8 Lifesaving Institutions That Research & Treat Cancer
Cancer is a terrible condition that affects millions of people around the world and continues to be a challenge for researchers and medical professionals looking for a way to cure it. But while treatments aren't perfect yet, they have come a long way over the years, thanks in part to nonprofit organizations that work diligently to either research these diseases, make life better for patients, or both. If you want to support ongoing efforts to prevent, treat, and cure cancer, check out the institutions listed here. This video was made with Ezvid Wikimaker.
8 Lifesaving Institutions That Research & Treat Cancer
| Organization | Location | Mission |
|---|---|---|
| Breastcancer.org | Ardmore, PA | Help people make sense of the complex medical and personal information about breast health and breast cancer |
| Pediatric Cancer Research Foundation | Irvine, CA | Improve the care, quality of life, and survival rate of children with malignant disease |
| The Wistar Institute | Philadelphia, PA | Accellerate research advances from bench to bedside through science and collaboration with academic and industry partners |
| Susan G. Komen San Diego | San Diego, CA | Save lives by meeting the most critical needs in San Diego County and investing in research to prevent and cure breast cancer |
| Bear Necessities Pediatric Cancer Foundation | Chicago, IL | Help kids rediscover thier childhood and discover a cure for pediatric cancer |
| Moffitt Cancer Center | Tampa, FL | Contribute to the prevention and cure of cancer through service, science, and partnership |
| American-Italian Cancer Foundation | New York, NY | Support cancer research, education, and control and serve disadvantaged NYC women |
| Lustgarten Foundation | Woodbury, NY | Cure pancreatic cancer by funding research, providing information and services to patients, and increasing public support |
8 Great Films & Shows About People With Cancer
- The Fault in Our Stars (2014)
- Breaking Bad (2008)
- Farrah's Story (2009)
- The Big C (2010)
- The Fountain (2006)
- 50/50 (2011)
- The Bucket List (2007)
- Crazy Sexy Cancer (2007)
Why We Haven't Cured Cancer
In Depth
Cancer. It is a word that strikes fear into people's hearts when the diagnosis is directed at them or a loved one. But there's good news. Cancer death rates are actually falling and five-year survival rates are rising. Many organizations, both global and local, are involved in the fight to eradicate cancer. In no particular order, here are eight non-profit organizations who are changing cancer's future through research, interventions or both.
#1 on the list is Breastcancer.org, the leading patient-focused resource for breast cancer information and support. Founded by an oncologist convinced that breast cancer patients required more information and support than a typical office visit could provide, Breastcancer.org hosts the world's largest peer support community with over 200,000 registered members.
Breastcancer.org's patient-focused resources are offered as articles, podcasts and videos and are available in both English and Spanish. The site reviews research and provides summaries in easily accessible language. In addition to their engaging discussion boards, which are moderated 24 hours a day, visitors have the option to create their own personal profile. By filling in actual diagnostic and treatment information, Breastcancer.org delivers information to each person that is relevant to his or her unique situation.
In addition to their engaging discussion boards, which are moderated 24 hours a day, visitors have the option to create their own personal profile.
Coming in at #2 is the Pediatric Cancer Research Foundation. It is because of research that the cancer death rate in children has decreased more than any other age group. P.C.R.F. is committed to giving every child a cancer-free future through funding ground-breaking research in pediatric cancer at different research facilities around the country. Since its inception, PCRF has raised over $40 million to fund research that has resulted in medically sound treatment protocol for childhood cancers.
Offering the sobering news that pediatric cancer research is grossly underfunded, the group's website offers donors a variety of giving options from regular donations to tribute gifts and from car donations to estate planning. Because of their platform as funders for this important research, volunteers are welcome to help with a wide variety of events offered by the group, including their signature sports events.
At #3 is the Wistar Institute, America's first independent, non-profit, biomedical research institute. With more than 100 years of experience, Wistar harnesses the collaboration and creativity of some of the world's leading experts towards unique solutions to the global health challenges of our times. As the first National Cancer Institute-designated cancer center in the nation, Wistar scientists endeavor to advance the process of translating basic research discoveries to clinical therapies.
