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Sam Day Foundation

Advancing research and igniting hope for kids with cancer

Our Mission

Dream big, Laugh often, live well

The Sam Day Foundation advances research for childhood and young adult cancers and facilitates wellness-centered support and experiences so kids with cancer can survive and live well.

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Why we care

Every year, approximately 17,000 children in the U.S. will be diagnosed with cancer. 

Only 4% of the budget from the National Cancer Institute is dedicated to childhood cancer.

Many of the most devastating childhood and young adult cancer treatments are 40 years old, and research progress is decades behind that of most adult cancers.

We don’t think that’s ok. 

News

Sam Day News & Wellness!

SDF’s newsletter is rooted in journalism, science and compassion to help families and young people find wellness in spite of childhood cancer. This monthly newsletter will include helpful content such as scientific publications and quick references to help you make decisions, kid-friendly recipes packed with good nutrients, and personal stories from people who understand.

While this is written with cancer families in mind, anyone can subscribe and benefit from its content.

News

Endowed Lectureship in Pediatric Oncology

On September 21st, Dr. Sam Blackman will present “Shifting the Paradigm: Opportunities and Challenges in Pediatric Cancer Drug Development.” The lecture can be attended in person at Doernbecher Children’s Hospital or viewed online.

Events

Upcoming events

Sam Day 37-MILE CHALLENGE!

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Walk, run, ride or roll 37 miles in the month of September. Honestly, you can move your body in whatever way you wish, anywhere in the country.

Let’s make it fun and impactful. 

#samday5k

Sam Day 5K Run

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The Sam Day 5K run is a high energy, meaningful way to participate in  the fight against childhood cancer.

Sign up to run or walk our 5K while kids have the opportunity to run a quick 100 yard dash created just for them!

#SDbuddyrun

Sam Day Buddy Run

Find out more about the runners and the kids they honored in their efforts. $71,000 raised!

Buddy Run

About Us

SDF Leadership

What started as a proactive effort to save Sam and other young people battling Ewing Sarcoma, has grown into a strong community of compassionate philanthropists and people of all ages advocating for young people dealing with brutal and forgotten cancers

Give Back

Support kids with cancer

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Comprehensive Tumor Bank Program

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childhood cancer studies

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SDF Experiences & Scholarships

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Research

Latest Updates

Grant Submission Guidelines 2024

Grant Submission Guidelines 2024

Detailed submission criteria including research focus, budget allocation, and personnel…

$50,000 to Dana-Farber Cancer Institute for ctDNA in sarcoma

$50,000 to Dana-Farber Cancer Institute for ctDNA in sarcoma

Circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) refers to cancer cell DNA fragments…

RESOURCES

Explore Causes

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SDF Events

Click below to keep up with all upcoming Sam Day Foundation events and show your support for childhood cancer awareness & initiatives.
SDF Experiences

SDF Experiences

Sam Day Foundation contributes a small amount of funding to experiences for kids with cancer and cancer related impairments.
SDF Scholarship

SDF Scholarship

SDF awards scholarships to Sunset High School students in Beaverton, Oregon, who have endured chronic illness or physical disability.

Tributes

In Loving memory

These tribute pages are meant to remember the young people whose communities have donated to SDF as an investment in their legacy.

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Media

Survivor Stories

Buddy Run

Sam Day Buddy Run

The Sam Day Buddy Run happened on May 13th. 20 endurance runners ran in honor of a young person fighting cancer now. The 13-mile course started at OHSU Doernbecher Children’s Hospital and ended with a spirited finish-line reception at Terra Linda Park. Find out more about the runners and the kids they honored in their efforts. $71,000 raised!

Social

Instagram:
@SamDayFoundation