When Research Funding Shrinks, Nevada’s Most Vulnerable Patients Pay the Price

Posted on November 14, 2025November 14, 2025 by Jennifer Glover

Key Takeaways:

Nevada receives among the lowest NIH funding in the nation—ahead of only Alaska and Wyoming—making our research ecosystem especially vulnerable to federal cuts.
Philanthropy cannot replace federal investment. Private foundations account for just 1.2% of medical research spending in the U.S., while the federal government accounts for 25%. Even extraordinary philanthropic efforts cannot backfill meaningful federal reductions.
The consequences cascade quickly: Young researchers leave the state, clinical trials close, patients lose access to cutting-edge treatments, and families return to the old Nevada reality of “pain, get on a plane.”
Nevada has made enormous progress—achieving R1 research status at both major universities, establishing the Nevada Rare Disease Advisory Council, and building partnerships that bring clinical trials home. But this ecosystem remains fragile.
Research funding determines whether Nevada continues advancing care or falls backward. For children with cancer, rare disease patients, and Nevada’s rapidly growing senior population, these aren’t budget numbers—they’re timelines for hope.

Research saves lives—plain and simple.

Every breakthrough that transformed modern medicine was sparked by research fueled largely by federal investment through the National Institutes of Health (NIH). From immunotherapy for cancer to the diagnostics that extend life for children with rare diseases, none of it would exist without the decades-long commitment of public research dollars.

But today, that lifeline is under threat.

Recent federal proposals to cut NIH funding—and delays in distributing existing grant dollars—are creating real fear among researchers, clinicians, and families across the country. Here in Nevada, where research infrastructure is still young and fragile, the impact could be far more severe.

And let me be clear: Nevada cannot afford to lose ground. Our patients cannot afford for progress to slow—even by a single year.

Nevada Depends on Research More Than Most States

Nevada receives among the lowest NIH funding in the nation—ahead of only Alaska and Wyoming. That’s not because our needs are lower; it’s because our research ecosystem is still developing.

We’ve made enormous strides:

UNR and UNLV both achieved the prestigious R1 “Very High Research Activity” classification.
State investments in research infrastructure have grown.
Nonprofits—including Cure 4 The Kids Foundation and the Lou Ruvo Center—have brought clinical trials and emerging science home to Nevada families.

But this ecosystem is still delicate, and when federal funding becomes uncertain, the consequences cascade quickly:

Young researchers leave the state or the field entirely.
Labs lose momentum because science can’t be turned on and off.
Patients lose access to cutting-edge treatments and clinical trials close to home.
Families are forced back into the old Nevada reality: “pain, get on a plane.”

For rare disease and pediatric cancer patients—who already face delayed diagnoses, limited specialists, and complex treatment pathways—these setbacks can cost not just years, but lives.

Philanthropy Can Spark Progress—But It Cannot Replace Federal Investment

Nevada is incredibly generous. From the Keep Memory Alive Rodeo to 5K fundraisers and galas statewide, philanthropy is part of the fabric of our community.

These efforts matter. They help researchers test ideas, build proof-of-concepts, and create momentum that leads to larger federal grants.

But philanthropy represents just 1.2% of medical research spending in the U.S. Industry accounts for 66%. The federal government accounts for another 25%.

This means even the most extraordinary philanthropic efforts simply cannot backfill a meaningful federal reduction. As one national expert said: “There’s no way foundations can fill the gap.”

Federal Cuts Have Real Human Consequences

Nevada researchers are already feeling the fallout of uncertainty. One UNR research associate had to leave her NIH-funded lab position when delays in grant disbursement caused the funding to lapse. She moved to a different field—one less connected to patient care and scientific advancement.

This is not an isolated story. Delays pull graduate students, early-career researchers, and skilled lab staff away from critical work. Some never return. Every time this happens, we lose knowledge, momentum, and years of potential discovery.

