How You Can Help the NANT Consortium
We welcome donations in support of the New Approaches to Neuroblastoma Therapy (NANT) consortium. The NANT consortium is a group of 14 major pediatric institutions in the US that test new therapies that have promise for improving long-term survival for children with neuroblastoma. NANT was formed to link a group of closely collaborating clinical investigators across the US to laboratory research programs that are focused on developing and testing novel therapies for high-risk neuroblastoma. Those therapies that have promise in NANT trials will be proposed to the Children’s Oncology Group (COG) for more extensive testing.
NANT receives the majority of it’s funding from a peer-reviewed Program Project Grant from the National Cancer Institute (NCI). However, that grant provides less support than was recommended in the peer-review process due to NCI funding limitations, and so we are seeking additional funding. Essential components of the NANT that are not funded by the NCI to which your donation could be directed are :
NANT Principal Investigators : Funds are needed to support NANT-related activities of Principal Investigators at the 14 institutions in the consortium. These individuals are leaders in childhood cancer research and are recognized for their expertise in neuroblastoma. They have overall responsibility for the conduct of NANT studies at their institutions and also participate in developing the overall strategies of the NANT consortium.
NANT Clinical Scholars : Funds are needed for investigators who chair NANT studies. Scholars will be junior faculty members who have the background, ability, and drive to chair a NANT clinical study. Experience gained by a NANT Scholar will significantly enhance his/her abilities to design, implement, and conclude clinical studies of new therapies for children with neuroblastoma and other malignancies.
NANT Laboratory Studies : Funding is needed for the collection, processing, and shipping of specimens from patients enrolled on NANT studies for specialized laboratory testing. This will provide a greater understanding of therapy being given, which will lead to optimal use in children. Examples of such testing include levels of drugs in blood and effects of drugs on cancer and normal cells.
NANT Operations Center : This is the “nerve center” of the NANT consortium. Funding is needed for key personnel who provide necessary support for clinical trial development, implementation, and analysis. Additionally, they provide support for all legal and regulatory functions required of NANT.
NANT Patient Assistance : Families sometimes must travel to a NANT institution for consultation and therapy. These funds will help families who need assistance with travel, food, and housing expenses.
How to give:
All gifts in support of the NANT and the institutions that comprise membership are gratefully received and deeply appreciated. Unless otherwise indicated, NANT leadership will allocate private contributions for the purposes outlined above. If desired, however, contributions can be earmarked to a specific NANT institution. They can also be made in honor or in memory of an individual or occasion. If requested by the donor, we will send a note to the person or family being honored without mentioning the amount of the contribution.
Childrens Hospital Los Angeles Foundation Department handles all contributions to the NANT and its member institutions. A gift receipt for the donor's records and tax purposes will be issued by the hospital. It should be noted that 100% of the contributions received are placed in a special NANT account for use by NANT as directed by the Program's leadership. Childrens Hospital Los Angeles is a 501(c)(3) not for profit institution. Our tax identification number is available upon request.
Gifts should be sent to Terence Green, Vice President of Development, Childrens Hospital Los Angeles, 4650 Sunset Blvd., #29, Los Angeles, CA 90027. On the check's memo line or in a separate note, please indicate that this gift is for the NANT. If there are any questions, please call the foundation office at 323-361-5675, or Mr. Green's cell phone at 323-854-9424. He may also be contacted at tgreen@chla.usc.edu.
Gifts may also be made on line at www.ChildrensHospitalLA.org/giving. Click on "Giving" and then "Donate Now". In Step 5, simply type NANT into the "other" box.
In addition to gifts of cash and appreciated securities (please call the foundation office for specific instructions for transferring stock), the NANT, through Childrens Hospital Los Angeles, can accept gifts of real estate, life insurance policies and other forms of contributions. The NANT can also be the beneficiary of a bequest in one's will or living trust or other planned gift such as a charitable gift annuity, or charitable remainder trust. Please contact Mr. Green for additional information about these planned gift programs.