LAS VEGAS – Oct. 23, 2023 – A groundbreaking collaboration between Cure 4 The Kids Foundation (C4K), Southern Nevada’s only pediatric cancer and rare disease treatment center, and SilverSummit Healthplan, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Centene Corporation, will bring a pediatric rheumatologist to Southern Nevada patients.

Beginning January 8, 2024, Saumya V. Joshi, M.D., M.S., will see C4K patients who are affected by a range of rheumatological conditions that include lupus, scleroderma, juvenile idiopathic arthritis, and many other lesser-known rheumatic conditions.

There is a critical shortage of board-certified pediatric rheumatologists in the United States, with about 400 currently practicing, according to the Arthritis Foundation. According to the Arthritis Foundation, pediatric rheumatologists are primarily clustered in and around large metropolitan areas. As a result, an estimated 300,000 pediatric patients with juvenile rheumatic diseases have limited access to care.

“There is a tremendous access gap in our community for pediatric rheumatology patients,” said Annette Logan-Parker, CEO of Cure 4 The Kids Foundation. “With Dr. Joshi’s arrival, our rheumatology patients can access expert care in our clinic. I am forever grateful to SilverSummit Healthplan, which sought to improve our patients’ lives and impact the greater community. SilverSummit’s support and generosity will immediately and positively impact our patients and their health for years to come.” 

A $100,000 grant from SilverSummit Healthplan’s Community Investment Program provided the financial resources allowing C4K to recruit, relocate and initiate Dr. Joshi’s state-required medical onboarding process.

“SilverSummit is steadfast in its commitment to forge meaningful collaborations with community-driven organizations such as Cure 4 The Kids Foundation,” said Nicole King, vice president of Community Solutions for SilverSummit Healthplan. “We strive to develop innovative solutions and boost the capabilities of these organizations to better serve our members’ needs. Dr. Joshi’s appointment marks a significant stride in this direction, and we are optimistic about the impact this will have on Nevada children and the families served by the Foundation.”

Dr. Joshi is board certified in pediatrics and completed his residency at SUNY Downstate Medical Center in Brooklyn, NY. He served his fellowship in pediatric rheumatology at Floating Hospital for Children at Tufts Medical Center in Boston, MA., and also holds a Master of Science Degree in Clinical Research from Tufts Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, also in Boston. Dr. Joshi is board eligible in pediatric rheumatology. Most recently, he served as assistant professor of pediatric rheumatology at Arkansas Children’s Hospital, a nationally ranked facility affiliated with the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences.

Before the pandemic, Cure 4 The Kids Foundation collaborated with Children’s Hospital Los Angeles (CHLA) to bring board-certified pediatric rheumatologists to C4K patients every month. As a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, the visiting physician program ended.

About Cure 4 The Kids Foundation

Founded in Las Vegas in 2007, Cure 4 The Kids Foundation provides high-quality, research-focused medical treatment to children battling cancer and rare diseases. As a 501(c)3 tax-exempt organization, we are committed to being a new kind of healthcare organization; one that blends the best of what corporate healthcare, education, and research have to offer with the generosity and spirit of charity. Our Charity Care Program ensures that those without medical insurance or who are unable to pay for services still receive the treatment they deserve.  For more information, visit cure4thekids.org.

About SilverSummit Healthplan

SilverSummit Healthplan is a managed care plan that provides health insurance to the people of Nevada. Established in 2017, SilverSummit exists to improve the health of its members through focused, compassionate and coordinated care. SilverSummit is a wholly owned subsidiary of Centene Corporation, a diversified, multi-national healthcare enterprise. For more information, visit www.silversummithealthplan.com.

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For additional information please contact:

Cure 4 The Kids Foundation
Mitch Truswell
Red 7 Communications
702-531-4461
mitch@red7communications.com

SilverSummit Healthplan

Janie Root  
702-808-5861
jane.root@silversummithealthplan.com

WHAT: Nearly ALL children in Nevada diagnosed with cancer and other catastrophic diseases receive treatment, attend doctors visits, undergo bloodwork and routine lab tests, and receive chemotherapy at an outpatient clinic – such as Cure 4 The Kids Foundation – not at a hospital.

