For 16,000 families in the United States this year, their lives will forever change when their child is diagnosed with cancer. In that moment, families urgently need options – new, less toxic medications and a chance at survival.

Right now, the brightest scientific minds are developing safer, more effective evidence-based therapies and even cures for childhood cancer. Their research labs are an epicenter for progress – a hub of renewed hope, transformative treatments and futures for children to thrive.

Research into childhood cancer has long been under-funded, receiving only 4% of the federal cancer research budget. However, any promising new and renewed clinical trials, as well as incredible research milestones, are at risk of being sidelined by federal funding cuts and shifting priorities. There is much uncertainty, but we know one thing: these delays mean children fighting cancer may not get the chance they deserve. That’s why private philanthropy – which makes up half of all funding for childhood cancer research – is more important than ever.

Children’s Cancer Research Fund invests donations in peer-reviewed projects with the greatest potential to address hard-to-treat cancers, survivorship research and health disparities. These critical areas might otherwise be neglected without steady, uninterrupted support. Every child deserves the chance to grow up healthy and cancer-free, and we have the power to make that happen.

Together, let’s continue to move childhood cancer research forward. Visit childrenscancer.org/get-involved to take action today.