This brain drain is devasting for Nevada, a state battling:

Some of the fastest-growing Alzheimer’s rates
The nation’s lowest childhood cancer research participation
A severe shortage of pediatric specialists, and
One of the most underserved rare disease populations

Why It Matters for Children With Cancer and Rare Diseases

At Cure 4 The Kids Foundation, we see firsthand the power of research. NIH-supported studies have created therapies that now cure over 80 percent of childhood cancers and have begun opening pathways for rare genetic diagnoses that once had no hope.

Our partnership in national research networks—COG, NANT, and disease-specific collaborations—brings the most advanced science directly to Nevada families. The state’s Rare Disease Advisory Council (NVRDAC) is using data from our Nevada Rare Disease Needs Assessment and the Nevada Cancer & Rare Disease Registry to shape smarter policy built on real patient experiences.

None of this happens if research stalls.

Families lose access to clinical trials.
Promising treatments slow down.
Early-phase discoveries never reach the bedside.
And the children we serve wait years longer than they should for the cures they deserve.

Nevada’s Strength Is Its Willingness to Build—Now We Must Protect What We’ve Built

Nevada has never been afraid to take bold steps:

We built a statewide pediatric oncology program from scratch.
We created a Rare Disease Advisory Council when most states had none.
We expanded newborn screening and modernized genetic care.
We established the Nevada Cancer & Rare Disease Registry—the first of its kind in the state.
We invested in research universities, upgraded infrastructure, and positioned Nevada to compete nationally.

But these achievements sit on a knife’s edge. NIH cuts aren’t just numbers in a budget line—they determine whether our state continues advancing care or falls backward.

A Call to Protect Research—and the Patients Behind It

Nevada’s future in scientific discovery depends on the stability, strength, and predictability of federal research funding.

As leaders in healthcare, government, and philanthropy, we must:

1. Advocate fiercely for protecting NIH funding. Research is a public good. It belongs to every family.

2. Maintain and expand Nevada’s state investments. State support has helped us climb into national competitiveness—we cannot retreat.

3. Strengthen public-private partnerships. Philanthropy should spark innovation, not rescue it.

4. Build sustainable research career pathways in Nevada. To retain scientists, we must create stable funding environments.

5. Ensure that rare disease and pediatric cancer patients remain at the center.

Their needs are urgent. Their timelines are short. Their voices must shape our priorities.

Hope Is Still on Our Side

Nevada has a long history of proving people wrong. We innovate quickly, we collaborate deeply, and we build infrastructure at a pace most states envy.

And our researchers—at C4K, Lou Ruvo, UNLV, UNR, and across the state—are rising to the challenge with creativity, resilience, and a fierce commitment to the communities they serve.

But they cannot do it alone.

We need stable, sustained research funding so that the next breakthrough happens here—and so Nevada families don’t have to leave their state or their support systems when facing the hardest moments of their lives.

Our children, our seniors, and our rare disease community are counting on us to stand up for science.

And we must.

Because in Nevada, research isn’t optional. It’s life-saving.

About the Author: Annette Logan-Parker brings over 30 years of experience in pediatric oncology to her role as Founder and Chief Advocacy & Innovation Officer at Cure 4 The Kids Foundation. She has dedicated her career to improving outcomes for children with cancer and ensuring equitable access to cutting-edge treatments for all families.

Reflections from Golf 4 The Kids 2025

Posted on November 14, 2025November 14, 2025 by Jennifer Glover

Key Takeaways:

Participants ranged from patient families to caregivers to community organizations, embodying the spirit of Southern Nevada’s support for childhood cancer care
For the first time, Cure 4 The Kids is sharing founder Annette Logan-Parker’s signature Bloody Mary recipe, a tournament tradition since day one
The 2025 tournament brought together existing supporters and new partners in challenging philanthropic times, proving community strength
Volunteers and staff created personal connections with every golfer, reflecting C4K’s culture of care beyond the clinic
The tournament demonstrated Southern Nevada’s unwavering support for children battling cancer and rare diseases

Reflections from Golf 4 The Kids 2025

The sun was barely peeking over the fairways at Red Rock Country Club when I arrived at 6:00 AM on October 27th, arms loaded with Bloody Mary mix, vodka, and a handwritten note from Annette that simply read: “Keep the pour light, the mix cold, and the love heavy-handed.”