However, outdated Medicaid reimbursement guidelines do not provide an appropriate billing category for pediatric cancer and rare disease clinic treatments provided at an outpatient clinic. Therefore, Cure 4 The Kids Foundation (C4K) and others have provided the treatments to Medicaid patients without question, but have done so with inadequate reimbursement from Medicaid. Those additional costs reduce the funds available for other important programs at C4K.

As a result, C4K, who treats the majority of Nevada’s pediatric cancer and rare disease patients has incurred a significant financial burden over the years due to these unreimbursed but essential medical services. 

The signing of SB 221 by Governor Joe Lombardo will correct this outdated billing model and establish billing guidelines and a new rate methodology for outpatient clinics which are consistent with prevailing best practices for reimbursing specialized outpatient clinics. The primary sponsors for SB 221 are Senator Fabian Doñate (D), Senator Jeff Stone (R), and Senator Carrie A. Buck (R).

WHEN: Monday, July 17, 2023

TIME: 2:30 P. M.

WHERE: Grant Sawyer State Office Building, 555 E Washington Avenue, Las Vegas, NV 89101.

LAS VEGAS – August 11, 2023 –  Cure 4 The Kids Foundation, Southern Nevada’s only pediatric cancer and rare disease treatment center, is thrilled to announce the addition ofDr. Raul Montiel-Esparza to their team of exceptional providers.

Dr. Montiel-Esparza brings a wealth of expertise in pediatric stem cell transplantation and cellular therapy, further enhancing the Foundation’s ability to provide exceptional care to patients throughout the region. Montiel-Esparza is board-certified in pediatrics and pediatric hematology oncology.

Dr. Montiel-Esparza received his medical education at the Monterrey Institute of Technology and Higher Education (ITESM) School of Medicine in Monterrey, Mexico. He then completed his pediatric residency at the Children’s Medical Center at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center in Dallas. His passion for pediatric hematology oncology led him to pursue a Stem Cell Transplantation and Cellular Therapy clinical fellowship at the renowned Lucile Packard Children’s Hospital at Stanford University School of Medicine in Palo Alto, California.

“We are so delighted to welcome Dr. Montiel-Esparza to our team and to Southern Nevada,” said Annette Logan-Parker, CEO, Cure 4 The Kids Foundation. “His expertise in pediatric stem cell transplantation and cellular therapy will greatly benefit our patients and further our mission to always provide the highest quality care.”

Dr. Montiel-Esparza is an active member of several esteemed organizations, including the Pediatric Transplantation & Cellular Therapy Consortium (PTCTC), the American Society of Hematology (ASH), the American Society for Transplantation and Cellular Therapy (ASTCT), the Children’s Oncology Group (COG), and the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP).

Dr. Montiel-Esparza’s contributions to the medical community extend beyond his clinical work. He has co-authored numerous publications in esteemed journals such as Clinical Practice in Pediatric Psychology, Pediatric Blood & Cancer, Cardio Oncology, The Journal of Pediatric Hematology Oncology, and Gaceta Mexicana De Oncologia.

Fluent in both English and his native Spanish, Dr. Montiel-Esparza’s ability to communicate effectively with diverse patient populations is a valuable asset to Cure 4 The Kids Foundation. When he is not providing exceptional care to his patients, Dr. Montiel-Esparza enjoys biking, oil painting, and reading.

Cure 4 The Kids Foundation is proud to have Dr. Montiel-Esparza join their team of dedicated providers. His addition reinforces their commitment to delivering comprehensive and cutting-edge treatments to children battling cancer and rare diseases in Southern Nevada.