With more than 100 years of experience, Wistar harnesses the collaboration and creativity of some of the world's leading experts towards unique solutions to the global health challenges of our times.
One of the original goals of the Institute was for the training of postgraduate and advanced students. Over the years, training programs for undergraduates and even high school students have been added. Through different opportunities of subscription and sponsorship, financial partners join a community of collaboration and enable the Institute to maintain its groundbreaking research programs.
#4 on the list is the San Diego branch of the Susan G. Komen Foundation. Susan G. Komen is the global leader of the breast cancer movement, having invested more than $1 billion in breast cancer research since its inception in 1982. Its San Diego branch is the only organization in the county that identifies the gaps in breast cancer care and the barriers to health access. Komen San Diego's work is about improving the law, changing systems, removing barriers and most importantly, elevating the women and men directly impacted by breast cancer.
Komen San Diego provides free mammograms, biopsies, ultrasounds, care coordination, education and financial assistance for breast cancer patients' most critical needs during treatment. Susan G. Komen is the largest nonprofit funder of breast cancer research outside of the U.S. government and much of that investment has been awarded to scientists in San Diego. Its signature "Race for the Cure" involves tens of thousands of volunteer donor athletes every year.
Komen San Diego provides free mammograms, biopsies, ultrasounds, care coordination, education and financial assistance for breast cancer patients' most critical needs during treatment.
Our #5 choice, Bear Necessities Pediatric Cancer Foundation, is named after 8 year old Barrett "Bear" Krupa who lost his five year battle with cancer. Bear Necessities operates two unique programs. First, they help kids rediscover their childhood through their "Bear Hugs" program which offers pediatric cancer patients in the Chicago area a customized experience to brighten the life of that child.
Through the "Bear Discoveries" program, medical research grants are awarded nationwide primarily to fellows and junior investigative researchers who make meaningful advancements and discoveries toward finding a cure and therapies for various types of pediatric cancer. Those who wish to get involved can fund research or can help provide a 'bear hug' by filling the wish of a child.
Coming in at #6 is the only hospital on this list. Moffitt Cancer Center has for the last 20 years in a row been featured in the U.S. News and World Report as one of the Best Hospitals for Cancer in America. In 2018, Moffitt joined the top 10 at #8. Moffitt is the only Florida-based National Cancer Institute-designated Comprehensive Cancer Center and one of only 47 in the nation focused on cutting-edge research and treatment.
Moffitt Cancer Center has for the last 20 years in a row been featured in the U.S. News and World Report as one of the Best Hospitals for Cancer in America.
Moffitt Cancer Center is at the very forefront of cancer centers worldwide in pioneering advances like CAR T-cell therapy, a promising approach to immunotherapy that uses a patient's own immune cells to recognize and attack their tumors. Moffitt is a non-profit institution and relies on a wide network of professionals and volunteers to give hope to patients with previously untreatable types of cancers.
The group at #7 is the American-Italian Cancer Foundation, not focusing on Italian Americans but harnessing the research and financial resources of both Italy and the United States in the fight against breast cancer. This organization limits its focus to the economically disadvantaged and medically underserved women of New York City, providing them with breast cancer screenings, outreach and education.
In addition to its Mobile, No-Cost Breast Cancer Screening Program, AICF sponsors the International Post-Doctoral Research Fellowship Program which funds the innovative research projects of young scientists. Supporters can donate or provide items for auction at their annual gala.
Supporters can donate or provide items for auction at their annual gala.
Rounding out the list at #8 is The Lustgarten Foundation. The largest private funder for pancreatic cancer research, Lustgarten's mission is to find a cure for pancreatic cancer by funding scientific and clinical research related to its diagnosis, treatment, and prevention. Lustgarten then disseminates this research information and provides clinical support services to patients, caregivers and individuals at high risk.
The Lustgarten Foundation has a passion to both increase public awareness as well as to provide hope to those dealing with the disease. Thanks to separate funding for their administration expenses, 100% of donations to Lustgarten goes directly to fund pancreatic cancer research.
