• Address: 2002 23rd St. Columbus NE 68601
Facebook-f Instagram
Donate now

Programs & Services

Sammy’s Superheroes Foundation mission is to raise awareness and fund life-saving research for ALL types of childhood cancer. Our vision is a world where childhood cancer no longer strikes fear and despair in hearts and minds of families when their loved ones are diagnosed. While funding a cure and finding modern treatments is at the core of our mission, we are also grateful for our corporate sponsorships which make our family outreach programs possible.  

Grant Funding

At the core of our mission, we want to help more kids survive cancer and push for a cure. We feel it’s close, but too many times, lack of funding gets in the way. With only 4% of the National Cancer Institute’s budget earmarked for pediatric cancer, there are huge gaps in funding for the researchers who could be on the edge of a breakthrough. Most pharmaceutical companies won’t support this research because there is no profit and the government will not allocate more funds for childhood cancer research. That leaves it up to non-profits like Sammy’s Superheroes Foundation- we are here to fill in the gaps in funding because we don’t see kids as a dollar amount or statistic. 

Our grant funding in the past has helped researchers at Duke University, Dana Farber, Comer and Children’s Medical Center in Omaha continue their research programs to help fight all types of childhood cancer. All types of childhood cancer is another key part of who we are; we don’t focus on one specific type of cancer because we don’t want ANY families to suffer. Our goal is to fund researchers who are doing ground-breaking, innovative research that will lead to modern treatments for childhood cancer and pave the way to find a cure.  

Awareness

Childhood cancer awareness is an important part of our programming. When most people hear the word cancer, instantly they think of breast cancer, lung cancer or some other type of adult cancer. Childhood cancer is rarely top-of-mind unless there is some sort of personal connection. Many don’t like to think of young children having cancer, but it’s reality. Helping to create awareness is crucial to helping us raise money for more research and modern treatments. 

Our goal is to inform people about the issues that face those battling childhood cancer, and to inspire people to get involved by spreading awareness and helping to raise funds to support Sammy’s Superheroes Foundation’s mission. We want the golden ribbon to be as recognizable as those that are pink and orange. We want September to be a month of intense awareness for our fight and support of those families affected by this terrifying disease. 

Our strategy for awareness is to use as many forms of communication as possible. We use social media, radio, TV, outdoor and print. Our organization can’t just raise awareness through media alone. We like to get out in the public and tell our story and spread our passion for this cause in a more personal way. We offer presentations and events to help draw attention to anyone that will listen. Sammy’s Superheroes Foundation will keep spreading our message and we will defeat childhood cancer. 

Advocacy

Advocacy – Government spending for childhood cancer is less than minimal. Only 4% of the National Cancer Institute’s budget is dedicated to childhood cancer research funding. Our children are worth more than 4% of the budget. We will keep advocating for improvements by pushing out elected officials to make changes, informing and making government officials aware of the lack of help available for children with cancer, and help the researchers that are searching for a cure. 

Family Support

Through our corporate partnership with Northwestern Mutual, Sammy’s Superheroes Foundation is grateful to provide comforting family outreach boxes to Nebraska area children and families fighting childhood cancer. These boxes include items such as a soft blanket, t-shirts, books and journals for children and families going through a diagnosis, as well as resources to help  families navigate this very difficult time. Families will start to receive these special gifts by the end of the month. Sammy’s Superheroes Foundation and Northwestern Mutual Nebraska also plan to provide a delivery to pediatric oncology patients at Children’s Hospital and Medical Center in the very near future. Boxes will also be sent to families who have lost a child with a very special “Angel Family Blanket.” The unveiling of the care package took place at the Northwestern Mutual sponsored Creighton pre-game event on Saturday, March 9th, 2019 by Northwest Mutual Nebraska Managing Partner, Mike Tews and Sammy’s Superheroes Board Member and Sammy’s mother, Erin Nahorny.