For the first time in the history of Golf 4 The Kids, I was taking over the signature Bloody Mary tent!

A Made-With-Love Morning Cocktail

If you’ve attended our Halloween Golf Tournament before, you know that Annette’s Bloody Mary tent isn’t just a refreshment stop—it’s where the day truly begins. Positioned right where golfers collect their carts, it’s become the heart of the tournament, a place where our founder personally greets every participant, thanks them for being there, and sends them off with something made with care.

The tradition started with the very first Golf 4 The Kids tournament. Back then, Annette was cooking breakfast burritos at staff meetings, arriving early to prepare meals in the clinic kitchen when our team was half its current size. Her hands-on approach to hospitality has always defined who we are as an organization. The Bloody Mary tent is an extension of that same spirit—a reminder that at Cure 4 The Kids Foundation, we put our whole hearts into everything we do.

A Day of Sunshine, Laughter, and Purpose

By the time our golfers started arriving, the course was alive with possibility. We had 21 incredible sponsors supporting the day, including 1Care Kids in their second year as presenting sponsor—a partnership we’re deeply grateful for. Nine new sponsors joined the C4K family this year, from caregivers and patient families to community organizations and heroes like the Clark County Firefighters: Local 1908. Several have already committed to making this an annual tradition.

The tournament itself was everything we’d hoped for: beautiful fall weather, activities at 16 of the 18 holes—everything from pirate-themed rum tastings to whiskey samplings and games—and volunteers who brought so much heart to the course. Many of our volunteers were C4K staff members who traded their clinic shifts for the day, and the feedback from golfers was overwhelming. They were genuinely moved by the passion and knowledge our team brought to every interaction.

The costume contest brought Halloween flair to the fairways, with our grand prize winner earning his title by golfing the entire tournament dressed as a piñata. Two lucky golfers earned shots at the $1 million and $100,000 prizes, and while neither made the 135-yard hole-in-one, everyone had fun and excitement was flying high!

But what made this year special wasn’t captured in any single moment. It was the laughter over Bloody Marys at sunrise. The parents of patients who participated, transforming their personal journeys into advocacy. The engaged conversations between Christine, our CEO, and community members who wanted to understand our mission more deeply. The way complete strangers became part of the C4K family on the golf course.

Annette’s Bloody Mary Recipe Revealed

For years, golfers have asked Annette for her Bloody Mary recipe. And for years, she’s smiled and kept it close. But traditions grow stronger when they’re shared, when they can be recreated in homes and gatherings beyond the golf course.

This year, with Annette off-site for the first time, she shared her closely-guarded recipe and trusted me to carry on the tradition. Even better, now she’s making the recipe public for the first time!

Download the recipe card and bring a little extra love from Cure 4 The Kids Foundation into your kitchen. Whether you’re hosting friends or planning your own fundraising event, this recipe carries the spirit of everything we do at C4K—made from scratch, made with care, and made for connection.

Note from Annette: This is a small-batch version of our event favorite! Rich, garden-fresh, and made with love.

Passing the Torch

Taking over the Bloody Mary tent this year meant more to me than mastering measurements and garnish placement. It represented something central to C4K’s culture: the deliberate passing of traditions, the mentoring of new leaders, and the assurance of continuity in everything we do.

That same principle guides us in the clinic every day. When Christine Tonn stepped into the CEO role, bringing her extensive background in nonprofit healthcare finance and her commitment to continuous improvement, she ensured that C4K’s mission would continue to thrive. Strong leadership is at its best when it preserves the heart of an organization while building capacity for the future.

At Cure 4 The Kids Foundation, we always invest in the next generation. We document. We train. We pass along not just the “what” but the “why” because traditions matter. Culture matters. And the kids we serve deserve an organization full of heart that’s built to last.

Here’s to Next Year!

As the event wrapped up, I thought about all the golfers who’d stopped by that morning. Some were longtime supporters who hugged me and said, “Annette would be proud.” Others were first-time participants who told me they’d be back next year, and the year after that.

