Program areas at ALSF
Pediatric cancer research fund program highlights:- alsf funds cutting edge research projects that seek to find better treatments for, and causes of, childhood cancers. Projects are selected through a competitive grant review, with each application receiving multiple reviews by scientists. The focus of the alsf grant giving is on filling critical gaps in funding for pediatric cancer cures, from early innovative science all the way through to first-in-children clinical trials. Of note, alsf is also the only childhood cancer research organization that has been given the nci peer-reviewed funder designation for rigorous selection of research grants. - we fund promising research leading into effective and less toxic cures for all types of pediatric cancer at institutions across the country. Our projects are selected through a rigorous peer review process. Alsf focus on every aspect of research from seed funding for early innovative ideas to supporting clinical trials for new therapies for kids.
Alsf has created unique family support programs to provide emotional and financial support to families while their children are undergoing treatment for cancer:- the travel for care program provides travel for families who are financially burdened by travel for treatment for their children. The program is unique in that it is not a reimbursement program - families' needs are identified via social workers and alsf provides upfront support to pay for airfare, gas cards and lodging as needed. This type of support allows families to have access to the best care possible for their child regardless of where they live. 348 families across all 50 states were helped, and the average annual income of a family supported via the travel for care program in 2022 was $41,705. - the Foundation provides a variety of valuable interactive resources to childhood cancer families from sibling support, childhood cancer ambassador opportunities and a treatment journal for the childhood cancer journey.-our national program flashes of hope creates uplifting portraits of children fighting cancer. 720 children and their families were photographed and received a generous portrait package, at no cost. The photographs, taken by award winning photographers, help children feel better about their changing appearance by celebrating it. For families, it is especially important to have a portrait that preserves forever the memory of their child.
Alsf works to bring awareness and understanding of childhood cancer to the general public and to childhood cancer families. Highlights include:- alsf encourages and empowers volunteerism in tens of thousands of volunteers annually. Alsf believes that everyone can participate in the cause; to that end alsf has created awareness and fundraising mechanisms that are easy to use, empower people of all ages and walks of life, and bring the stories and facts of childhood cancer to communities across the country. - the alsf website provides information, facts, and educational resources geared toward families of children with cancer so that families are empowered in their fight against childhood cancer.
The first-of its-kind childhood cancer data lab (ccdl) with the mission of accelerating the pace of finding cures for childhood cancer by empowering scientists and doctors to harness the power of big data. Large-scale collections of harmonized data provide a unique perspective on complex diseases; however, putting such data to use remains challenging. Alsf has created a refinery that makes data and analysis widely available, shareable, and easily mineable.