Caitlyn Barrett, PhD, is a director on the Science Philanthropy Accelerator for Research and Collaboration (SPARC) team at the Milken Institute. Her scientific expertise in cancer biology and neurodegeneration in addition to her experience in grant and program management, stakeholder engagement, and program analysis are brought to bear as she partners with philanthropists to maximize their impact on the biomedical ecosystem.
Managing Director, SPARC, Milken Institute Philanthropy
Cara Altimus, PhD is a managing director on the Science Philanthropy Accelerator for Research and Collaboration (SPARC) team at the Milken Institute, leading the science and health innovation portfolio. A PhD neuroscientist, Altimus advises individual philanthropists and foundations on the state of research for various areas including neurodegenerative disease and mental health, identifying opportunities where their capital can make the biggest impact.
Pediatric brain cancer accounts for 16 percent of all new childhood cancer diagnoses, making it one of the most common cancer diagnoses in children and adolescents. It is also the leading cause of cancer death within this age group. Unlike adults diagnosed with brain cancer, children's bodies continue to develop while in treatment. Despite biological differences, adults and children with brain cancer are treated using a one-size-fits-all approach, leading to inefficient results. The lack of targeted research and therapy in pediatric brain cancer leads to significant long-term health issues for children and adolescents.
Additionally, families bear enormous financial hardship as a result of pediatric cancer patients' treatment and long-term management. One in four families in the US loses more than 40 percent of their household income due to treatment-related work disruption, and parents of childhood cancer survivors report lower income and higher risk of poverty. The economic burden on families emphasizes the desperate need for more effective treatment paths to improve pediatric patients and their loved ones' long-term financial and physical well-being.
Fortunately, philanthropy, if deployed strategically, can ignite much-needed change in the evolving field of rare and less well-understood cancer subtypes. This report by MI Philanthropy identifies the primary scientific and infrastructure needs, highlighting opportunities for philanthropists to stimulate neglected areas regarding funding and research. The guide recognizes seven areas for philanthropic investment that, if utilized, can transform how pediatric cancer patients are diagnosed, managed, and treated.
Countries undergoing population aging today are facing a much different experience than their historical counterparts. One only needs to look at the countries in Asia to see how these trends are unfolding. Demographic aging is happening...
Even before the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, the United States was confronted with a number of significant policy concerns. Today, working together to solve those challenges is more imperative than ever. The Milken Institute is committed...
The 26th annual Milken Institute Global Conference convened the best minds in the world to tackle its most urgent challenges and realize its most exciting opportunities. Throughout the four-day event, our health teams curated nearly three...
Nationwide protests in the summer of 2020 sparked many of the largest US corporations to pledge more than $200 billion to advance racial equity and confront the nation’s history of systemic racism. Nonprofits, government agencies, and...
Employers seek to support their employees while normalizing a whole-person approach to substance use disorders (SUD). The response to addiction and the opioid crisis requires a whole-of-society approach, including employers of all sizes...
While some sounds can be annoying for most people, for a few, certain sounds like chewing, sniffling, or pen clicking can trigger an intense physical and emotional response. Those with this condition can experience increased heart rate...
The Financial Innovations Labs® and FasterCures teams have collaborated on a project to identify new models for financing the antimicrobial resistant antibiotic pipeline. These past 18 months have demonstrated how consequential public...
In this collection of essays from the Center for the Future of Aging, experts identify challenges and opportunities in realizing the potential of healthy, productive and purposeful aging.
Technical Update Dementia presents a pernicious gender-based health disparity in the United States, inflicting a disproportionate burden on women as both patients and caregivers. Given the rapid increase in the population of older Americans...