$2.1M in expenses

Pediatric Oncology Research Study Funding A Dallas-based nonprofit, Children's Cancer Fund is responsive to the needs of the pediatric oncology community and their cutting-edge research. We work closely with doctors and scientists at the Pauline Allen Gill Center for Cancer and Blood Disorders at Children's Health and the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center in Dallas to fund innovative research that has led to better treatments and outcomes for kids battling cancer. We provide seed funding in order to overcome roadblocks and fill gaps for promising research that doesn't yet qualify for federal funding. Not only does this funded research benefit pediatric oncology patients everywhere, it helps the local Dallas community by providing accessibility for research funds for top- tier talent in the oncology world. To date, CCF has funded over 100 pediatric oncology research projects associated with Children's Health and UT Southwestern. Supportive Program Services for Pediatric Oncology Patients A new cancer diagnosis and impending unknowns throws an entire family into crisis. Whether it's the young patient, siblings, or parents, there is much to consider in this life-and family-altering diagnosis. Adjusting to illness, coping with stressful treatments, and enduring long hospital stays are key components to a young patient's recovery rate and the entire family's illness experience. By investing in services such as pet therapy, social work, art therapy, music therapy, and child life services, trained professionals are able to come alongside patients and family members to promote growth and development through the expression of thoughts and emotions. Through key investments in these supportive programs, CCF funds the pediatric oncology Child Life Specialist position, has purchased a therapy dog, provided needed supplies for the inpatient pediatric oncology playroom, and more. Mental Health Initiative Children's Cancer Fund recognizes that treating the cancer disease process is just a part of whole-child health and wellness for this psychosocially at-risk group of young patients. Instituted in 2008, embedded psychology services in Children's Health's Pauline Allen Gill Center for Cancer and Blood Disorders have grown steadily as the number of patients seen in the center has increased. Treatment teams consisting of psychologists and clinical therapists work to employ developmentally informed treatment and interventions for this psychosocially unique group. Anxiety and depression have been of special focus, knowing that when associated with cancer diagnoses, these mental health diagnoses can hinder treatment adherence and overall patient health outcomes. Unfortunately, with many of the Center's patients being uninsured or underinsured, insurance reimbursement does not sufficiently cover the demands for these kinds of services, allowing Children's Cancer Fund to fill the gap for this life-altering support. Pediatric Oncology Medical Research Salaries Children's Cancer Fund's support supplements the faculty horsepower of Children's Health and UT Southwestern by funding positions for both a Master Physician and Junior Faculty in the pediatric oncology department. These positions allow for the expansion of both research and services to the growing Dallas-area pediatric oncology patient base that would not be possible without CCF's funding. Having medical top talent at Dallas' fingertips impacts both the present and future of pediatric oncology in the metroplex. Teen Milestone Program Teens diagnosed with cancer are a unique group of their own, benefitting from individualized strategies for treatment adherence and compliance. While younger children have long benefitted from the "toy closet," allowing them to pick out a toy when making it through a particularly stressful or painful treatment, the teenagers in similar situations had no comparable system. The Teen Milestone Program was instituted by CCF in 2023 at Children's Health, providing age-appropriate rewards for this special group of patients, allowing for greater compliance and more positive treatment experiences. Children's Cancer Fund's Gala Patient and Family Experience Each year, approximately 20 pediatric oncology patients, ages 6-17, participate in Children's Cancer Fund's flagship fundraiser, an annual fashion show and gala. The patients are the stars of the night at the fashion show, being cheered on by attendees as they walk the runway, showcasing their bravery and style. In anticipation of the evening, these young patients participate in a year-long program providing them fun opportunities to engage with each other, allowing for community-building with both patients and families. Cancer can be an isolating experience, often requiring patients to withdraw from school, skip birthday parties, and miss out on many of the normal activities of childhood. The gala patient experience allows families to offer support to one another and safely participate in activities such as interactive shopping events to pick out their runway outfits, a photo shoot, group art projects, holiday gift deliveries, parties, and more. Allowing for a distraction from the stressful and often painful cancer treatments, this experience is a bright spot in the lives of those who need encouragement the most.