CCF measures results by the dollars we designate annually to researchers, local hospitals and programs requesting our support:
- RESEARCH: CCF funds around five to nine research studies annually that demonstrate innovation or promising advancement throug clinical trials.
- FACILITIES: CCF considers requests to enhance local pediatric oncology units in need of upgrades; ensuring pediatric patients receive state of the art technology for their treatments.
- PROGRAMS: CCF considers requests to invest in programs that aid in the quality of life and experience for pediatric patients.
The more dollars we raise, the more impact we have with treating and curing pediatric cancer.
Supporting Researchers

National Cancer Institute researcher Nirali Shah, M.D. accepts her CCF grant from Chairman Jerry Chadwick and President Tasha Museles.
CCF awards grants to young investigators at leading local institutions for early phases of pediatric oncology research with the hope of speeding up the development of clinical trials.
Download a complete list of local researchers funded by CCF (2011-2015)
Early Case Study – Back in the 1990s, one such young researcher CCF believed in is Dr. Jeffrey Toretsky of the Georgetown Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center. Dr. Toretsky received a grant of $4.3 million from NIH, based on the results he achieved with initial CCF funding. (Download full story) Dr. Toretsky dedicated his 2010 article in Clinical Cancer Research Magazine of the American Association for Cancer Research “in honor of Mrs. Shirley Howard and The Children’s Cancer Foundation. Their support was critical in maintaining our research program when many thought direct targeting of EWS-FLI1 was not possible.”
Supporting Hospitals
Hospitals currently supported by CCF funding:
- Georgetown Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center
- The Children’s Inn at NIH
- The Children’s National Health System
- The Johns Hopkins Hospital
- National Cancer Institute
- Sinai Hospital
- The University of Maryland Medical System
Supporting Programs
CCF is a proud supporter of the Magic Castle, where children are invited to write three wishes on a slip of paper and place them inside the castle on the first day of their treatment. On the final day of treatment, the children’s wishes are granted during a special celebration with family members and staff.