MEET OUR TEAM
Iana has always had a deep love for giving back, which is why she chose to organize this fundraising event through the Shine Little Hearts Foundation. As a mother of two wonderful daughters, Sunny Vivian and Vanessa, family and community have always been at the center of her life. Four years ago, her family moved from Connecticut to Houston, where a chance meeting with Dr. McCall opened the door to philanthropy and inspired her to support children and families facing life’s toughest challenges.
Her commitment to helping others began in her childhood in Europe, where she volunteered with the Salvation Army. She spent her early years raising funds and providing food, clothing, and daily necessities to families and elderly individuals in need. Those experiences planted a lifelong belief in the power of kindness and the joy that comes from lifting others up.
Through the Shine Little Hearts Foundation, she hopes to bring comfort, hope, and a little light to children and families during difficult times. She is especially committed to raising funds so that every child in need can receive the treatment they require right away. She is deeply grateful for the opportunity to save children’s lives and ease their hearts during these challenging moments. Even small gestures can make a lasting impact, and she cherishes every chance to brighten someone’s day and nurture a sense of community and care.
Executive Director
Iana Wadhwa
Dr. David McCall
Pediatric Hematologist/Oncologist
Doctor David McCall is a pediatric hematologist/oncologist dedicated to developing innovative therapies for children and adolescents with cancer, with a particular focus on leukemia and lymphoma. At MD Anderson, he leads clinical and interventional studies testing novel chemotherapy agents, supportive care medications, and non-invasive devices designed to help patients manage treatment side effects.
He serves as the lead investigator on eight trials, including six that he has authored and two that are industry-sponsored, collaborating with both local and national research teams. His work includes pioneering a refractory chemotherapy approach combined with the menin inhibitor ziftomenib, the first pediatric trial of its kind, as well as exploring treatments for leukemias with challenging mutations. He also adapts adult leukemia protocols for pediatric patients, expanding access to promising therapies previously available only to adults, and contributes to publications that advance the field of pediatric oncology care.
MD Anderson Children’s Cancer Hospital
MD Anderson Children’s Cancer Hospital is part of one of the world’s leading cancer centers and specializes in innovative, comprehensive care for children, adolescents, and young adults with cancer. The hospital treats a wide range of pediatric cancers and related blood disorders, combining advanced treatments with supportive care tailored to young patients and their families.
It has a long history of treating childhood cancers and is involved in cutting‑edge clinical research and novel therapies.
Each child is cared for by a multidisciplinary team that includes oncologists, hematologists, surgeons, psychosocial specialists, and educational support staff focused on the whole child — not just the disease.
MD Anderson’s pediatric program is research‑driven, offering access to clinical trials that may not be available elsewhere. Children with rare or high‑risk cancers often have the opportunity to participate in trials exploring new treatments, including cutting‑edge therapies and translational research.