About Cure 4 The Kids Foundation

Founded in Las Vegas in 2007, Cure 4 The Kids Foundation provides high-quality, research-focused medical treatment to children battling cancer and rare diseases. C4K achieves the extraordinary with a model of success based on transformative innovation. We are one team with one vision and one mission centered around clinical excellence and compassionate care. As a 501(c)3 tax-exempt organization, we are committed to being a new kind of healthcare organization; one that blends the best of what corporate healthcare, education, and research have to offer with the generosity and spirit of charity. This hybrid model allows us to perform like a traditional healthcare facility in terms of best practices yet also allows us to create a uniquely family-centered patient experience. Our Charity Care Program ensures that those without medical insurance or who are unable to pay for services still receive the treatment they deserve.  For more information, visit cure4thekids.org.

For additional information, please contact:
Mitch Truswell
Red 7 Communications
702-531-4461
mitch@red7communications.com

LAS VEGAS – January 19, 2023 – Annette Logan-Parker, founder and CEO of Cure 4 The Kids Foundation, Nevada’s premier pediatric cancer and rare disease treatment center, has been selected as chairperson of The Nevada Rare Disease Advisory Council (NVRDAC).

NVRDAC was formed under SB315 during Nevada’s 2019 Legislative Session. The council’s mission as an advising body is to provide a platform for those who are affected by rare diseases, including pediatric cancer. The council’s goal is to provide the rare disease community with a stronger voice in state government, including the ability to make recommendations to state leaders.

“I’m excited to help bring greater awareness and attention to the many rare diseases that affect Nevada patients and their families,” said Annette Logan-Parker. “We’re fortunate that Nevada is among the states looking to study the incidence and effect of rare diseases on patients, their families and the community. It’s a great first step.”

Among the objectives of the council is to create a statewide registry of rare diseases diagnosed in Nevada to help determine the genetic and environmental factors that contribute to rare diseases.

Other NVRDAC objectives include:

• Increase awareness among providers of health care of the symptoms of and care for patients with rare diseases
• Study the effect of early treatment for rare disease on the quality of life for patients suffering from rare disease
• Determine the effect of delayed or inappropriate treatment on the quality o life for patentees suffering from rare disease and the economy of Nevada.
• Evaluate the systems for delivery of treatment for rare disease in place in Nevada and development recommendation to increase survival rates and quality of life of patients

A rare disease is a condition or disorder that affects fewer than 200,000 individuals in the United States. There are approximately 7,000 rare diseases and 25-30 million Americans are affected by these rare disorders.

 Las Vegas – On Thursday, December 8, former UFC light heavyweight champion Glover Teixeira, former UFC heavyweight champion Andrei Arlovski and UFC Hall of Famer Forrest Griffin visited pediatric patients at Cure 4 The Kids Foundation, Nevada’s only childhood cancer treatment center and facility for pediatric catastrophic diseases. UFC athletes will spend time with pediatric patients, delivering gifts and offering positive words of encouragement.  

C4K is the premier pediatric cancer and rare disease treatment center in Nevada, serving nearly 3,700 individuals through 18,273 encounters in 2020. About UFC® 

UFC® is the world’s premier mixed martial arts organization (MMA), with more than 688 million fans and 211 million social media followers. The organization produces more than 40 live events annually in some of the most prestigious arenas around the world, while broadcasting to nearly 900 million TV households across more than 170 countries. UFC’s athlete roster features the world’s best MMA athletes representing more than 75 countries. The organization’s digital offerings include UFC FIGHT PASS®, one of the world’s leading streaming services for combat sports. UFC is owned by global entertainment, sports and content company Endeavor, and is headquartered in Las Vegas, Nevada. For more information, visit UFC.com and follow UFC at Facebook.com/UFC, Twitter, Snapchat, Instagram and TikTok: @UFC. 

Cure 4 The Kids Foundation (C4K) announced the Englestad Foundation’s support, which provides $556,000 to fund the behavioral health needs of childhood cancer and rare disease patients. 

The Englestad Foundation funding covers a year’s worth of Behavioral Health Team services to assist patients and their families with the impacts of a childhood cancer diagnosis and other catastrophic childhood diseases in what are highly challenging medical journeys.

