A Devastating Diagnosis
Despite major treatment advances over the past five decades, cancer remains the leading cause of disease-related death among children in the U.S. In fact, it is responsible for more child deaths than all other diseases combined. Yet less than 4% of National Cancer Institute research funding is allocated specifically to pediatric cancers.
At Phoenix Children’s Center for Cancer and Blood Disorders (CCBD), we’re working to change that. Led by world-renowned pediatric cancer researcher Mario Otto, MD, PhD, CCBD is Arizona’s largest pediatric cancer program. And thanks to support from our generous community, we’re getting closer to the day when no family ever loses a child to cancer.
2025 at CCBD
4.9k+
patients treated
22.2k+
patient appointments
402
children newly diagnosed with cancer
160+
clinical trials
Learn how your support makes a difference for children and families at the Center for Cancer and Blood Disorders.
Phoenix Children’s was one of the first pediatric cancer centers in the country to offer cellular therapy, a groundbreaking new approach to treating cancer.
What Your Support Makes Possible
The generosity of caring people like you helps:
In late 2025, CCBD began offering three new gene therapy treatments for sickle cell disease and beta thalassemia, two debilitating blood disorders.
Nawal Merjaneh, MD, received the Young Investigator Award from Hyundai Hope on Wheels for her work on targeted therapies for rhabdomyosarcoma, a rare cancer of the soft tissues.
Four behavioral health professionals are embedded within CCBD to support children and families as they navigate difficult diagnoses.
Fertility preservation services allow patients undergoing cancer treatment to bank ovarian or testicular tissue, eggs, or sperm to safeguard their ability to have children later in life.
CCBD’s Patient and Family Assistance Fund provides support for patient families experiencing financial hardship, from meal vouchers and gas cards to sack lunches and Walmart gift cards.
Philanthropy-funded programs like Child Life and Camp Rainbow help children cope with the mental, emotional and social aspects of cancer treatment. In 2025, 117 campers ages 7 to 17 attended Camp Rainbow.
Stories of Hope and Healing
CCBD Philanthropic Advisory Council
Mike DeSoto
COO & VP, MITER Brands
Lynn Fischer
Founder and Board Member, Title21 Health Solutions
Lewis “Buzz” David Ghiz
Former President, Paramount Pool & Spa Systems
Erin Lewin
Former Senior Vice President & General Counsel, Avnet
Thomas Luther
Director, Corporate eWaste Solutions (CEWS)
David Romanelli
Author
Nicole Stead
Volunteer and Philanthropist
Your gift to the Center for Cancer and Blood Disorders helps create a future where more children survive, thrive and look ahead with hope.
