PABLOVE FOUNDATION INC

The mission of The Pablove Foundation is to invest in underfunded, cutting-edge pediatric cancer research, and improve the lives of children living with cancer through the arts.

Pablove Shutterbugs helps kids with cancer find their creative voice through photography.

The Powered by Pablove Childhood Cancer Research Grants Program provides $50,000 seed grants to young, innovative pediatric cancer researchers searching for a cure.

Pablove Shutterbugs fulfills part of The Foundation's mission by teaching children and teens, ages 6-18, living with cancer to develop their creative voice through the art of photography. The program aims to alleviate some of the challenges children and teens face when going through treatment: feelings of isolation, decreased self-confidence, and a general lack of structured opportunities for knowledge acquisition since most children living with cancer miss or are unable to attend school during treatment. Currently, Pablove Shutterbugs is the only program of its kind in Los Angeles, New York, New Orleans, Boston, Seattle, Houston and the San Francisco Bay Area. Pablove Shutterbugs differs from other arts programs for kids living with cancer by offering an outpatient, curriculum-based, community of learners program.

Pablove Shutterbugs is offered as a 6-week virtual and in person Fundamentals group class that meets once a week. A Teaching Artist, hired by Pablove Shutterbugs staff from the community administers the Pablove Shutterbugs curriculum with the help of volunteers. These individuals are also educated on children's cancer so that they can be sensitive to the needs of each student. The Foundation provides each student with their own camera kit to use and keep. During class, students have the opportunity to practice the new concepts under the tutelage of the Teaching Artist or Mentor and volunteers. In between classes, students are given photo projects to allow for further exploration of the newly taught skill.

The Pablove Shutterbugs Alumni Summer Camp is our Intermediate class, which brings Shutterbugs alumni from around the country together for a 4-day, 3-night residential camp in Southern California. In addition to learning new photography concepts, students participate in typical camp activities such as nature walks, campfires, and many other outdoor activities.

Finally, the Shutterbugs Advanced Class is offered to Shutterbugs students who have participated in the Fundamentals Class. This class teaches advanced photography concepts, and provides an opportunity for students to document their cancer journey through photography.

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, all of our Shutterbugs programs are also offered virtually.

Pablove's Research program address underfunded rare pediatric cancers. We seek solutions for the underdogs – the rare childhood cancers – so kids living with cancer don't just survive, but thrive. Since 2010, we have awarded $3,000,000 in Childhood Cancer Research Grants to nearly 40 researchers worldwide. Our researchers are searching for more effective treatment options and for a better understanding of how childhood cancers behave.

Pablove's Shutterbugs Arts Program is managed from Pablove's headquarters office by Shutterbugs Director Raul Lorenzana. Pablove employees local teaching artists in satellite cities, and works in close partnership with Child Life Specialists at hospitals in satellite cities, as well as around the country.

Pablove's 'Powered by Pablove' research grants program is underpinned by Pablove's Scientific Advisory Committee, chaired by Dr. Saro Armenian, and rigorously managed from Pablove's headquarters offices. The purpose of Pablove's research grants is to fund innovative research ideas, or to provide seed money to established investigators for innovative basic, translational, clinical, and epidemiological research directed to pediatric and adolescent cancer. Applications that focus on rare childhood cancers are given preference.

Since our founding in 2008, Pablove has funded more than $3,000,000 in Childhood Cancer Research Grants, hosted six Childhood Cancer Symposiums – connecting cancer families with leading medical professionals, and expanded our innovative Pablove Shutterbugs program to serve over 1,300 children living with cancer through the art of photography.