Every year, thousands of families hear the words no parent ever wants to hear: “Your child has cancer.” It’s a life-shattering moment that launches them into a world filled with hospital rooms, long nights, and endless uncertainty. But one of the biggest shocks isn’t just the diagnosis itself—it’s learning that only 4% of the federal cancer research budget goes toward childhood cancers.
That’s not a typo. Just four percent.
And in 2025, despite our medical advancements, that number has not changed. The question is simple: Why aren’t our children worth more?
The Harsh Reality Behind the 4%
When the National Cancer Institute (NCI) divides up its research dollars, most of the funding goes toward adult cancers. These include cancers like breast, lung, and prostate cancer. While these are important areas to study, childhood cancers are very different from adult cancers. They behave differently, grow differently, and need different treatments.
But the sad truth is, childhood cancer doesn’t get enough attention because it isn’t as common—at least in the eyes of federal agencies or pharmaceutical companies. And since it doesn’t generate big profits, many drug companies aren’t interested in developing treatments. This leaves a huge gap in research, treatment options, and ultimately, in hope.
Real Families. Real Battles.
Behind every statistic is a child fighting for their life. Take Sammy Nahorny, for example. When Sammy was just four years old, he was diagnosed with cancer. His community rallied around him, creating t-shirts and raising awareness. What started as a small, local movement quickly became Sammy’s Superheroes Foundation — a national nonprofit that has now raised over $1 million for childhood cancer research.
Sammy’s story is powerful, but it’s not unique. Families across the country are forced to become experts in medical terms, fundraising, and advocacy overnight. They often find themselves asking the same question: Why is there so little support for children with cancer?
Why 4% Fails Our Kids
Here’s what 4% really means:
- Outdated Treatments: Most childhood cancer treatments are based on adult protocols developed decades ago. These therapies are often too harsh for young bodies.
- Long-Term Effects: Even survivors face lifelong challenges. Many experience heart damage, learning disabilities, and infertility because of outdated drugs.
- Limited Research: With minimal funding, researchers are forced to pick and choose which cancers to study. Rare or aggressive cancers like DIPG or Ewing sarcoma are often left behind.
That’s why organizations like Sammy’s Superheroes exist: to fill the gap where the government and pharmaceutical companies fall short.
A Look at the Numbers
Let’s break it down even further. According to the American Cancer Society and the National Pediatric Cancer Foundation:
- Over 17,000 children will be diagnosed with cancer in the U.S. this year.
- Childhood cancer is the #1 cause of death by disease in children.
- Only 6 new drugs have been developed for pediatric cancer in the last 40 years.
This isn’t just a funding crisis. It’s a moral one.
Hope Through Research: What Sammy’s Superheroes Is Doing
At Sammy’s Superheroes Foundation, we believe in fighting for every child, not just the ones with common cancers. That’s why we fund innovative research across all types of childhood cancer.
Some of the research projects we’ve supported include:
- $100,000 to Lurie Children’s Hospital to study brain tumors and the BRAF mutation.
- $200,000 to Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation to co-fund aggressive treatment research.
- $75,000 to University of Iowa for Ewing Sarcoma research.
- $50,000 to Dana-Farber for neuroblastoma and glioma studies.
These investments are making a real difference—but we need your help to go further.
The Power of Community: How You Can Help
No one can solve this alone. But together, we can rewrite the future for kids with cancer. Here’s how:
1. Donate to Research
Your donation goes directly to funding cutting-edge pediatric cancer research that could save lives. Donate now
2. Be a Volunteer
Join events, spread awareness, or lend your talents to help our mission. Become a volunteer
3. Become an Advocate
Help push lawmakers to allocate more than 4% to our children. Advocate with us
4. Attend or Host Events
Support us by attending or creating fundraising events. See what’s happening near you
We Can’t Wait Any Longer
Children don’t have time to wait. Every day without proper funding is another day without a cure. The clock is ticking, and 4% simply isn’t enough.
We dream of a future where every child gets a fighting chance. Where families don’t have to wonder if better treatments exist. And where September’s gold ribbon becomes as well-known as any other cause.
Help us make that dream a reality. Help us pave the road to a cure.
Contact Us
Sammy’s Superheroes Foundation
2002 23rd St.
Columbus, NE 68601
Phone: (402) 563-4673
