Cancer remains the leading cause of disease-related death in children, and for those diagnosed with aggressive bone sarcomas such as Ewing sarcoma and osteosarcoma, survival rates have not improved in decades. These cancers often return after treatment, spreading to distant parts of the body and leaving children and families with few options. Across the Pacific Northwest, scientists are working to change that story — and Kuni Foundation is proud to help accelerate their efforts.
At Seattle Children’s Research Institute, a multidisciplinary team is developing innovative laboratory models that mimic the environments where bone sarcomas take hold and spread. With support from a $987,388 Kuni Foundation Discovery Grant, researchers are uncovering how cancer cells evade treatment, lie dormant, and reemerge years later. This insight will guide the development of therapies that target and eliminate hidden cancer cells before they return — work that could transform outcomes for young patients and lead to less toxic, more effective treatments.
At OHSU’s Department of Orthopaedic Surgery and Knight Cancer Institute, a $973,152 Kuni Foundation Discovery Grant is fueling the launch of the region’s first Pediatric Bone Sarcoma Discovery Platform. This project is creating a comprehensive pediatric sarcoma repository and uniting surgical oncologists, cancer biologists, and pediatric hematology-oncology experts with the goal of identifying genetic markers and developing precisely tailored treatments for each child. This approach will reduce unnecessary side effects while maintaining — or improving — cure rates.
Together, these projects illustrate the Pacific Northwest‘s global leadership in cancer research and highlight the incredible scientists working across Washington and Oregon to advance lifesaving treatments.
The Need for Progress
Despite the urgent need, childhood cancer research receives only about 4% of the total federal cancer research budget, a consistently low percentage even though cancer is a leading cause of death for children. Federal mandates and funding reductions are creating additional uncertainty for children’s hospitals and research institutes. Advocates and scientists agree: continued and increased federal investment is crucial to develop safer, more effective treatments and improve long-term outcomes for kids.
The Power of Philanthropy
Philanthropic investment is essential to fill this gap — especially for early-stage, high-risk, high-reward ideas that might otherwise go unexplored. Kuni Foundation is proud to partner with Seattle Children’s, OHSU, and others to ignite research at its earliest stages, accelerating the path from discovery to potential cures. These projects also nurture the next generation of cancer researchers, providing mentorship and leadership opportunities for early-career scientists — an investment that strengthens the pipeline of future innovators.
Together, with researchers, physicians, and partners across the region, we believe that bold, early investments in pediatric cancer research can bring hope and lasting change. We are honored to stand alongside Seattle Children’s and OHSU as they pursue breakthroughs that will help children not only survive but thrive.
