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CureSearch for Children’s Cancer, a leading national non-profit organization dedicated to ending childhood cancer by driving targeted and innovative research, has officially announced the appointment of John Polson to its Board of Directors. Polson, who serves as the Chairman and Managing Partner of the international labor and employment law firm Fisher Phillips, joins the board at a pivotal moment for the organization. His appointment reflects a strategic effort by CureSearch to integrate high-level corporate leadership and legal expertise into its mission of overcoming the systemic hurdles that have historically slowed the development of life-saving pediatric cancer treatments. With a professional career spanning more than three decades, Polson brings a unique blend of operational excellence and a proven commitment to philanthropic advocacy that is expected to strengthen CureSearch’s ability to bridge the gap between laboratory discovery and clinical application.
A Legacy of Leadership and Legal Excellence
John Polson’s career is defined by his long-standing tenure at Fisher Phillips, one of the most prominent labor and employment law firms globally. As Chairman and Managing Partner, Polson is responsible for the strategic oversight of the firm’s 41 offices and its team of hundreds of attorneys. His leadership has been instrumental in the firm’s expansion and its consistent ranking among the elite in the legal industry. Under his guidance, Fisher Phillips has earned top-tier recognition in prestigious publications such as The Best Lawyers in America and The Legal 500, cementing its reputation for excellence in navigating complex regulatory and employment landscapes.
Beyond his administrative and strategic roles, Polson’s legal expertise provides a significant asset to a non-profit organization like CureSearch. The landscape of medical research is fraught with complex intellectual property issues, regulatory requirements, and the need for robust governance. Polson’s deep understanding of these structures, combined with his experience in scaling a global organization, positions him as a key architect for CureSearch’s future growth. His appointment is seen as a move to bolster the board’s capacity for strategic planning as the organization seeks to expand its footprint in the biotechnology and pharmaceutical sectors.
The Evolution of a Philanthropic Partnership
The appointment of John Polson to the Board of Directors is not an isolated event but rather the culmination of a multi-year relationship between Fisher Phillips and CureSearch. Under Polson’s leadership, the law firm launched FP Cares, a dedicated philanthropic arm designed to foster community engagement and support critical social causes. Childhood cancer research became a primary focus for FP Cares, leading to a series of impactful initiatives that have directly benefited CureSearch’s mission.
To date, FP Cares has raised $200,000 for CureSearch, funding that has been funneled directly into high-impact research projects. However, the partnership extended beyond financial contributions. Polson spearheaded the firm’s involvement in the "Notes of Hope" campaign, a grassroots initiative where Fisher Phillips employees across the country wrote thousands of handwritten letters to children undergoing intensive cancer treatment. This initiative highlighted the human element of the struggle against pediatric cancer, providing emotional support to families while raising awareness of the need for better treatment options. In recognition of this sustained commitment and the tangible impact of the firm’s efforts, CureSearch previously honored Fisher Phillips with the "Champion for Cures" award, an accolade reserved for partners who demonstrate extraordinary dedication to the cause.
Addressing the Crisis in Pediatric Cancer Research
The urgency of Polson’s appointment is underscored by the current state of pediatric oncology. While significant strides have been made in adult cancer research, pediatric treatments have historically lagged behind. This disparity is often attributed to the "market failure" of pediatric drug development; because childhood cancers are considered "orphan diseases" due to their relatively lower incidence compared to adult cancers, pharmaceutical companies often find less financial incentive to invest in the research and development of child-specific therapies.
CureSearch has positioned itself as a disruptor in this space. The organization focuses on the "Valley of Death"—the phase in drug development where promising laboratory research often stalls due to a lack of funding or a clear pathway to clinical trials. By providing strategic funding and expertise to researchers, CureSearch ensures that the most promising treatments are fast-tracked toward the patients who need them.
