What makes us different?

Q: Who is Gateway for Cancer Research and what do they do?

A: Gateway for Cancer Research is a 501 (c)(3) not-for-profit organization based in Schaumburg, IL that funds research for all types of cancer. The research we fund bridges the gap between the laboratory and large scale NIH studies, focusing on safety and efficacy of new, break-through treatments for cancer patients.

Q: What is the mission of Gateway?

A: To cure cancer through funding patient-centered clinical studies that deliver innovative treatment options to cancer patients.

Q: When was Gateway founded and why?

A: Gateway was founded in 1991 by Richard J Stephenson. He had founded Cancer Treatment Centers of America after his mother lost her battle to cancer in order to give cancer patients the type of care his mother didn’t have the chance to receive. Then, several years later in 1991, he founded Gateway in order to accelerate the search for a cure.

Q: Is Gateway the foundation for Cancer Treatment Centers of America (“CTCA”)?

A: No, it is not. Gateway funds studies across the globe conducted by researchers from CTCA as well as other renowned institutions like MD Anderson, Sloan-Kettering and Dana Farber, to name a few. CTCA is a major donor and underwrites the Foundation’s operational expenses. Gateway is CTCA’s charity of choice but the organizations are separate entities.

Q: How is Gateway able to operate so lean – allocating 99 cents of every dollar donated to cancer research programs?

A: Because of generous corporate underwriting of operational expenses, Gateway is able to allocate 99 cents of every dollar donated to cancer research programs. We extend this underwriting financial model to Gateway events as well. We secure underwriting for each of our events so that all the money raised can be directed to cancer research programs, preserving the 99 cents to every dollar donated ratio. This ratio is unprecedented in the not-for-profit arena.

Q: How is Gateway different from other cancer research organizations?

A: There are a few ways in which Gateway is different:

• Gateway focuses on research that can have an impact on cancer patients today – as well as 5 or 10 years down the road.

• Gateway ONLY funds research (not outreach, education, etc) that assures a focused, immediate impact on patients.

• Gateway research encompasses the most innovative applications of conventional therapies (chemotherapy, radiation and surgery) and the best in science-based complementary medicine (nutrition, biofeedback, psychoneuro-immunology, spiritual, etc).

• Gateway only supports clinically based studies that have passed the test tube stage, are ready to make a significant impact on cancer patients, and do not include use of laboratory animals.

• And of course, 99 cents of every dollar donated goes to cancer research programs.

Q: What kind of research does Gateway fund?

A: Gateway funds conventional, integrative and complementary phase I and phase II cancer research studies being conducted by some of the most pioneering researchers from around the world. Phase I and II studies are typically investigating the safety and efficacy in humans. This type of research bridges the gap between the laboratory and large scale NIH studies, filling a vital niche in the cancer research continuum.

Q: Where are Gateway researchers from?

A: Gateway doesn’t conduct research. It funds research only. Gateway-funded researchers are from institutions such as MD Anderson, Dana Farber, Sloan-Kettering, Mayo Clinic, Duke University and Malpighi Hospital (Bologna, Italy) to name a few.

Q: How many grants does Gateway fund or how many has it funded?

A: Since 1991, Gateway has funded more than 65 grants totaling over $16 million dollars.

Q: How much money will Gateway fund per study?

A: Gateway will fund up to $300,000 per year for two years. Payments are equally divided into 6 month intervals and will only be continued if the researcher can demonstrate progress and patient impact.

Q: Have any of the Gateway-funded researchers made significant strides in finding a cure?

A: Yes, they have. For example, one research project has shown that ovarian/breast cancer patients can be effectively immunized against HER2 (an immunogenic protein) to prevent relapse.

In addition, numerous other researchers have shown results that have allowed them to obtain additional funding from the National Institute of Health (NIH)/National Cancer Institute (NCI) for larger, more in-depth studies.

Many Gateway-funded research results have been published in the Journal of Clinical Oncology and other major research publications.

Q: Does Gateway manage/have any funds under the Gateway umbrella?

A: Yes – Gateway manages the Walter Payton Cancer Fund (www.payton34.org), the Allstate Cancer Research Fund and the Pediatric/ Adolescent Fund.

Q: Who are the leaders of Gateway?

A: A complete list of Gateway’s Board of Directors, the Board of Scientific Counselors, and the team that manages daily operations can be found on Gateway’s website.

Q: How do I get more information on Gateway?

A: Please visit Gateway’s website: www.gatewayforcancerresearch.org or call the Gateway office at 847.342.7450 during normal business hours.