The funds raised at Golf 4 The Kids are vital to advancing cures and treatment for kids with cancer and rare diseases, and on behalf of Cure 4 The Kids Foundation, I want to extend my thanks and gratitude. It’s so beautiful to see the community that forms when people gather around a shared purpose.

Thank you to every golfer, sponsor, and volunteer who made this year’s tournament unforgettable. Thank you to the Cure 4 The Kids team for getting the word out and securing so many wonderful sponsors. Thank you for showing up and for caring deeply about Nevada’s children who are fighting the toughest battles of their lives.

And thank you, Annette, for trusting me (and all of us!) with your recipe!

Here’s to good friends, great golf, and lasting traditions! Cheers to another amazing year, and to many more to come.

About the Author: Amber Williams serves as Director of Communications at Cure 4 The Kids Foundation, where she has spent over 8 years building connections between the organization and the Southern Nevada community. She is passionate about ensuring every family knows they have a place to turn when their child needs specialized care.

Why Do Kids Get Cancer?

Posted on November 4, 2025November 4, 2025 by Jennifer Glover

Key Takeaways:

Childhood cancer typically results from random genetic mutations that occur during rapid cell growth and development, not from lifestyle or environmental factors.
Most childhood cancers cannot be prevented, and they’re not caused by anything parents did or didn’t do.
Genetic changes in childhood cancer are usually acquired, not inherited—less than 10% of childhood cancers are linked to inherited genetic mutations.
Children’s cancers differ fundamentally from adult cancers, as they develop in different cell types and respond differently to treatment.
Research is advancing our understanding of childhood cancer causes, leading to better treatments and improved survival rates.

When a child is diagnosed with cancer, one of the first questions families ask is “Why?” It’s a natural response to a devastating diagnosis. Understanding why children get cancer can help families process this difficult reality.

Here’s the most straightforward answer: Most childhood cancers develop because of random, unpredictable changes in the DNA of growing cells. Unlike many adult cancers, which often result from years of environmental exposure or lifestyle factors, childhood cancers typically arise from genetic mutations that occur spontaneously during the body’s rapid growth and development.

This article shares what decades of research tell us about childhood cancer causes—not to replace your child’s medical team, but to provide context for the journey ahead. Every child’s cancer is unique, and your oncology team will provide guidance specific to your child’s situation.

How Does Childhood Cancer Develop?

Every cell in the human body contains DNA, and DNA is like an instruction manual that tells cells how to grow, divide, and function. Occasionally, errors occur when cells copy this DNA during division. Think of these like typos a person might make when copying a book by hand. Researchers often use this comparison because it captures how copying errors naturally occurs even in carefully controlled processes. In children, whose cells are dividing rapidly to support growth, these copying errors can sometimes lead to cancer.

Most of the time, the body’s natural repair systems catch and fix these errors. However, when multiple specific mutations accumulate in the same cell over time, that cell can begin growing out of control—and cancer develops.

Here’s the scale we’re talking about: During normal human cell division, between 100,000 to 1,000,000 DNA replication errors can occur each time a cell divides. The body’s proofreading systems correct nearly all of them, leaving only about 1 error per 10 billion letters of genetic code as a permanent mutation.

Of the mutations that do persist, research indicates that about 66% of cancer-driving mutations across all age groups are caused by these random, unavoidable copying errors—not by inherited genetics or environmental factors.

This is why childhood cancer feels so senseless: it’s not punishment, it’s not karma, it’s not something you caused. It’s the statistical reality of copying billions of letters of genetic code millions of times during the rapid growth of childhood.

This understanding changes nothing about your child’s diagnosis, but it can change everything about how you carry it. You didn’t cause this. Embrace that knowledge so you can be fully present for the journey ahead.

Why Childhood Cancer is Different from Adult Cancer

The vast majority of cancer occurs in older adults, with over 50% of all cancers affecting people ages 70 and older. In contrast, childhood cancer is relatively rare, affecting 1 in 264 children and adolescents before age 20, and it develops for fundamentally different reasons than most adult cancers. According to the World Health Organization: “Unlike cancer in adults, most childhood cancers do not have a known cause.”

