The Cancer Research Institute (CRI) is a New York City-based nonprofit organization committed to the advancement of immunotherapy that treats, controls, and cures cancer of all types.
Immunotherapy is the most promising of cancer treatments, so with breakthrough research, huge strides can be made in fighting deadly cancers.
The History Of The Cancer Research Institute
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This effort to end the devastation of cancer began in 1953 with Helen Coley Nauts and Oliver R. Grace at the helm. Since the inception of the Cancer Research Institute 65 years ago, an entire field of cancer research has established itself and is known as tumor immunology.
Helen Coley Nauts is the daughter of Dr. William B. Coley, “the Father of Cancer Immunotherapy.” She came across her father’s medical notes, which presented a correlation between tumors and bacterial infections. Subsequently, the presence of bacterial toxins cured a patient with an inoperable malignant tumor.
Having no formal education did not stop Nauts from researching and promoting the use of immunology in cancer treatment. On her own, she studied oncology and immunology to carry out her independent medical research.
She published her excellent reports, and modern cancer researchers still cite her work. With her exhaustive research data, she proved the life-saving benefits of immunology.
To continue this crusade, she formed an organization to support cancer immunology advancements. Grace secured a $2000 grant, and together with Nauts, they created the Cancer Research Institute.
Today, CRI continues to advance cancer and immunology research through collaboration with other like-minded professionals.
Cancer Research Institute's Objectives
The institute centers its work around four primary objectives:
- Foster innovative partnerships with biotech and pharmaceutical companies that are developing immunotherapy medication.
- Collaborate with other cancer charities seeking to acquire immunotherapy research into their portfolio.
- Financial backing for science and training for aspiring scientists.
- Educate cancer patients and their caregivers about immunotherapy treatment options. Recruit said patients for clinical trials which will advance research.
Who Runs The Cancer Research Institute?
The New York city headquarters staff are experts in non-profit management, marketing, business development, database administration, medical communications, and event planning. This 23-member team is passionate about the mission of beating cancer with immunotherapy.
In addition to a solid administrative team, CRI also calls upon scientists for leadership. The Scientific Advisory Council plays an important role in guiding medical and research programs. This group of over 60 doctorate-level professionals makes executive decisions on which scientific proposals will move forward with the funding and support of the organization.
CRI also receives leadership and guidance through its board of trustees. This board comprises over 30 professionals with accomplished backgrounds such as finance, real estate, law, and medicine. These members have given their long-term commitment to offer financial support, astute governance, and participation in organization initiatives.
What Is Immunotherapy?
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Cancer immunotherapy is the reason CRI exists and remains the focus of this organization. This revolutionary treatment harnesses the power of the immune system to enable the body to fight cancer.
The body recognizes, targets, eliminates cancer cells throughout the entire body making this treatment universally effective. Another benefit is long-term and perhaps permanent cancer remission.
20 Types Of Cancer Treated By Immunotherapy
No other treatment in modern medicine has shown this high a level of cancer-fighting potential. Immunotherapy can succeed where chemotherapy and radiation have failed.
Chemotherapy and radiation kill healthy cells and brings on unpleasant side effects like nausea, vomiting, and hair loss.
Immunotherapy side effects are not as severe. It is superior to chemotherapy in aggression toward only harmful cells and treats with minimal side effects.
Forms Of FDA-Approved Immunotherapy
Treatment
What Does CRI Do To Support Cancer Victims?
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They established the Immunocommunity to give a forum to share stories that inspire hope for cancer cures. This community offers to connect patients with Immunoadvocates to share experiences with immunotherapy treatments.
Only six immunotherapies are currently approved for cancer treatment. Clinical trials are a step toward making new and improved treatments available.
Patients who have run out of options are given another chance for treatment. Future cancer patients are helped when current cancer patients take part in clinical trial research.
Those wanting to participate in a clinical trial may complete a questionnaire, and a clinical trial navigator will contact them about the next steps.
Summits planned throughout the year also promote these clinical trials with navigators in attendance. These are held in various cities to provide cancer patients and their caregivers with information and advice about clinical trials.
These free events are often held on a Saturday. During an event, the audience will hear presentations from experts, patients, and CRI staff.
Additionally, there is a panel discussion and an opportunity for attendees to discuss treatments in breakout groups. Cancer patients have an opportunity to meet with a clinical trial navigator to discuss participation in clinical trials.
