For Immediate Release

Contact: anna@annacomms.com

Isabella Santos Foundation Announces Eight Inaugural Recipients of TORCH Initiative Funding

Leading Pediatric Hospitals Receive Funding to Advance Rare Cancer Research and Treatment

Charlotte, NC, [Date] – The Isabella Santos Foundation (ISF), a 501(c)3 nonprofit dedicated to raising awareness and critical funds in rare pediatric cancer, proudly announces the first eight recipients of funding from its recently launched TORCH (Transformational Outcomes for Rare Cancer Heroes) Initiative. This groundbreaking program is designed to accelerate the advancement of basic science, clinical trials, and survivorship programs specifically for rare pediatric cancer heroes. After a rigorous review process conducted by a distinguished scientific committee, Novant Health, Duke University School of Medicine, UNC Lineberger Comprehensive Care Center and UNC Eshelman School of Pharmacy, Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta, Texas Children’s Hospital, Mission Hospital, Stanford Medicine Children’s Health, and Nationwide Children’s Hospital have been selected to receive the inaugural grants.

The TORCH Initiative was introduced by ISF in 2024 with the goal of raising $2 million annually to support pediatric hospitals advancing research and treatments for young patients facing rare cancers. Doctors and researchers from across the nation were invited to submit proposals aimed at advancing projects encompassing clinical trials, basic science, survivorship support, or a home hospital’s greatest need to serve rare cancer heroes.

A highly esteemed scientific committee, composed of leading experts in pediatric oncology, was convened to review over 16 RFPs submitted by the 14 hospitals invited to submit for the TORCH Initiative. The committee meticulously evaluated each proposal based on criteria including innovation, feasibility, and the potential to advance both basic science and clinical practices in pediatric oncology.

“We were overwhelmed by the quality and diversity of the proposals submitted,” said Nilay Shah, Chair of the Scientific Committee. “The selected recipients exemplify excellence in research and clinical care, and we are confident that the TORCH Initiative will drive meaningful advancements in the fight against rare pediatric cancers.”

Each of the selected hospitals will use the TORCH Initiative funding to further their efforts in critical areas of pediatric cancer research and treatment.

• Novant Health (Charlotte, NC): Funding will support two initiatives for children with rare pediatric cancers, providing essential mental health services for patients and families and nutrient-rich meals to enhance healing and improve quality of life.
• Duke University School of Medicine (Durham, NC): Funding will be utilized to improve osteosarcoma treatment by evaluating higher methotrexate thresholds for discharge, potentially reducing hospital stays and costs while maintaining safety. Additionally, it explores the use of organoids to study tumor resistance and identify new therapeutic opportunities.
• UNC Lineberger Comprehensive Care Center and UNC Eshelman School of Pharmacy (Chapel Hill, NC): Funding will expand research on CAR T-cell therapy for rare brain tumors, testing treatments in the lab to ensure only effective therapies reach patients, potentially revolutionizing treatment and improving survival and quality of life for children.
• Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta (Atlanta, GA): In collaboration with Live Like Madison, funding will support the development of immune-based therapies for osteosarcoma by using advanced genetic techniques in mice to identify cancer cell weaknesses, aiming to create new treatments and potential clinical trials for pediatric bone cancer.
• Texas Children’s Hospital (Houston, TX): Funding will enhance neuroblastoma treatment by improving engineered immune cells called natural killer T cells (NKTs) to create longer-lasting, more effective therapy options for children.
• Mission Hospital (Asheville, NC): Funding will support two initiatives to improve young patients’ quality of life through the Beads of Courage program to build resilience during treatment, and therapeutic sensory equipment to create calming environments that reduce anxiety and stress.
• Stanford Medicine Children’s Health (Palo Alto, CA), Nationwide Children’s Hospital (Columbus, Ohio), Texas Children’s Hospital (Houston, TX): Funds are allocated to all three institutions represented by the scientific committee, ensuring that critical research and innovative treatment programs receive the support they need to advance the fight against rare pediatric cancers.

“The TORCH Initiative demonstrates ISF’s unwavering commitment to improving the lives of children facing the most challenging and rarest forms of cancer,” said Erin Santos, Executive Director of ISF. “By partnering with these outstanding institutions, we are igniting change in pediatric cancer research and offering hope to young lives worldwide.”

For more information about the TORCH Initiative, to learn how to submit a proposal in 2025 or to donate to the mission, please visit isftorch.org.

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.

ISF Media Contact:
Anna Stallmann, media@annacomms.com