Fueling Progress in Pediatric Cancer Care
The TORCH (Transformational Outcomes for Rare Cancer Heroes) Initiative is a bold extension of the Isabella Santos Foundation’s (ISF) legacy, dedicated to improving the lives of young patients battling rare cancers. Leveraging ISF’s robust network and community engagement, TORCH goes beyond Charlotte, igniting meaningful change for children and families facing the unimaginable.
Igniting Hope, Advancing Care
Launched in 2024, TORCH sets an ambitious goal of raising $2 million annually to fund groundbreaking research, innovative therapies and comprehensive support systems. By partnering with pediatric hospitals and healthcare providers, the initiative seeks to enhance both the quantity and quality of life for rare cancer heroes.
Driving Innovation Across the Nation
Through TORCH, ISF has invited doctors and researchers nationwide to propose projects that tackle critical areas such as:
2024 TORCH Recipients
In December 2024, the Isabella Santos Foundation proudly announced the inaugural recipients of TORCH Initiative funding. Following a rigorous review process by a distinguished scientific committee, five outstanding institutions were selected to receive grants aimed at transforming pediatric cancer care.
A panel of leading experts in pediatric oncology reviewed 16 proposals from 14 hospitals, meticulously evaluating each submission for innovation, feasibility and potential to advance basic science and clinical practices. The selected recipients are making significant strides in research, therapy and patient support for rare cancer heroes.
Novant Health (Charlotte, NC)
Funding supports two impactful initiatives for rare cancer patients:
Mental Health Services: Offering counseling to address the emotional challenges of a cancer diagnosis.
Whole-Foods Nutrition Program: Providing nutrient-rich meals to enhance healing, reduce side effects, and improve treatment outcomes.
Together, these initiatives address emotional and physical well-being, fostering resilience and a better quality of life.
Duke University School of Medicine (Durham, NC)
Funding will be utilized to make osteosarcoma treatment easier and safer by testing if patients can leave the hospital sooner after receiving a key chemotherapy drug, 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 Medical Center (Chapel Hill, NC)
Funding advances research on CAR T-cell therapy for rare brain tumors, focusing on lab testing to ensure effective treatments before administering them to patients. This innovative approach aims to improve survival rates and reduce the physical and emotional toll on children, revolutionizing brain tumor care.
Mission Hospital (Asheville, NC)
Two essential programs are being expanded to improve pediatric cancer patients’ quality of life:
Beads of Courage Program: An evidence-based therapy fostering resilience and positive coping strategies.
Therapeutic Sensory Program: Incorporating calming technologies like LED Bubble Tubes and Sensate Soundscapes in treatment areas to reduce stress and anxiety.
Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta (Atlanta, GA)
Funding supports the development of immune-based therapies for osteosarcoma, leveraging advanced genetic techniques to study cancer cell vulnerabilities. Researchers aim to boost the immune system and develop new therapies, potentially leading to clinical trials for pediatric bone cancer.
Texas Children’s Hospital (Houston, TX)
Funding enhances a promising treatment for neuroblastoma, improving natural killer T cells (NKTs) through advanced research. By refining proteins and manufacturing processes, this initiative aims to create more effective and scalable therapies, revolutionizing pediatric cancer treatment.
