Collaboration Helps Find Cures

Our Mission

The Rare Cancer Research Foundation (RCRF) is a 501(c)3 dedicated to curing rare cancers through strategic investments and innovative collaborations that facilitate effective research and accelerate deployment of promising therapies.

  • The Rare Cancer Research Foundation was born out of the patient experience. Learn about our Founder and Chairman, Mark Laabs, and how his rare cancer experience motivated him to make a change.

  • Rare cancers are the leading cause of cancer deaths in the US. Most rare cancers do not have effective therapies and the development of new treatments is blockaded by the lack of sufficient research infrastructure.

    Rare cancers represent 27% of all cancer diagnoses, and the 5-year survival rate is lower for patients diagnosed with a rare cancer.

  • With our globally accessible network of patients, researchers, and partner organizations, RCRF continues to develop an ecosystem of support for all rare cancer research.

    The flagship initiative of the Rare Cancer Research Foundation is Pattern.org, a patient-driven platform to rapidly improve rare cancer research and provide personalized and actionable data and treatment options for rare cancer patients anywhere in the country.