On Dec. 10, Oklahoma University’s Children’s Hospital unveiled the Blake Shelton Cancer Research Program.

The country star’s cousin, Aspen Van Horn, started treatment for neuroblastoma, a nerve tissue cancer, when she was only five months old. Because of his connection to the disease, Shelton felt compelled to open the research program, reports PEOPLE. Van Horn’s parents were thankful to have the university’s Jimmy Everest Center nearby so she could get treated near home. As a result of all the hard work, Shelton’s cousin is just about to celebrate her third birthday in January!

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After witnessing first-hand the care that Van Horn received at the hospital, Shelton established the research program. The Children’s Hospital Foundation’s board president, Chip Keating, thanked the singer for his contribution:

“We have what I would consider to be one of the top cancer centers in America here in our footsteps, providing the best care possible for our kids with cancer. This research program will help us further our mission to see more kids ring the bell, symbolizing the end of active treatment and the beginning of a life free of cancer.”