By Bill Thomas | December 4
For children who have been diagnosed with pediatric cancers, few things feel quite as precious–or as fragile–as the future. Since 1982, Pediatric Cancer Research Foundation has worked to build a brighter future for childhood cancer patients and survivors by supporting research that drives progress in pediatric cancer treatment. Throughout our 43+ years, we’ve invested over $61 million and funded more than 238 research projects, leading to significant innovations in treatment options and patient outcomes.
Even still, our journey is far from over. While advances have improved survival rates for certain types of pediatric cancer, much work remains to be done. Worldwide, a child is diagnosed with cancer every two minutes. In the United States, 1 in 5 children with cancer will not survive. In low- and middle-income countries, survival rates can drop as low as 20%.
Here at the Foundation, our vision is to make it possible for all children facing childhood cancers to beat their disease and achieve their full potential so they can live happy, healthy, productive futures. Achieving that vision means taking stock not only of the progress we’ve made but also of the obstacles that stand before us. That’s why we’ve launched three new institutional priorities to bring us one step closer to achieving our vision of overcoming pediatric cancer and enhancing the quality of life for all children and families affected by it.
Our Five-Year Plan: $25 Million for Pediatric Cancer Research
As we look once more towards the future, the Foundation remains committed to improving the lives of childhood cancer patients and survivors. To do that, we’ve revisited our vision statement and analyzed data from multiple channels to identify the most pressing issues affecting those struggling with childhood cancer.
To support the Foundation’s new strategic focus, we are embarking on its most ambitious fundraising effort to date: raising $25 million over the next five years. Below you’ll find information outlining our three new institutional priorities, explaining why addressing these priorities is so crucial for the pediatric cancer community, and detailing what initiatives we are enacting to ensure that every dollar of every donation we receive has the greatest possible impact.
Powering Research
In the U.S., pediatric cancers remain the leading cause of death from disease among children ages 1 to 14. Worldwide, 80% of children diagnosed with cancers will not beat their disease. Even with all the advancements that have been made, there is a dire need to develop more effective treatments for pediatric cancers. For these reasons, driving the development of new cures has always been and will always be at the forefront of the Foundation’s priorities.
That said, there is an equally dire need to develop treatment options that are not just more effective but also less toxic. Due to the short and long-term side effects of current treatment options like chemotherapy and radiation therapy, roughly 60-90% of all childhood cancer survivors will develop one or more chronic health conditions, ultimately experiencing a diminished quality of life.
To address this need, the Foundation prioritizes funding research that targets rare cancers with low survival rates, particularly those affecting high-risk children and adolescents. Additionally, we are investing in the development of new therapies that are more effective while causing fewer side effects, minimizing both the immediate and long-term impacts of treatment on patients. Last but not least, we are looking to invest in research opportunities that utilize AI and technology to advance and enable better care outcomes faster.
Equitable Care
Pediatric cancer patients who live in rural or socioeconomically disadvantaged neighborhoods face significantly higher mortality rates relative to those who live in other areas. These healthcare inequities are further exacerbated by differences in age, race and ethnicity.
To better ensure that advancements in treatment are accessible and effective for all, the Foundation is prioritizing and expanding support for clinical trials that specifically target diverse populations, including children from underrepresented communities. We are focused on diversifying the trials we fund based on age, race, ethnicity and socioeconomics to facilitate better treatment outcomes.
Furthermore, the Foundation is funding more collaborative research efforts that utilize technology and AI to advance better treatment models, as well as efforts to provide wider access to clinical trials, making it easier for children in remote or underserved areas to participate in trials and receive the latest treatments.
Survivorship and Mental Health
Children undergoing cancer treatment endure immense emotional and psychological challenges in addition to physical ones. The strain of frequent hospital visits, painful procedures and social isolation has resulted in depression rates among childhood cancer survivors reaching as high as 40.8%, significantly more than the national average.
Moreover, pediatric cancer survivors face unique and ongoing challenges that extend beyond their medical treatment, including long-term health issues, learning disabilities and stressful financial pressures.
To do this, we’re investing in research that is focused on reducing long-term effects as well as psychosocial programs designed to alleviate the emotional and psychological distress associated with childhood cancer. Through these initiatives, we aim to support survivors and their families as they adjust to life during and after treatment, helping them foster resilience and maintain positive mental health to achieve our vision of ensuring them happy, healthy and productive futures.
Join Us in Building a Brighter Future for Pediatric Cancer Patients
The priorities and initiatives outlined above will enable the Foundation to address the current challenges facing pediatric cancer patients and survivors more effectively, while also creating new opportunities for us to expand our impact, bringing us closer to achieving our vision.
That vision–making it possible for all children facing childhood cancers to beat their disease and achieve their full potential so they can live happy, healthy, productive futures–is one we share with our healthcare partners and community. Without you, we would not be able to make the kind of impact we do, such as developing new treatments through our research grants and fostering a whole new generation of medical professionals through our Survivor Scholarship Award. More importantly, we would not be able to continue growing the impact we make.
The 2025 research grant cycle will open in January, with a focus on advancing the Foundation’s strategic priorities: Powering Research, Equitable Care, and Survivorship & Mental Health. This cycle aims to support innovative projects addressing critical unmet needs, particularly in high-risk pediatric cancers, equitable access to care, and improving quality of life for survivors. Details and application guidelines will be available soon.
