ISF proudly announces the public launch of the TORCH Initiative,
an effort aimed at accelerating basic science, clinical trials and
survivorship programs for rare pediatric cancer heroes at
children's hospitals across North and South Carolina.
CHARLOTTE, N.C., May 16, 2024
/PRNewswire-PRWeb/ -- For the past 17 years, the Isabella
Santos Foundation (ISF) has been at the forefront of the battle
against rare pediatric cancer. Today, ISF proudly announces the
public launch of the TORCH Initiative, an effort aimed at
accelerating basic science, clinical trials and survivorship
programs for rare pediatric cancer heroes at children's hospitals
across North and South
Carolina.
We believe our reach can be greater by
serving thousands of children across the Carolinas battling rare
cancers.
The TORCH Initiative, which stands for Transformational Outcomes
for Rare Cancer Heroes, will focus on improving both the quantity
and quality of life for young rare cancer patients worldwide. With
a $2 million annual funding goal, ISF
will have the opportunity to engage with every pediatric hospital
across the Carolinas.
"While we will continue to support impactful programs in
Charlotte, we believe our reach
can be greater by serving thousands of children across the
Carolinas battling rare cancers," said Erin
Santos-Primis, Executive Director and Founder of the
Isabella Santos Foundation. "This growth marks a meaningful step
towards transforming the landscape of pediatric cancer research and
providing hope to countless young lives worldwide. We are excited
to embark on this next chapter."
Initial recipients of the TORCH Initiative Request for Proposal
(RFP) include Atrium Health, Duke Medical Center, ECU Medical
Center, Mission Cancer Center, MUSC, Novant Health, University of North Carolina Chapel Hill, Prisma
Health, and Wake Forest Medical Center. Leading doctors and
researchers at these hospitals will be invited to submit proposals
and in some instances participate in ISF-funded programs.
The TORCH Initiative extends the legacy of ISF, leveraging its
vast network and community engagement to advance the fight against
rare pediatric cancers. It will complement and expand upon the work
that has defined ISF over the last 17 years to ignite change in the
trajectory for kids fighting rare pediatric cancer.
For more information about the TORCH Initiative and how to get
involved, please visit isftorch.org/torch. A video shown at the
private launch event for TORCH can be viewed here.
About the Isabella Santos Foundation
Established in 2007, The Isabella Santos Foundation (ISF) is
dedicated to eradicating pediatric cancer's devastating impact
while honoring the legacy of Isabella
Santos, a courageous neuroblastoma fighter. Through the
TORCH initiative, ISF provides funding for clinical trials, basic
science and translational research, and survivorship support at
medical institutions across North and South Carolina, igniting transformational
outcomes for rare pediatric cancer heroes.
For nearly two decades, ISF has raised over $14 million to expand research and treatment and
support affected families. Partnering with Atrium Health and Levine
Children's Hospital, ISF funded clinical trials, developmental
therapeutics and a top-tier MIBG therapy suite—one of 20
nationwide. In 2020, the Isabella Santos Rare & Solid Tumor
Program launched with Levine Cancer Institute, aspiring to be a
global hub for children with solid tumors and rare cancers.
Originating from one girl's mission, and carried forward by her
loving mom, her family and the support of the Charlotte community, ISF's impact thrives and
its ability to transform lives will endure for generations. Join
our commitment to bring hope, healing and progress to young
pediatric cancer heroes and their families.
Media Contact
Anna Stallmann, Anna Stallmann
Communications, 1 7084761258, media@annacomms.com
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SOURCE Isabella Santos Foundation