TargetCancer Foundation

Today, TCF CEO Jim Palma and TCF President Kristen Palma joined rare cancer advocates in Washington, DC to elevate the needs of the rare cancer community.

They spent the day meeting with representatives of both the House and Senate to reiterate the need for continued and increased research funding for rare cancers.

Would you like to support our advocacy efforts from home? Visit the Action Center to get involved:

targetcancer.org/rarecancerday

Rare cancer researchers need our help.

Lack of funding hinders researchers’ ability to create dedicated research programs and develop the basic tools needed to make progress in rare cancers.

Since 2009, we have been working with partners across the rare cancer community to address these challenges.

Visit our Action Center to download these infographics and learn how you can help advocate for rare cancer research funding.

targetcancer.org/rarecancerday

Rare cancer patients, caregivers, and families face unique challenges.

Swipe to learn more, and visit our Action Center to learn how amplifying your story can help shape the future of rare cancer care.

targetcancer.org/rarecancerday

Today is .

Rare Cancer Day is an international day of awareness co-created by the NORD Rare Cancer Coalition®, TCF CEO Jim Palma, and TCF Board member John Hopper.

Held annually in September, Rare Cancer Day shines a light on the rare cancer community and the unique challenges faced by rare cancer patients, caregivers, families, and researchers.

Visit our Rare Cancer Day Action Center to explore how to get involved today and throughout the year:

targetcancer.org/rarecancerday

Have you submitted your application yet?

Don't miss your chance to run the 2027 Boston Marathon presented by Bank of America - Apply today at targetcancer.org/marathon 💙🦄💛

We're excited to share that TCF CEO Jim Palma will be speaking at the 16th World Clinical Biomarkers & Companion Diagnostics Summit in Boston on Thursday, October 8th.

Jim will present "On the Right TRACK: Building a Patient Driven, Decentralized Precision Medicine Trial in Rare Cancers". His talk will explore the unique needs of the rare cancer community that led to the development of our clinical trial, TCF-001 TRACK, and the key benefits and challenges of decentralized clinical trial models. In addition, Jim will present an overview of the critical data generated by TRACK and how that data can contribute to research for the over 70+ rare cancers represented in TRACK.

Are you attending the summit? We'd love to connect either on-site or at our Cambridge, MA offices. Email [email protected] to schedule a meeting with our team.

Join Team TCF 2027!

If you're ready to run a marathon, raise awareness, and make a real difference for patients and families facing a rare cancer diagnosis, we want you on our team for the 2027 Boston Marathon presented by Bank of America.

Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis, so don't wait - apply today! targetcancer.org/marathon

We are excited to welcome Matt Paradise as our Patient Keynote Speaker at the 5th Annual Think Tank on Advancing Precision Medicine in Rare Cancers.

Matt is a rare cancer survivor and advocate who helps healthcare leaders understand how human capacity under extreme strain shapes employee performance, patient experience, and organizational outcomes. Drawing from his lived experience as a patient, caregiver, and someone who has overcome significant health and personal challenges, he brings both moral authority and operational insight to his work.

Join us for Matt's keynote address, "The Life Inside the Science: A Patient’s Perspective on Rare Cancer", in Boston on November 12.

Register today: targetcancer.org/thinktank

Applications are open!

We are thrilled to announce that TargetCancer Foundation has again been selected as a member of the 2027 Bank of America Boston Marathon® Official Charity Program!

Since 2015, Team TCF has raised more than $1 million dollars for vital rare cancer research and patient support programs.

This year, 12 runners will be selected to join our team and take on the historic 131st Boston Marathon® presented by Bank of America on Monday, April 19, 2027.

Would you like to join this inspiring group of athletes as they raise funds and awareness for our mission?

Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis – submit yours today! targetcancer.org/marathon

Last call! Abstract submissions close on Sept. 14!

Are you an early career investigator studying rare cancers? You have until Monday, September 14 to submit your abstract for our 2026 Think Tank on Advancing Precision Medicine in Rare Cancers, taking place in Boston on November 12th.

Researchers within 5 years of fellowship or a terminal degree can submit for a chance to present to leading experts and compete for up to $4,000 through the The Evan Schumacher Fund for Rare Cancer Research Early Investigator Award.

Learn more and submit your abstract today: targetcancer.org/thinktank