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Science Philanthropy Accelerator for Research and Collaboration (SPARC)

Oncology

"You have cancer." These words are among the most difficult anyone will ever have to hear. Yet of the 100 or so cancers known to science, there are cures for only 30 percent. Many, while treatable, have different prognoses, and treatments are difficult to endure for the patient, and for the entire family.

As many know, cancer is a leading cause of death globally, accounting for 10 million deaths globally in 2020 alone. Building on strategy-building work with the Melanoma Research Alliance and the Prostate Cancer Foundation, Milken Institute Philanthropy works with partners to identify promising but under-resourced approaches for cancer treatment.

We lead donors through the cancer research ecosystem, bringing experts from other sectors to the table to unlock potential that will lead to better treatments—and eventually a cure—for a range of cancers. 

Oncology
Related Work

Oncology

Our Team

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A smiling light-skinned female named Cara Altimus with shoulder length dark brown hair wearing a vibrant blue shirt and red necklace, standing with her arms crossed against an ambiguous outdoor background.

Cara Altimus, PhD

Managing Director, Science Philanthropy Accelerator for Research and Collaboration (SPARC) team, Milken Institute Strategic Philanthropy
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Light-skinned female-presenting person named Caitlyn Barrett with light hair in a yellow jacket and black shirt with gray gradient background

Caitlyn Barrett, PhD

Director, Science Philanthropy Accelerator for Research and Collaboration (SPARC) team, Milken Institute Strategic Philanthropy
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A smiling light-skinned female with blonde hair wearing a navy blue shirt against an ambiguous background

Elizabeth Burke, PhD

Associate Director, Science Philanthropy Accelerator for Research and Collaboration (SPARC) team, Milken Institute Strategic Philanthropy
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An image of a brown skinned, smiling, adult man named Ishtiaq Mawla with his arms crossed. He has short dark hair and is wearing glasses and a dark blue striped suit.

Ishtiaq Mawla

Associate Director, Science Philanthropy Accelerator for Research and Collaboration (SPARC) team, Milken Institute Strategic Philanthropy
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An image of a female-presenting person named Nadia Penrod. She has medium length brown hair and white skin. She is smiling at the camera and wearing a black jacket with a tan sweater.

Nadia Penrod

Senior Associate, Science Philanthropy Accelerator for Research and Collaboration (SPARC) team, Milken Institute Strategic Philanthropy