The data surrounding CureSearch’s impact is staggering. While the national average for cancer research projects successfully advancing from the preclinical stage to clinical trials is approximately 8%, CureSearch-funded projects boast a success rate of 60%. This nearly eight-fold increase in efficiency is a testament to the organization’s rigorous vetting process and its focus on translational research. Polson’s role on the board will involve maintaining this momentum and finding new ways to scale this model to address a wider array of pediatric cancers.
Strategic Perspectives from CureSearch Leadership
The leadership at CureSearch has expressed high expectations for the impact Polson will have on the organization’s trajectory. Kay Koehler, President and CEO of CureSearch for Children’s Cancer, emphasized the value of Polson’s professional background in achieving the organization’s long-term goals.
"We are thrilled to welcome John Polson to the CureSearch Board of Directors," Koehler stated. "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, and we are honored to have him by our side in the fight to end childhood cancer."
For Polson, the appointment is a deeply personal commitment. "I am honored to join CureSearch in their fight to end childhood cancer," Polson said. "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."
Chronology of Recent CureSearch Milestones
The addition of Polson to the board comes during a period of significant activity and achievement for CureSearch. Over the past 24 months, the organization has reached several key milestones:
- Expansion of the Catapult Awards: CureSearch increased its funding for the Catapult Award program, which specifically targets research that is within three years of entering a clinical trial.
- Launch of the Acceleration Initiative: This initiative was designed to foster collaboration between academic researchers and industry partners, a move intended to de-risk pediatric drug development for biotechnology firms.
- National Recognition for Efficiency: CureSearch was recognized by independent charity evaluators for its high percentage of revenue directed toward research and programs, maintaining a lean administrative structure.
- Strengthening of the Scientific Advisory Board: Alongside the Board of Directors, CureSearch has continued to recruit top-tier oncologists and researchers to ensure that every dollar invested is backed by sound scientific potential.
Broader Implications for Non-Profit Governance
The appointment of a high-profile legal executive like John Polson reflects a broader trend in the non-profit sector toward "venture philanthropy." In this model, non-profits operate with the strategic rigor of a venture capital firm, focusing on return on investment—where the "return" is measured in lives saved and successful clinical outcomes rather than profit.
By bringing in a Chairman and Managing Partner of an international law firm, CureSearch is enhancing its ability to navigate the complexities of international partnerships. As pediatric cancer research increasingly becomes a global endeavor, the ability to coordinate across different legal jurisdictions and regulatory environments is essential. Polson’s experience managing 41 offices worldwide provides a blueprint for how CureSearch might expand its own collaborative networks with international research institutions and pharmaceutical giants.
Furthermore, Polson’s expertise in labor and employment law is particularly relevant in an era where talent acquisition and retention are critical for non-profits. Ensuring that CureSearch remains an employer of choice for the best scientific and administrative minds in the country is vital for maintaining its 60% success rate in clinical advancement.
Looking Ahead: The Future of Pediatric Oncology
As John Polson joins the CureSearch Board of Directors, the organization is looking toward a future where the diagnosis of childhood cancer no longer carries the weight of limited treatment options. The current landscape is changing; with the advent of immunotherapy, gene editing, and personalized medicine, the potential for "cures" rather than just "treatments" is higher than ever before.
However, the path forward requires more than just scientific ingenuity; it requires the mobilization of capital, the navigation of regulatory hurdles, and the strategic alignment of various stakeholders. Polson’s appointment is a signal that CureSearch is prepared to meet these challenges head-on. By combining world-class scientific research with world-class corporate governance, the organization is strengthening its position as a vanguard in the fight against pediatric cancer.
The collaboration between Polson, the existing board members, and the scientific community is expected to yield new breakthroughs in the coming years. With 60% of their projects already beating the odds and moving toward clinical trials, the addition of a leader with Polson’s track record suggests that CureSearch is not just aiming to participate in the field of pediatric oncology—it is aiming to lead it toward a definitive conclusion where childhood cancer is a thing of the past.