Tower Cancer Research Foundation: A Dual-Mission Approach to Conquering Cancer
The Tower Cancer Research Foundation (TCRF) is a prominent US-based non-profit organization dedicated to fighting cancer on two critical fronts: funding innovative scientific research and providing profound, direct support for patients and their families. Established in 1996 by a dedicated group of physicians, patients, and volunteers in Beverly Hills, California, the foundation has become a vital force within the Southern California cancer community and beyond. It operates not just as a fundraising entity, but as a comprehensive support system that addresses the entire cancer journey, from the laboratory bench to the patient's bedside and into survivorship.
The core of what Tower does is to bridge the gap between scientific potential and human need. The foundation's philosophy is built on the belief that the greatest impact is made by investing locally in world-class science while simultaneously offering tangible, free-of-charge resources that alleviate the immense physical and emotional burdens of a cancer diagnosis.
Continue…Products and Services: A Two-Pillar Strategy
Tower's offerings can be understood as a two-pillar strategy. The "products" are the grant funding opportunities that accelerate scientific discovery, while the "services" are the extensive, community-focused programs that support individuals and families affected by cancer.
Pillar 1: Advancing Groundbreaking Scientific Research
Tower's primary product is the strategic deployment of capital into promising cancer research. The foundation acts as a crucial launchpad for physician-scientists, providing seed funding that enables them to gather preliminary data, prove novel concepts, and ultimately compete for larger, multi-million dollar federal grants from institutions like the National Institutes of Health (NIH). The focus is on translational "bench-to-bedside" research that has a clear path toward creating the life-saving treatments of tomorrow.
Key research funding programs include:
- Career Development Grants: These are typically one-year, $100,000 awards given to junior investigators?fellows, postdocs, and early-career faculty?at leading Southern California research institutions like UCLA, USC, Cedars-Sinai, and City of Hope. These grants are designed to protect a researcher's time and provide the resources needed to pursue innovative projects at a critical stage in their careers.
- Senior Investigator Grants: These are larger, multi-year awards (e.g., $500,000 over five years) given to more established researchers who are leading pioneering projects with the potential for significant breakthroughs.
- Specialized Research Funds: Tower also manages dedicated funds targeting specific areas of cancer research, most notably the Dr. Susan Love Fund for Breast Cancer Research, which continues the legacy of Dr. Love's work in this field.
Pillar 2: Profound Support for Patients, Survivors, and Families
Understanding that a cancer diagnosis impacts every aspect of a person's life, Tower has developed a robust portfolio of free services designed to support the entire cancer community. This pillar is just as vital to their mission as their research funding.
Magnolia House: This is Tower's flagship survivorship support program and a cornerstone of its community service. Magnolia House offers an extensive array of free integrative health and wellness programs to any cancer patient or survivor, regardless of where they received treatment. With over 130 monthly classes, workshops, and services offered both in-person and virtually, it provides a physical and emotional toolkit to help individuals navigate the challenges of their journey. Offerings include:
- Fitness and Movement: Yoga, T'ai Chi, strength training, and other classes adapted for cancer patients and survivors.
- Therapeutic and Holistic Programs: Individual tele-therapy, support groups, meditation, mindfulness, and nutrition workshops.
- Educational Resources: Lectures and workshops on managing treatment side effects, navigating survivorship, and other relevant topics.
Community Partner Grants: Tower extends its impact by funding a network of other non-profit organizations across Southern California that provide essential cancer support services. This program allows Tower to address a wider range of needs and support diverse communities. Past partners have included organizations that provide grief support (OUR HOUSE), deliver medically-tailored meals (Project Angel Food), and offer legal resources for cancer patients (Cancer Legal Resource Center).
Patient Navigation and Outreach: Tower funds specific, targeted programs to help underserved populations overcome barriers to care. A prime example is The Ronnie Lippin Cancer Support and Navigation Project at Cedars-Sinai, which provides dedicated patient navigators to assist individuals from minority and low-income communities in managing appointments, understanding their diagnosis, and accessing necessary resources.
Tower Cancer Research Collective: Formerly the "Army of Women" under the Dr. Susan Love Research Foundation, this program has been integrated into Tower's operations. The Collective is a database of volunteers?both with and without a cancer diagnosis?who are willing to participate in research studies. This service provides a valuable resource for scientists and empowers individuals to take an active role in advancing cancer research.
Through this comprehensive, dual-mission approach, the Tower Cancer Research Foundation creates a powerful cycle of impact. It funds the science that leads to better treatments while simultaneously providing the essential human support that helps people live better lives today.
