Annual Report
January 1, 2021 – December 31, 2021
In 2021, you helped us turn "can't" into "can."
The progress we’ve made together in the world of childhood cancer wasn’t built on “can’t” – it was built on “can”. Because of your support, Myla can finally dance again, after months of difficult treatment for leukemia limited her mobility. Thank you for showing childhood cancer survivors like Myla what we can do to create a world without childhood cancer.
across the country.
Research Wins
Because of you, we can move groundbreaking research forward
Emerging Scientists
Researchers early in their careers often struggle to receive funding, meaning their great ideas go unexplored. Because of your support, we’re funding the next generation of leaders in cancer research.
“Their donations and support of childhood cancer research is very much valued, not just by me, but by the families and the kids who are going through this." - Dr. Shannon Conneely, Emerging Scientist Award Recipient
Hard-to-Treat Diseases
We aim to bring more and better options to the table for cancers where the survival rates remain low or haven’t improved in decades by supporting researchers who are working on the most difficult to treat cancers, like brain tumors, sarcomas and acute myeloid leukemia.
“It’s a really exciting process of discovery, and there’s the hope that in the end, you’re going to do something with it that’s really meaningful.” - Dr. Kathrin Bernt, Hard-to-Treat Award Recipient
Survivorship research
Nearly all childhood cancer survivors will have a significant health related issue by the time they are 45 years of age. With your help, we’re funding research and resources that aim to leave every child with cancer a happy, healthy survivor after treatment.
“I’m just so appreciative that CCRF is funding survivorship research, and not just survivorship research, but patient-oriented research. I’m grateful for this new opportunity.” - Dr. Lisa A. Schwartz, Survivorship Award Recipient
Program Wins
August 2021 marked the inaugural year of Camp Norden
Camp Norden was created specifically for kids who have or have had cancer. Camp Norden took place both in person at the Camp Knutson Campgrounds in Crosslake, Minnesota and virtually with the help of virtual reality and pediatric motivational expert James Orrigo.
Great Cycle Challenge hits $13.5 million
Great Cycle Challenge riders raised an incredible $13.5 million for childhood cancer research in 2021. There were nearly 4.88 million miles ridden by over 40,760 riders from all 50 states. Plus, $2.5 million raised on a single day, Kick Cancer’s Butt Day.
Dream Further surpasses its fundraising goal with a total of $2.2 million raised
In 2021, CCRF launched Dream Further, a campaign honoring the 40 years of progress you’ve helped make possible in childhood cancer research and the new opportunity to look towards advancements in survivorship research. Thanks to incredible donor and partner support, the campaign exceeded its ambitious $2 million goal to fund research and care specific to the needs of childhood cancer survivors.
We’ve made progress, but there’s still more we can do.
While these kids focus on what they can do after a cancer diagnosis, we’re asking you to join us in showing what we can do for them. We can make treatment for childhood cancer easier – and you can help. Thank you for showing childhood cancer survivors what we can do to create a better tomorrow for them.
Read the Full 2021 Annual Report
View our full Annual Report to see the progress you have made possible for children fighting cancer. Plus, check out your impact over the years by viewing previous annual reports.