Sam Day Foundation

Improve overall survival rates for children with pediatric cancer by advancing translational research studies into clinical trials and ultimately, approved therapies for pediatric cancers.

Reduce short-term and long-term adverse effects of pediatric cancer treatment, so young cancer survivors can survive and live well.

Provide essential materials for studying the most neglected and deadly pediatric cancers by funding a tumor registry program.

We believe partnerships with research institutions, corporations, other non-profits, hospitals, drug companies, patient family’s and advocacy groups are essential to advancing research efficiently. We are not simply funders, we are part of a multi-agency effort and a catalysts for change.

We have several fundraising events each year. Our signature event, the Sam Day Soiree gala in February 2020 raised $323,000. Our multiple events create opportunity for anyone to participate regardless of how much they can contribute. Our community is growing rapidly with conviction for this very important cause and we recognize the need especially in Oregon and SW Washington. As we enter our third year, we plan to diversify our revenue through grants, geographical growth, and corporate partnerships.

Program funds are designated to sarcoma and brain tumor research projects of interest. Proposals are carefully evaluated by a Medical Advisory Board and approved by the Board of Directors prior to funding. In these early years, SDF is focused on creating greater opportunity for translational and clinical research in Oregon and SW Washington.

SDF is engaged with several institutions in Oregon and we believe the most effective research will be as a result of patient advocacy, support for clinicians, knowledge of the obstacles and a willingness to dream big and go for it.

Rapid and early growth among our community of supporters, both private and corporate, have allowed us to start strong. We reflect a positive and hopeful vibe, transparency, and strong character in everything we do. We’ve developed relationships with multiple local researchers at Oregon Health Sciences University, the Knight Cancer Institute and Children’s Cancer Therapy Development Institute, and we believe ongoing engagement within each of these partnerships can create movement. Our memberships with the National Organization for Rare Disorders and the Coalition Against Childhood Cancer allow us to partner with other non-profits, advocacy groups and patient families while equipping us with guidance and education.

Sam taught us to dream big, laugh often and live well, and the Sam Day Foundation is a reflection of those values.

In our first year we provided $153,000 to the Children’s Cancer Therapy Development Institute’s tumor registry program. This program enrolled over 56 new patients representing 25 cancer types. Research for some rare cancers, such as epithelioid sarcoma and clear cell sarcoma, have made progress like never before due to Sam Day Foundation providing the funds for this program. Now families can donate tissue, knowing that someone will finally study it.

We partnered with Camp Ukandu to support a healthy meal program for kids with cancer at camp.

We’ve provided college scholarships to six local students who’ve endured long-term disability or chronic illness.

Looking ahead, we intend to create opportunity for growth in the number of clinical trials available to children in Oregon and SW Washington by supporting local investigator-initiated research as well as large consortia clinical trials.