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Amy Krouse Rosenthal Foundation

The AMY KROUSE ROSENTHAL FOUNDATION is a 501 (c) (3) non-profit organization committed to supporting and funding awareness and research for the early detection of ovarian cancer as well as childhood literacy programs -- causes important to Amy Krouse Rosenthal. Early Detection of Ovarian Cancer Because we know that early detection increases a woman’s survival rate exponentially, we support ovarian cancer research and education initiatives in this area. The Foundation is currently funding multiple Amy Krouse Rosenthal Ovarian Cancer Early Detection Research Grants in pursuit of finding and testing new strategies for the early detection of ovarian cancer, and ultimately to change and save lives. Childhood Literacy We are committed to early childhood literacy efforts that support children as they learn to read so that they can explore their imaginations, connect with stories, and ultimately gain the skills they need to make their mark on the world. Studies show that the most successful way to improve the reading achievement of low-income kids is to increase their access to books. Yet, 60 percent of low-income households have no children’s books at all. Responding to this need, the Foundation is working with literacy partners across the country to strategically distribute Amy’s award-winning books to the children who need them the most. AMY KROUSE ROSENTHAL made the ordinary into something extraordinary. • Amy completed more than 40 books, including bestselling children’s books, grownup memoirs, and keepsake journals. • She made short films and YouTube videos, gave TED talks and provided radio commentary for NPR, among others. • In March 2017, her essay “You May Want to Marry My Husband” was published in The New York Times. By the date of her death, just ten days later, the essay had been read by nearly five million people. A Chicago native, Amy and her husband, Jason, raised their three children in Chicago.

Growth Trajectory

The foundation is poised for growth through increased funding for research grants, expansion of literacy programs, and strategic partnerships with research institutions and literacy organizations. The development of a liquid biopsy test for early ovarian cancer detection and expansion into new communities signal further expansion.

Technical Challenges

Distinguishing between benign and malignant adnexal masses
Validating biomarkers for early ovarian cancer detection
Developing reliable diagnostic tests
Late detection of ovarian cancer due to non-specific symptoms
Childhood illiteracy in underserved communities

Tech Stack

Spatial proteomicsTranscriptomicsNMR spectroscopyLiquid biopsyCell-free DNA analysis

Team Size

Key Risks

High false positive rates in current ovarian cancer screening methods like CA125.
Difficulty in distinguishing between benign and malignant adnexal masses.
Competition with other organizations in cancer research and childhood literacy.
Regulatory hurdles for diagnostic tests (CLIA and FDA approval).
Potential misuse of website and content requiring strict terms of use.

Opportunities

Development of a highly sensitive and specific liquid biopsy test for early ovarian cancer detection.
Expanding literacy programs to more underserved communities through strategic partnerships.
Leveraging innovative technologies like spatial proteomics and transcriptomics for cancer research.
Creating targeted treatments based on new biomarker discoveries.
Enhancing community engagement through creative fundraising events.
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