The power and relevance of Tower Cancer Research Foundation is consistent for one primary reason: Tower Cancer knows and cares about our community. Since Tower Cancer’s founding, the focus on Southern California scientific leaders, cancer solutions and patient care programming has been clear. We know the thought leaders, top researchers and community partners who are making a difference. Those deep community connections, and our resources mean impact. Our exceptional Magnolia House health and wellness programming offers a suite of support services to anyone near us living with cancer. Tower Cancer’s research engine and community reach is exceptional, but it’s not enough. As our population ages, the number of cancer patients in the US is increasing. We can plan for that rise in care and costs, and target overall funding for cancer research to increase accordingly. But our National Cancer Institute is tasked with balancing competing needs in a changing cancer landscape. This year, the NCI received a total appropriation from Congress of $7.22 billion, an increase of $120 million compared to the interim budget. But that’s actually less than the 2023 NCI budget, which was enhanced by the Moonshot Cancer Initiative, which ended last year. Bottom line: The net difference in NCI’s funding for FY 2024 compared to FY 2023 is a decrease of $96 million. That gap is just part of the reason for Tower Cancer Research Foundation to continue, and even grow, our mission to raise funds and serve cancer patients in Southern California. Researchers and patients here need us; they are accessing our services in record numbers. We know they need the unwavering commitment to innovation and help right here, now and in the near future. The National Cancer Institute awards grants on significance, approach and expertise. It does not evaluate based on location, local impact opportunities or community variables. That’s because the NCI must take care to broadly apply its resources, and that is appropriate. Tower Cancer draws its power from local know-how. We are positioned to anticipate and provide care in our communities, with the awareness that national funding sources to search for cures and serve survivors will fluctuate. How we do it is precisely why we do it: we know our community, we can take a clear eyed approach to local research and care, and target fundraising for maximum impact here. Each of our supporters is critical to that model of sustainable community cancer care. We can’t do it without you.