Different Cancer Types

Children typically develop cancers in different parts of the body than adults. While adults commonly develop carcinomas (cancers in tissues that line organs), children more frequently develop:

Leukemias (blood cancers)
Brain and central nervous system tumors
Lymphomas (lymphatic system cancers)
Sarcomas (bone and soft tissue cancers)
Neuroblastomas (nerve cell cancers)

For example, Wilms tumor is a type of cancer that affects the kidneys and is diagnosed on average in kids ages 3 to 4. It’s responsible for almost 5% of all childhood cancers and is specific to young children.

Different Causes

Adult cancers can develop after years or decades of exposure to risk factors like tobacco, alcohol, sun exposure, or poor diet. Childhood cancers don’t have time to develop this way—they emerge during the vulnerable period of rapid growth when cells are dividing frequently.

Different Response to Treatment

Because childhood cancers arise differently, they often respond better to treatment than adult cancers. According to the National Cancer Institute: “The cancer mortality rate—the number of deaths due to cancer per 100,000 people per year—among children and adolescents younger than 20 years declined by more than 50% from 1975 to 2022. It dropped from 5.1 per 100,000 children and adolescents in 1975 to 2.2 per 100,000 children and adolescents in 2022.”

While any cancer diagnosis is serious, children’s bodies are often more resilient and responsive to therapies, particularly when they are treated with pediatric treatment regimens.

The Role of Genetics in Childhood Cancer

It’s crucial to understand the difference between:

Acquired genetic mutations: Genetic changes that occur randomly in a child’s cells after conception. These account for the vast majority of childhood cancers and are not passed down to future generations.

Inherited genetic mutations: Genetic changes passed down from parents that increase cancer risk. These are responsible for around 10% of childhood cancers.

Conditions That Increase Risk

Certain inherited conditions do increase a child’s risk of developing cancer, including:

Li-Fraumeni syndrome
Neurofibromatosis
Down syndrome
Beckwith-Wiedemann syndrome
Fanconi anemia

However, even with these conditions, cancer is not guaranteed. Conditions like the above simply increase susceptibility.

Known Risk Factors for Childhood Cancer

Unlike adult cancers, very few external risk factors have been definitively linked to childhood cancer. Research has identified only a handful:

Radiation Exposure

High-dose radiation exposure is one of the few confirmed environmental risk factors. This includes:

Previous radiation therapy for another cancer
Exposure to environmental sources such as radon (common in basements) or building materials
Exposure to atomic bomb radiation
Certain high-dose medical imaging

Standard medical X-rays and CT scans use much lower doses, and their benefits typically outweigh potential risks. It is crucial to note that, as emphasized by the National Cancer Institute, that CT scans can provide life-saving information for diagnosing illnesses in children and the absolute cancer risks associated with CT scans are small. For every 10,000 children undergoing today’s typical CT exposure (~8 mGy), roughly 1 to 2 might develop a blood cancer due to that exposure over their lifetime.

And although radiation exposure can potentially cause childhood cancer, it’s more likely that exposure during childhood might increase a child’s risk of cancer much later in life.

Some Chemotherapy Drugs

Children who have received certain chemotherapy drugs for a previous cancer have a slightly increased risk of developing a second cancer later.

Weakened Immune System

Children with compromised immune systems—whether from inherited conditions, HIV, or immunosuppressive medications—face elevated cancer risk.

What Parents Cannot Control

This is perhaps the most important message for families: childhood cancer is almost never caused by anything parents did or didn’t do.

Decades of research has found no reliable connection between childhood cancer and:

Diet during pregnancy or childhood
Prenatal vitamins
Living near power lines
Cell phone use
Household chemicals used normally
Parenting practices
Physical activity levels

“Our hope is that every family who walks through our doors feels certain of one thing: childhood cancer is never a parent’s fault. It’s not the result of anything they did or didn’t do. When families are freed from that painful question of ‘why,’ they can redirect their energy toward what truly helps—the care, comfort, and courage their child needs.”

Dr. Joseph Lasky, Medical Director at Cure 4 The Kids Foundation

The randomness of childhood cancer can feel unfair…because it is. While this lack of control is difficult to accept, it’s important for families to release any misplaced guilt and focus instead on supporting their child and one another.

