Decorative
SVG
Decorative
Decorative
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

Image
A smiling light-skinned female with shoulder length dark brown hair wearing a dark shirt against a dark gray background

Cara Altimus

Managing Director, SPARC, Milken Institute Strategic Philanthropy
Image
Light-skinned female-presenting person with light hair in a red jacket and black checkered shirt with gray gradient background

Caitlyn Barrett

Director, SPARC, Milken Institute Strategic Philanthropy
Image
A smiling light-skinned female with blonde hair wearing a navy blue shirt against an ambiguous background

Elizabeth Burke

Associate Director, SPARC, Milken Institute Strategic Philanthropy
Image
Ishtiaq Mala, PhD

Ishtiaq Mawla

Associate Director, SPARC, Milken Institute Strategic Philanthropy
Image
Penrod, Nadia - Headshot

Nadia Penrod

Senior Associate, SPARC, Milken Institute Strategic Philanthropy