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CureSearch for Children’s Cancer, a leading national non-profit organization dedicated to accelerating the development of life-saving treatments for pediatric cancer, has officially announced the appointment of John Polson to its Board of Directors. Polson, who serves as the Chairman and Managing Partner of Fisher Phillips, one of the world’s most prominent labor and employment law firms, brings three decades of executive leadership and legal expertise to the organization. This strategic appointment comes at a pivotal time for CureSearch as it continues to outperform national averages in transitioning preclinical research into tangible clinical trials, a critical metric in the fight against childhood diseases.
The addition of Polson to the board is the culmination of a long-standing philanthropic relationship between Fisher Phillips and CureSearch. Under Polson’s guidance, Fisher Phillips has emerged as a significant corporate ally in the pediatric oncology space, leveraging its global network of 41 offices and over 500 attorneys to raise both funds and awareness. The appointment signifies a deepening of this partnership, moving from external support to internal strategic governance, as CureSearch seeks to scale its impact on the global stage.
A Legacy of Legal and Strategic Leadership
John Polson’s professional background provides a robust foundation for his new role on the CureSearch Board. As the head of Fisher Phillips, Polson is responsible for the strategic direction, daily operations, and long-term growth of an international legal powerhouse. His tenure has been marked by significant expansion and the maintenance of high professional standards, with the firm consistently earning top-tier rankings in prestigious industry publications such as The Best Lawyers in America and The Legal 500.
In the legal community, Polson is recognized not only for his expertise in labor law but also for his ability to navigate complex organizational structures and foster collaborative environments. These skills are particularly relevant to CureSearch, which operates at the intersection of academic research, regulatory requirements, and pharmaceutical development. The ability to manage diverse stakeholders—from researchers and clinicians to donors and government agencies—is essential for the success of any non-profit in the medical sector.
“I am honored to join CureSearch in their fight to end childhood cancer,” Polson stated following the announcement. “This is a cause that is very close to my heart, and I look forward to helping drive the organization’s critical work in advancing research and providing hope to children and families affected by cancer.”
The History of Collaboration: Fisher Phillips and CureSearch
Polson’s appointment is not an isolated event but rather the next chapter in a documented history of support. Through FP Cares, the philanthropic arm of Fisher Phillips, the firm has demonstrated a sustained commitment to CureSearch’s mission. To date, these efforts have resulted in the contribution of $200,000 to fund pediatric cancer research.
Beyond financial contributions, Polson championed the “Notes of Hope” campaign within his firm. This initiative encouraged employees across all 41 Fisher Phillips offices to write personal, handwritten letters of encouragement to children undergoing intensive cancer treatments. The campaign resulted in thousands of letters being delivered to hospitals, providing emotional support to families during some of their most challenging moments.
In recognition of this multifaceted support, CureSearch previously honored Fisher Phillips with the “Champion for Cures” award. This history of engagement ensures that Polson enters his board seat with a deep understanding of the organization’s culture, its operational needs, and the urgent realities of the families it serves.
Addressing the Funding Gap in Pediatric Oncology
The context of Polson’s appointment is framed by the stark realities of pediatric cancer research funding in the United States. While cancer remains the leading cause of death by disease for children in the U.S., pediatric oncology receives a disproportionately small share of federal and private research funding compared to adult cancers. According to the National Cancer Institute (NCI), only about 4% of the federal budget for cancer research is specifically dedicated to childhood cancers.
This funding disparity creates what researchers often call the “Valley of Death”—the gap between a promising discovery in a laboratory and the start of a clinical trial in humans. Because the market for pediatric drugs is smaller than that for adult chronic conditions, many pharmaceutical companies are hesitant to invest the hundreds of millions of dollars required for drug development.
CureSearch was founded to bridge this gap. By focusing on high-potential preclinical projects and providing the necessary funding and industry connections, the organization ensures that promising science does not stall due to lack of capital. Polson’s experience in corporate strategy and international operations is expected to bolster CureSearch’s ability to attract new investment partners and streamline the path from bench to bedside.