The Importance of Ongoing Research for Childhood Cancer

While we’ve made tremendous progress in treating childhood cancer, understanding its causes remains crucial for:

Developing better, more targeted therapies
Identifying children at higher risk
Potentially preventing some cases in the future
Reducing late effects of treatment

Organizations like Cure 4 The Kids Foundation and Coalition Against Childhood Cancer (CAC2) support vital research that advances our knowledge of childhood cancer biology and supports the development of new, cutting-edge treatment approaches.

Pediatric cancer research is gaining momentum with historic federal support. In a major win for childhood cancer research, the Childhood Cancer Data Initiative (CCDI) recently saw its annual budget doubled from $50 million to $100 million. This significant funding increase will accelerate efforts to collect, analyze, and share crucial data about childhood cancers, helping researchers worldwide identify patterns, understand causes, and develop more effective treatments faster. Learn more about this landmark funding increase and what it means for families.

Hope in Numbers: Childhood Cancer Survival Rates Continue to Rise

Thanks to vigorous, ongoing research, survival rates for childhood cancer have improved dramatically in recent decades. Mortality rates in children have dropped by 70%, falling from 6.3 deaths per 100,000 to just 1.9 during 2020-2022. Adolescents have seen similar progress with a 63% decline, from 7.2 to 2.7 deaths per 100,000.

The most striking improvements have been in leukemia treatment, where death rates have plummeted by 83% for children and 73% for adolescents. Today, childhood acute lymphocytic leukemia—the most common childhood cancer—achieves remission in 90–100% of cases. Remarkably, these gains came largely from refining and optimizing existing chemotherapy approaches rather than discovering entirely new drugs.

It’s worth noting that while both age groups have benefited from treatment advances, younger children have experienced greater improvements than adolescents. This gap stems from several factors, including biological differences in how tumors behave at different ages, varying rates of clinical trial participation, differences in treatment approaches, and how well patients tolerate and follow treatment protocols.

Cure 4 The Kids Foundation: Nevada’s Only Childhood Cancer and Rare Disease Treatment Center

Since our founding in 2007, Cure 4 The Kids Foundation has operated on a pioneering hybrid model that combines world-class clinical excellence with the heart of philanthropy. This means families receive the rigorous, cutting-edge treatments found in the nation’s top medical centers alongside genuine compassion and support—with one unwavering promise: no child with cancer is ever turned away, regardless of a family’s ability to pay.

As you’ve learned in this article, childhood cancer research is complex and ongoing. Every treatment advancement and improved outcome is possible because of donors who believe in our mission. Your contribution helps us provide exceptional care regardless of financial circumstances, advance critical research into childhood cancer causes and cures, and ensure every child has access to hope and healing.

Childhood Cancer Data Initiative Doubled to $100 Million

Posted on October 23, 2025October 23, 2025 by Jennifer Glover

Key Takeaways:

The Childhood Cancer Data Initiative (CCDI) budget has doubled from $50 million to $100 million annually, representing the largest single funding increase for pediatric cancer data research.
This funding will accelerate AI-powered research to improve diagnosis, treatment, and outcomes for children with cancer nationwide and in Nevada.
The initiative prioritizes data sharing across hospitals to address the challenge that no single institution sees enough cases of rare pediatric cancers.
Families maintain full control over their child’s health information while contributing to research that benefits future patients.
Cure 4 The Kids Foundation is positioned to leverage this national investment to strengthen Nevada’s pediatric cancer research infrastructure.

On September 30, 2025, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services announced a decision that will reshape the future of pediatric cancer research: the annual budget for the Childhood Cancer Data Initiative will double from $50 million to $100 million.

For the families we serve at Cure 4 The Kids Foundation—more than 7,000 children each year facing cancer and complex medical conditions—this announcement represents not just a budget increase but a national commitment to treating childhood cancer with the urgency and innovation it demands.

Why the CCDI Funding Increase Matters

Pediatric cancer remains the leading cause of disease-related death for children in the United States. Its incidence has increased by more than 40% since 1975, yet childhood cancers remain significantly underfunded compared to adult cancers. With only around 15,000 new cases diagnosed annually across the entire country, these diseases are rare enough that no single hospital—not even the largest children’s research centers—sees enough patients to fully understand optimal treatments.

