Where Research Meets Hope: Tower’s Commitment to Cancer Care
Author
Matt Zarcufsky
Executive Director and Chief Philanthropy Officer
Date
February 9, 2026
Reading Time
1
min.
At Tower Cancer Research, our mission has always been clear: to advance science in ways that translate quickly and compassionately to the people who need it most—patients and families facing a cancer diagnosis. Every investigator we support and every innovation we champion is rooted in a single belief: research saves lives.
National data reinforces both how far we’ve come and how much work remains. According to the American Cancer Society, the overall five-year survival rate for all cancers combined in the United States is now over 70%—a remarkable improvement compared with just a few decades ago. This progress is the direct result of sustained investment in discovery, early detection, precision medicine, and patient-centered clinical trials. Yet behind that hopeful statistic are millions of individuals whose outcomes still depend on the next breakthrough. That is where Tower’s work continues to be so vital.
Our investigators are exploring new therapies, refining treatment strategies, and accelerating the movement of promising ideas from the laboratory to the clinic. We focus on research that is nimble, collaborative, and immediately relevant to patient care—because time matters when cancer is involved.
Looking ahead, we are equally excited about the future of our research support dovetails with the role of Magnolia House. More than just a physical space, Magnolia House embodies our commitment to community, education, and holistic support for those navigating cancer. As our research portfolio grows over the coming years, Magnolia House will serve as a hub where science, survivorship, and human connection intersect—bringing patients closer to trials, resources, and hope.
None of this is possible without our donors, partners, clinicians, scientists, and advocates. Your belief in research fuels every discovery we pursue and every life we aim to change. Together, we are not only responding to today’s challenges—we are shaping a future where more people survive cancer, and more families can look forward to long, healthy lives.
Matt Zarcufsky
Executive Director and Chief Philanthropy Officer
Matt Zarcufsky serves as the Executive Director & Chief Philanthropy Officer of Tower Cancer Research Foundation, a Los Angeles-based nonprofit that advances early-stage cancer research to accelerate breakthroughs and delivers community support for patients to improve their lives. In this role, he leads the Foundation’s philanthropic strategy, major gift development, and organizational operations to accelerate breakthroughs in research and expand programs that improve the lives of those affected by cancer. Matt brings extensive experience in all facets of nonprofit organization management and institutional advancement, including organizational governance, major gift development, annual giving, capital and endowment campaigns, government relations, strategic development and planning, and communications.
A graduate of Villanova University School of Business with a degree in Finance, Matt has previously served as President and Administrator of the Mary Jo and Hank Greenberg Animal Welfare Foundation and as a member of the Board of Directors of the Marine Mammal Care Center in San Pedro, California and the Board of Councilors for the USC Suzanne Dworak-Peck School of Social Work. He is a member of the Association of Fundraising Professionals Greater Los Angeles Chapter and holds the designation of Certified Fundraising Executive (CFRE).
Born and raised in suburban Washington, DC, Matt resides in Los Angeles, CA, with his wife, Shana, their children, Jake and Samantha, and rescue dogs, Simba, Sunshine, and Floppy.
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Support the Journey
When you donate to Tower, you’re not supporting a single study. You’re part of an ecosystem that believes the next breakthrough is out there, waiting for someone to believe in it first. Every gift puts resources directly behind the discoveries that would otherwise never see the light of day.