The impact that a special gift like this can have on a family is great. Erin Nahorny shared, “When Sammy was going through treatment, he received many special gifts and this care package will include some of his favorite things that brought him and our family comfort during those difficult days. We want other families to know that we understand and we are here to help them through their fight. “ Northwestern Mutual Managing Partner, Mike Tews added.”  

Northwestern Mutual has continually been a major driver in the fight against childhood cancer both statewide and nationally.  Since 2016, Northwestern Mutual Nebraska has donated nearly $500,000 to childhood cancer causes in the state of Nebraska, as well as donated over 5,000 volunteer hours and held over 100 events statewide.  Northwestern Mutual has been a corporate partner of Sammy’s Superheroes for nearly seven years.

Innovation Awards

Innovation Awards are designed to provide critical and significant seed funding for experienced investigators with a novel and promising approach to finding causes and cures for childhood cancers.

Inducing Neuroblastoma Differentiation In Vivo

Principal Investigator:

Dr. Kristopher Bosse

Institution:

The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia

Type of Cancer:

Neuroblastoma

Grant Amount:

$250,000 over two years

Reach Award

Reach Grants are designed to move hypothesis-driven research into the clinic. These grants are intended to fund developmental therapeutic studies in the late stage of preclinical testing.

This Reach Award began in 2023 and is in its second year of funding.

Circumventing Pediatric Solid Tumor Microenvironment Resistance by Combinatorial CAR NK and Immunomodulating Therapy

Principal Investigator:

Dr. Kristopher Bosse

Institution:

The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia

Type of Cancer:

Neuroblastoma

Grant Amount:

$250,000 over two years

Frequently Asked Questions

What programs does Sammy’s Superheroes Foundation offer?

Sammy’s Superheroes Foundation offers several programs, including childhood cancer research grant funding, awareness campaigns, advocacy efforts, family support services, and the Sidekicks fundraising program. Each program is designed to support research, educate the public, and provide meaningful assistance to children and families affected by childhood cancer.
The mission of Sammy’s Superheroes programs is to fund childhood cancer research and raise awareness about all types of pediatric cancers. The foundation works to support scientists, improve treatment options, and bring communities together to help find better cures and ultimately improve survival rates for children.
The Grant Funding program provides financial support to researchers and institutions focused on childhood cancer studies. It helps fund innovative projects, clinical trials, and scientific breakthroughs that may not receive traditional funding. The goal is to accelerate research that leads to better treatments and improved outcomes for children.
Sammy’s Superheroes supports research across all types of childhood cancers. This includes studies on new treatment methods, drug development, clinical trials, and innovative scientific discoveries. The foundation prioritizes research that has strong potential to improve survival rates and quality of life for children diagnosed with cancer.

The Awareness program focuses on educating communities about childhood cancer through events, outreach campaigns, media engagement, and social media efforts. It aims to increase public understanding, encourage donations, and build stronger community involvement to support research and families affected by childhood cancer.

Sammy’s Superheroes supports families through care packages and outreach boxes designed to provide comfort during treatment. These packages often include toys, activities, and supportive items for children. The program helps reduce emotional stress and shows families they are not alone during their cancer journey.
The Advocacy program works to increase public and government support for childhood cancer research funding. It raises awareness of the need for better policies, increased research investment, and improved access to treatment. The goal is to ensure childhood cancer receives the attention and funding it urgently requires.
The Sidekicks program allows individuals, families, and groups to create their own fundraising efforts under the foundation’s nonprofit structure. Participants can raise money for childhood cancer research while benefiting from the organization’s tools, resources, and tax-exempt status, helping expand community-driven support.
Funds raised through Sammy’s Superheroes programs are directed toward childhood cancer research grants, awareness initiatives, advocacy work, and family support services. Every donation helps support scientists, spread awareness, and assist families impacted by childhood cancer, ensuring resources are used to maximize impact.
Yes, anyone can participate in Sammy’s Superheroes programs. Individuals, families, schools, and organizations can contribute by donating, volunteering, starting Sidekicks fundraisers, or participating in awareness events. The foundation encourages community involvement to help expand its mission of supporting childhood cancer research and families.