This is where the Childhood Cancer Data Initiative becomes transformational. As Dr. Anthony Letai, who was sworn in as NCI Director on September 29, 2025, stated: “I cannot think of a better way to begin my tenure at NCI than to redouble our efforts to support our youngest patients and their families facing rare leukemias and other cancers. We will not stop until childhood cancer is a thing of the past.”

What is the Childhood Cancer Data Initiative?

Established in 2019, the CCDI operates through the National Cancer Institute to collect, generate, and analyze comprehensive data on childhood, adolescent, and young adult cancers. The initiative addresses a fundamental challenge in pediatric oncology: the rarity of these diseases makes traditional research approaches inadequate.

By pooling de-identified patient data from hospitals and treatment centers nationwide, CCDI enables researchers to:

Identify patterns and treatment responses across thousands of cases rather than dozens
Understand which therapies work best for specific genetic subtypes of pediatric cancers
Reduce the time required to discover new treatment approaches
Improve long-term survivorship outcomes by tracking patients over years and decades
Focus research attention on ultra-rare pediatric cancers that previously lacked sufficient data

The initiative’s Molecular Characterization Initiative (MCI) already offers free comprehensive molecular testing for many pediatric cancers, providing immediate clinical insights for current patients while contributing de-identified results to benefit future research.

How AI Technology Accelerates Pediatric Cancer Research

The doubled funding specifically targets the integration of artificial intelligence to maximize insights from electronic health records and clinical data. President Trump’s recent executive order, “Unlocking Cures for Pediatric Cancer with Artificial Intelligence,” establishes a framework for bringing private-sector AI expertise into partnership with federal research institutions.

AI technology offers several advantages in pediatric cancer research:

Pattern Recognition at Scale: Machine learning algorithms can analyze imaging, genetic data, and treatment outcomes across thousands of cases simultaneously, identifying subtle patterns that predict treatment response or complications before they occur.
Accelerated Clinical Trial Matching: AI can quickly match children to appropriate clinical trials based on their specific tumor characteristics, potentially opening access to promising new treatments sooner.
Predictive Analytics: Advanced algorithms can help oncologists anticipate side effects, complications, or disease progression, enabling proactive rather than reactive care.
Drug Discovery: AI can analyze molecular data to identify new therapeutic targets or predict which existing medications might be effective against specific pediatric cancer subtypes.

Dr. Jay Bhattacharya, NIH Director, emphasized this potential: “By doubling down on this mission with AI, we are ensuring that state-of-the-art science is being leveraged to provide answers about these diseases that would otherwise be out of reach.”

What This Means for Nevada Children and Families

Nevada faces unique challenges in pediatric cancer care. As one of the fastest-growing states in the nation, our healthcare infrastructure must expand rapidly to serve families across vast geographic distances—from Las Vegas to Reno to rural communities throughout the state.

The CCDI funding increase creates specific opportunities for Nevada:

Strengthened Data Infrastructure: Cure 4 The Kids Foundation is working to strengthen Nevada’s pediatric cancer and rare disease data infrastructure. The CCDI’s increased budget is an investment that supports our efforts to ensure Nevada children benefit from cutting-edge research.

Access to National Networks: Increased funding can enable states like Nevada to participate meaningfully in nationwide research collaborations, ensuring kids in Nevada have access to the same quality of care and clinical trial opportunities available at major research hospitals.

Improved Rural Access: AI-powered diagnostic tools and treatment planning systems can extend specialist expertise to community hospitals and rural areas, helping even more Nevada children receive optimal care closer to home.

Enhanced Molecular Testing: Programs like the MCI provide Nevada families with free access to comprehensive genetic analysis, informing more precise treatment decisions by geneticists and doctors.