“The treatment of childhood cancer and other pediatric conditions goes beyond the chemotherapy and other medical treatments we provide in the clinic, said Annette Logan, Founder, and CEO, Cure 4 The Kids Foundation. “Our goal at Cure 4 The Kids Foundation is to meet all the patient’s needs, including educational, emotional, social, cognitive, and mental well-being. Our Behavioral Health Team is essential to a patient’s full recovery, making this Englestad Foundation funding vital to a patient’s success.”

“We are thrilled the Englestad Foundation supports the vital services and benefits that our Behavioral Health Team provide to patients and their families,” said Danielle Bello, Ph.D., ABPP-CN, Behavioral Health Director, Cure 4 The Kids Foundation. “Medical therapies, combined with behavioral health coordination and services, allow us to treat the whole patient and provide the best path forward.”

 The Behavioral Health Team includes:

•           Licensed Clinical Psychologist & Board Certified Neuropsychologist to help identify brain functioning, thinking skills, human behavior, and emotions in patients. A neuropsychological evaluation can diagnose specific conditions and provide a plan to help a patient grow and overcome challenges through therapies, medications, and school accommodations.

•           Certified Child Life Specialist provides one-on-one support to patients and family members by preparing for medically complex treatments. A certified child life specialist also provides unique coping strategies for patients to relieve stress and anxiety related to medical procedures.

•           Social Worker provides support and resources for patients and families with various needs, including financial and social support, transportation, and education. Additionally, the social worker communicates directly with community partners to maintain services and establish new resources.

C4K is the premier pediatric cancer and rare disease treatment center in Nevada, serving nearly 3,700 individuals through 18,273 encounters in 2020. 

LAS VEGAS – October 4, 2022 – Cure 4 The Kids Foundation (C4K), Nevada’s only pediatric cancer and rare disease treatment center, has announced Joseph Lasky III, M.D., is being promoted from Director of Pediatric Neuro-Oncology to Medical Director.

In his new position, Dr. Lasky will lead the organization’s team of physicians, oversee clinical quality and patient safety, and assume responsibility for the clinical research initiatives at Cure 4 The Kids Foundation. He will also provide leadership in collaboration with community partners. 

“Over the last five years, the organization has benefited from Dr. Lasky’s outstanding leadership and dedication to providing compassionate and innovative care to our fragile patient population,” says Annette Logan-Parker, Founder and CEO. “I am confident that in his new role, he will continue to advance the mission and vision of the organization.”

Dr. Lasky has more than two decades of clinical and research experience. Before joining C4K, he led the pediatric hematology/oncology program at Harbor/UCLA Medical Center and held several academic positions. Currently, he holds professor positions at UNLV and Roseman University of Health Sciences. Since joining C4K in 2017, Dr. Lasky has been treating a wide range of children with pediatric cancers and rare diseases, all while overseeing the organization’s Neuro-Oncology and Bleeding and Clotting Programs. 

Dr. Lasky is board certified in pediatric hematology/oncology and is a member of several professional organizations, including the Children’s Oncology Group, Society for Neuro-Oncology, American Society of Hematology, and the American Academy of Pediatrics.

With this promotion, Dr. Lasky will become the highest-ranking physician within the organization and will assume the responsibilities of Dr. Alan Ikeda, M.D., who is scheduled to retire as the organization’s Chief Medical Officer in mid-November 2022. Dr. Lasky and Dr. Ikeda will continue to work collaboratively as Dr. Ikeda will remain a C4K Advisory Council member. Dr. Ikeda joined C4K in 2011 and has worked tirelessly to raise the bar of clinical standards within the organization and throughout the Las Vegas pediatric medical and research community. He has been instrumental in guiding the clinic through exponential growth and expansion of patient services over the past decade. 

“It has been an honor and privilege to work side-by-side with Dr. Ikeda in building the clinical infrastructure of C4K. We plan to continue his legacy of clinical excellence and honor his hard work and dedication,” said Dr. Lasky. “He has left an impressive mark on the patient experience and, more importantly, the patient outcomes. I’m thrilled to be leading the team of professionals that he built, a team that is curing pediatric cancer every day right here in Las Vegas.”