Proven Results: The CureSearch Model
The effectiveness of CureSearch’s strategy is evidenced by its recent performance data. A hallmark of the organization’s success is its ability to select and shepherd projects that have a high probability of clinical application. Currently, 60% of CureSearch-funded preclinical projects successfully advance to clinical trials. This figure is staggering when compared to the national average for cancer research, which hovers around 8%.
This high success rate is attributed to CureSearch’s rigorous vetting process and its focus on "translational research"—science that is specifically designed to be turned into a treatment. The organization utilizes an International Advisory Board and an Industry Advisory Council to evaluate every project, ensuring that only the most viable and impactful research receives funding.
Kay Koehler, President and CEO of CureSearch, emphasized the value Polson brings to this high-stakes environment. “We are thrilled to welcome John Polson to the CureSearch Board of Directors,” Koehler said. “John’s proven leadership, deep commitment to social impact, and ability to build strong relationships will be invaluable as we continue our work to bring life-saving treatments to children with cancer. His experience and vision will help us take our mission to the next level.”
The Strategic Importance of Corporate Governance
In the modern non-profit landscape, the role of a board member has evolved from purely advisory to highly strategic. For an organization like CureSearch, which manages multi-million dollar research grants and navigates complex intellectual property landscapes, the presence of a legal expert like Polson is a significant asset.
Polson’s expertise in labor and employment law provides an additional layer of institutional security. As CureSearch grows, its internal operations, talent acquisition, and compliance frameworks become more complex. Having a board member who oversees a global firm ensures that the organization maintains the highest standards of operational excellence. Furthermore, Polson’s professional network offers CureSearch access to a broader array of corporate leaders who may be interested in Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) partnerships.
Broader Implications for Pediatric Research
The appointment of a high-profile legal leader to a medical research board reflects a growing trend in "venture philanthropy." This model applies the principles of venture capital—rigorous due diligence, performance metrics, and active management—to the world of charitable giving. By bringing in leaders like Polson, CureSearch reinforces its commitment to efficiency and results-oriented advocacy.
The impact of this leadership change will likely be felt in several key areas:
- Scaling Global Reach: With Fisher Phillips’ international presence, Polson can help CureSearch navigate international collaborations, which are increasingly common in rare disease research where patient populations are small and geographically dispersed.
- Resource Mobilization: Polson’s track record in fundraising and firm-wide mobilization suggests he will play a key role in expanding CureSearch’s donor base, particularly within the legal and corporate sectors.
- Advocacy and Awareness: As a respected figure in the business community, Polson’s advocacy can help elevate the profile of pediatric cancer issues among influencers who have the power to affect policy and funding at the national level.
A Unified Front Against Childhood Cancer
John Polson joins a board that comprises a diverse group of stakeholders, including veteran business executives, renowned pediatric oncologists, and parents who have been personally affected by childhood cancer. This "triad" of expertise—business, medicine, and lived experience—is the cornerstone of CureSearch’s governance philosophy.
Every day, approximately 43 children in the United States are diagnosed with cancer. While survival rates have improved significantly over the last several decades, the long-term side effects of current treatments—which often include toxic chemotherapy and radiation—can be devastating. Many survivors face lifelong health challenges, including heart disease, secondary cancers, and cognitive impairments. CureSearch’s mission is not just to find a cure, but to find better cures—treatments that are more targeted and less toxic.
The leadership of John Polson is expected to accelerate this mission. By applying the same strategic rigor that has made Fisher Phillips a global leader in the legal field, Polson will help ensure that CureSearch remains at the forefront of medical innovation. As the organization moves forward, the focus remains clear: transforming the landscape of pediatric cancer research to ensure that every child diagnosed with the disease has the opportunity to lead a long, healthy life.
With this appointment, CureSearch reaffirms its position as a catalyst for change in the oncology field, proving that when corporate leadership and scientific excellence converge, the possibilities for medical breakthroughs are significantly enhanced. The partnership between Polson and CureSearch stands as a model for how professional expertise can be leveraged to solve some of society’s most pressing and heartbreaking challenges.
