggressive cancer. We provide meaningful support to help ease the burden and remind families they are not facing it alone.
Every donation, no matter the size, makes a tangible difference in the life of a child fighting for survival.
OUR STORY
We are deeply committed to funding vital research for rare central nervous system pediatric cancers. By partnering directly with the specialized doctors and hospitals dedicated to these diseases, we can help accelerate breakthrough treatments and expand options for families.
Currently, only 4% of federal research funding is allocated to childhood cancer. This is unacceptable, and we are going to change it.
Because we have walked this agonizing path, we also have an intimate understanding of what a family goes through during cancer treatment. Marcky’s Fighters is equally dedicated to providing direct relief and support to families currently locked in this battle.
Every single donation, no matter the size, makes a tangible difference in the life of a precious child fighting for survival. We thank you from the bottom of our hearts for your generosity, your compassion, and for helping us keep our son’s legacy and fight alive.
With love,
Marc and Amanda Foster
and all of Marcky’s Fighters
ABOUT ETMR
Embryonal tumor with multilayered rosettes (ETMR) is a rare, highly aggressive pediatric brain tumor that primarily affects infants and children under the age of 4.
ETMRs are highly malignant and can be difficult to treat. Because of this, survival is poor. Less than half of patients survive a year or more after diagnosis. Treatment typically involves surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation. Outcomes can be challenging due to the aggressive nature of the tumors.
Learn More About ETMR ➔
JOIN. SUPPORT. IMPACT.
Every family facing ETMR deserves answers, support, and hope. Here’s how you can be part of it.
GET INVOLVED
Help Carry the Fight Forward
There are many ways to make a difference. Donate, fundraise, participate in an event, or help spread awareness for ETMR and other rare pediatric CNS cancers.
Ways to help ➔
RESOURCES FOR FAMILIES
You Don’t Have to Navigate This Alone
Find trusted information, organizations, support resources, and guidance for families facing an ETMR diagnosis and the difficult road that follows.
Find Support ➔
OUR IMPACT
Turning Love Into Action
See how Marcky’s Fighters is working to advance research, raise awareness, and provide meaningful support to families affected by ETMR and other rare pediatric CNS cancers.
See our impact ➔
Read to make a difference today?
WHY DONATE TO US
There are many worthy causes. Here’s what makes this one different.
Your gift honors Marcky's legacy.
We are committed to responsible stewardship of every donation and to keeping our supporters informed
Lived Experience
We’re a family who walked this exact fight - every program comes from firsthand understanding of what families need.
Filling a Critical Gap
Rare pediatric CNS cancers are chronically overlooked. Your gift reaches a corner of research most donors never touch.
Built to Move Fast
As a new, lean foundation, we get funds to doctors and families quickly-without layers of bureaucracy.
Your gift doesn’t just support a cause - it fuels a family’s fight.
We're running a half marathon in Marcky's honor, and we'd love for you to run with us, in spirit or in sneakers.
We are proud and deeply moved to share that Marc "Marcky" Joseph Foster has been named the 2026 recipient of the Courage Award by the Connecticut Boxing Hall of Fame.
In August 2025, NBC Connecticut shared Marcky's story with viewers across the state. We're sharing it here so it can live on alongside the foundation that carries his name.