Privacy Protections and Family Control

One concern families understandably raise about data initiatives involves privacy. The CCDI maintains strict protections:

All shared research data is de-identified, meaning personal information is removed before analysis
Parents and guardians retain full control over their child’s health information
Participation in data sharing for research purposes is voluntary
Data security follows federal health information privacy standards (HIPAA)
Consent processes clearly explain how information will be used and protected

Your child’s participation in advancing research never compromises their privacy or your family’s control over medical decisions.

How Cure 4 The Kids Foundation Will Support This National Investment

At Cure 4 The Kids Foundation, we recognize that national funding creates opportunities only when organizations like ours translate policy into practice. While this federal investment flows through the National Cancer Institute’s research programs, here’s how we’re working to ensure Nevada families benefit from the advances it creates:

Building Data Systems: Cure 4 The Kids Foundation is dedicated to continuously improving Nevada’s pediatric cancer and rare disease data infrastructure, enabling our state’s children to contribute to—and benefit from—national research advances funded through initiatives like CCDI.

Expanding Research Participation: We’re working to increase Nevada children’s enrollment in clinical trials and research studies, giving local families access to promising new treatments while contributing data that helps future patients.

Provider Education: We’re training our healthcare providers on new AI-powered diagnostic and treatment planning tools as they become available, ensuring consistent implementation across our state.

Advocacy for Equity: We’re actively advocating with federal agencies and policymakers to support ongoing and increased efforts to combat childhood cancer, including ensuring that funding reaches community hospitals and underserved populations, not just major research centers.

Family Support and Education: We’re committed to helping families understand how research advances might benefit their child’s specific situation, translating complex developments into practical information for treatment decisions.

Through our Charity Care Plan, we ensure that every family receives the same research-driven, high-quality care and treatment regardless of their financial situation. As new diagnostic tools and treatment options emerge from CCDI-funded research, we look forward to making them available to our patients.

A Call to Action: Building Nevada’s Pediatric Cancer Research Future

At Cure 4 The Kids Foundation, we’re proud to support data-driven efforts like CCDI that ensure every child’s experience contributes to better care for the next patient. But we cannot do this work alone.

We invite our community—healthcare partners, policymakers, researchers, donors, and families—to join us in building a stronger future for pediatric cancer research in Nevada. Whether through participating in research studies, advocating for continued investment in childhood cancer research, or donating to a child in need every contribution matters.

Blood Drive and Bone Marrow Registry Event Exceeds Goal

Posted on February 20, 2020June 13, 2024 by admin

The Cure 4 The Kids Foundation Blood Drive and Bone Marrow Registry event on Valentine’s Day was a huge success, impacting the lives of 177 people who will benefit from the life-saving blood donations and many more who may find a bone marrow match.

A total of 59 units was collected by the Vitalant team, which translated into a 211 percent increase above the event’s goal.

Gwen Stefani Visits Cure 4 The Kids Foundation!

Posted on March 16, 2019June 13, 2024 by admin

Thanks to the efforts of many people who worked behind the scenes to make it happen, we had the incredible honor to welcome Gwen Stefani to Cure 4 The Kids Foundation on Thursday, March 14, 2019. Ms. Stefani helped us officially dedicate our new location in the One Breakthrough Way building by participating in our ribbon cutting event.

But the multi-Platinum recording artist also came to see the special themed patient exam room inspired in her honor. Stefani wanted to do what she could to help provide some joy and hope –and most of all, fun– to children as they attend medical appointments that are part of the treatment for childhood cancer and other conditions. We all agreed the best way to do that was to give one of our exam rooms a total makeover with help from Stefani and Las Vegas artist Juan Muniz who created the incredible wall illustrations. (Photos by Tonya Harvey)

When Gwen Stefani announced her Las Vegas residency at the Zappos Theater inside Planet Hollywood Hotel & Casino, she also announced that she would donate $1 from every ticket sold to her Las Vegas performances to Cure 4 The Kids Foundation. So far, the donation has exceeded $50,000 and is being set aside to help fund a projected $2 million dollar expansion of the clinic which will include additional patient exam rooms, a dedicated area for research and some new services benefiting our patients.

As you might expect, Gwen’s visit to the clinic attracted a fair amount of attention!

Fox 5 Vegas

Entertainment Tonight

VegasNews

Extra