For those who cannot attend a summit, the Cancer Research Institute offers webinars and program notes on their website and social media account pages.
You can find additional educational content on the organization's the YouTube channel or their resource page.
CRI created a community of scientists, doctors, researchers, and cancer survivors who have come together to collaborate on what’s next for immunotherapy treatment.
Is CRI Transparent And Accountable?
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The Cancer Research Institute boasts a four-star rating by Charity Navigator. It received an overall score of 90 points out of 100, which comprises of a score of 86 points out of 100 for financial management and a 100 points out of 100 perfect score on accountability and transparency.
According to Charity Navigator, donations, gifts, and grants make up 85 percent of their revenue. Fundraising provides another 11 percent, and federated campaigns generate another 2 percent.
CN states that 82 of The Cancer Research Institute's budget goes directly to programs. They use 11 percent for fundraising costs, and almost 7 percent of the budget pays for administrative expenditures. CRI also provides annual reports, financial statements, and tax documents on their website for public review.
CRI is a Charity Watch top-rated organization, has been given the Seal of Transparency and is an accredited charity by the Better Business Bureau.
Cancer Research Institute's financial record
Tax-exempt organizations, nonexempt charitable trusts, and section 527 political organizations must file a Form 990 or 990EZ with the IRS.
The Cancer Research Institute’s most recent IRS Form 990 or 990EZ available is for 2017. We extracted the following financial data from the organization’s most recent publicly available tax return for the fiscal year ending June 2017. This financial statement can give you a clear idea of how the Cancer Research Institutes uses their donations.
Percentage Of Donations Spent On Services
Percentage Of Revenue Spent On Fundraising
Administrative And Overhead Costs
Why Should People Support The Cancer Research Institute?
CRI has a 65-year legacy as the pioneer for effective cancer treatment. Their dedication to bringing immune-based treatments to patients sooner has not wavered.
CRI has a five-year game plan to further their mission. The first goal is to expand effective immunotherapy into more populations needing cancer treatment as part of a global effort.
CRI continues to promote awareness of the power of immunotherapy. Their message to cancer patients, caretakers, and health professionals is that immunotherapy can slow or halt tumor growth, delay/prevent cancer recurrence, and help cancer victims live longer without the disease.
The third goal is to promote public awareness of this revolutionary cancer treatment and stress the need for continued funding to treat more people with better therapies sooner. There are countless stories of immunotherapy success that the CRI Immunocommunity has collected.
Every June is Cancer Immunotherapy Month. In June 2018, they raised $486,490 and spread the message of the importance of immunotherapy to 6 million people.
They've currently invested $384 million in immunotherapy research, and they will spend 87 cents of every dollar on cancer-fighting programs.
How You Can Support The Crusade For Immunology Cancer Treatment
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Perhaps you or someone you know has an agonizing battle with cancer. Maybe they have received better treatment through immunotherapy. It could be that this is the first time you are hearing about immunotherapy because patients are not being told about it by their doctors.
Personal experience with cancer and the reality that they missed an opportunity may compel some to help CRI continue with its unique mission. There are other cancer organizations out there, but CRI remains focused on expanding the availability of a proven and effective cancer treatment.
One simple way to help is to make a direct donation. Donors can make a one-time or recurring donation.
Another way to help raise money for CRI is through crowdsourcing. There are over a hundred active Facebook fundraisers among the social media community, which indicates that this is a popular charity to support. Facebook users are invited to start a fundraiser campaign in celebration of their birthdays.
Or perhaps someone you care about could not or could hardly celebrate another birthday. You could initiate a fundraiser in honor of their fight against cancer.
During Cancer Immunotherapy Month, people can show support for immunotherapy treatments by wearing white. You'll find other events during the year listed on the CRI website calendar.
CRI also encourages people to share their stories of immunotherapy treatment. Testimonials help emphasize the power immunotherapy treatment has to turn a hopeless situation around as Dr. Coley did over a century ago. Those who wish to tell their story can register to join the Immunocommunity.
An Unwavering Commitment Prevails
The Cancer Research Institute is a fiscally-responsible vetted charity with endorsements. And its commitment has remained pure for over 60 years. Helen Coley Nauts' conviction that immunotherapy ought to be offered to treat cancer remains at the core of the CRI mission.
Non-profit professionals, doctors, scientists, patients, and donors have come together to keep this focused mission going with momentum into the future of immunotherapy advancement. The CRI community is an unstoppable force in saving and extending the lives of cancer patients.