deeply with their event committee to brainstorm new ideas for safely engaging with our community . They communicated in earnest with their donors about their fundraising goals , created matching opportunities , and built new relationships . They deepened their community partnerships and hosted new virtual events , like their special Peloton ride with Padres Pedal the Cause on World Cancer Day . To top off the year and in keeping with their rock and roll vibe , IF hosted Drive In to Drive Out Cancer , a drive-in movie featuring Jack Black in the School of Rock .
This challenging year became an incredible journey of innovation , determination , and an outpouring of support from our community that was unparalleled . In 2020 , IF granted out $ 586,550 to its programming initiatives , specifically : $ 575,000 towards their research in precision cancer immunotherapy at UC San Diego and the La Jolla Institute for Immunology and $ 11,550 on meals and PPE , donated to frontline healthcare workers at UCSD Health ’ s cancer care centers and to St . Paul ’ s Senior Living Facilities .
All research dollars given this year have been dedicated to a personalized cell therapy trial currently open and enrolling at UCSD Moores Cancer Center , using tumor infiltrating lymphocytes , or TIL therapy . In February 2020 , IF received an update that the TIL therapy trial was ready for enrollment and
Jack Black at Drive In to Drive Out Cancer patients were being identified . However , in March 2020 , IF received a new update from their research partners , relaying that due to the imminent threat of the coronavirus outbreak enrollment had been suspended . Thankfully , patient screening for this promising new trial was able to resume in the summertime , and with great effort and dedication on the part of the clinical and research staff at UCSD , Patient # 1 was successfully treated in December of 2020 . Already in 2021 , Patient # 2 has been enrolled , and the trial is continuing to screen patients for treatment .
In 2021 , they are solidifying their community partnerships . They know there is so much more they can do to impact the treatment of cancer together , and they have entered 2021 with the same zeal and determination to change the face of cancer treatment that they have held since their founding in 2015 . As an organization , they weathered an incredibly perilous year for non-profits – and raised and donated more than they were able to in the previous year . This achievement was only possible because our community , as always , stepped up to preserve our mission in the face of uncertainty .
Immunotherapy Foundation is genuinely hopeful for the year ahead . In the most challenging year any of us can remember , you have shown us how powerful we can all be when we come together . Together , we are bound for cures !
www . theimmunotherapyfoundation . org
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