Phase Two: Cure the Cancer

Thanks to our generous donors we are nearing the actual manufacturing phase of the CAR-T.  

The manufacturing process for engineered T cells follows many complex and labor intensive procedures. The video at the bottom of this page highlights this process.

After the CAR-T cells are manufactured, funding of an additional $1.5M will be needed to support the families who are part of the trial studies.  

CCRF Partnership

Providing targeted therapies to children is very expensive. The research and development of the Project Stella CAR T costs approximately $2M. Thanks to our incredible supporters that goal has been exceeded! Now, we move to Phase 2: the pediatric clinical trial, which is estimated at 1.5M for the first 15 children. Paying for CAR T therapy on top of medical bills is an incredible burden to families who are already strapped; emotionally, mentally, and financially.

In October of 2022, Children's Cancer Research Fund and Project Stella were selected as the philanthropy partners for the SHOOK Top Advisor Summit. This event, a gathering of the nation's top wealth advisors, raised $900,000 in a matter of hours.

The Summit was an emotional day of hope and promise; memorializing Stella and her legacy and looking to a brighter future for kids battling AML. Suitably, the event itself happened to fall on what would have been Stella's 9th birthday. Some would say the timing was a random coincidence. We believe otherwise. Thank you, Stella, and happy birthday.

*Pictured: Novotny family, Siders family, Stella's aunt, Carryn, & Dr. Soheil Meshinchi meet for the first time in person at the Summit.

From Children’s Cancer Research Fund (Images top/right):   Kenna, VP of Development & Donor Relations, Janice, Development Coordinator, Sarah, Events & Engagement Manager, and Lauren, Development Officer.

Project Stella Research Floor

Fred Hutch Cancer Center recently recognized all of the families and donors who are either impacted by and/or are supporters of Project Stella by dedicating a floor of their research center. The Project Stella Research Floor will be a constant reminder to all of the researchers who pass by it that their tireless efforts have a major impact on the patients and families fighting pediatric AML.  It also creates a wonderful opportunity for the Philanthropy Team to share the incredible story of Project Stella with other potential Hutch donors who are touring the building.  We are humbled and honored that Fred Hutch Cancer Center wanted to bring special attention to this unique alliance between donors and researchers.