Powering Precision: Donors Who Drive Next-Generation Therapies
The Klings Lead by Giving Back
For Jon and Allison Kling, supporting groundbreaking research and clinical care isn't just philanthropy ― it's personal.
Nearly two decades ago, doctors diagnosed Jon's unborn son, Spencer, with neuroblastoma ― an aggressive form of childhood cancer. Thanks to expert care at Children's National, Spencer is now thriving in college and has a passion for sports, politics and his own podcast.
That outcome drives the Klings to invest in neuroblastoma research, led by Anthony Sandler, MD, senior vice president, surgeon-in-chief, and the Diane and Norman Bernstein Professor of Pediatric Surgery at Children's National.
Dr. Sandler often says he welcomes advances that would get him out of operating rooms. His research focuses on teaching a patient's immune system to destroy cancer cells ― a mission that resonates deeply with families who have lived this reality.
"I felt such a sense of relief to have Children's National in my corner," Jon says. "It's hard to describe how agonizing the diagnosis was."
In addition to supporting Dr. Sandler, the Klings co-chaired the Children's Ball in 2025 and 2026 to provide hope for families facing any condition. "We want to inspire others to support this extraordinary place that brings next-generation care to families like ours," Allison says.
The Dr. Cyrus Katzen Foundation Backs Collaboration
Cell and gene therapies are reshaping what's possible for children with cancer and immune disorders. With visionary support from the Dr. Cyrus Katzen Foundation, our novel Cellular Therapy Program at CCIR is working on safer, more targeted treatments that harness the immune system.
The Katzen Foundation's infusion of support meant Children's National could recruit Dalia Haydar, PharmD, PhD, in 2022. She quickly established one of the world's leading labs for developing and testing immunotherapies for pediatric brain tumors. She also investigates ways to boost these therapies by opening the blood-brain barrier or changing the tumor's environment in the body.
Breakthroughs take time, patience and resources. But there is also urgency. Our patients are waiting. I feel that every day, and I am grateful for the resources that push us ahead.
– Dr. Dalia Haydar
The Cellular Therapy Program is working on more than cancer. The Katzen Foundation also supports Michael Keller, MD, a pediatric immunologist and the inaugural Professor of Precision Medicine. He leads the gene-editing core and a team that develops novel cell therapies for immune-compromised patients with life-threatening infections.
"We are just beginning to understand how to make careful adjustments to the immune system to enable us to target new diseases," Dr. Keller says. "With each success, we're giving families hope."
Be the Reason a Child Smiles
Every day at Children’s National Hospital, lives are changed through compassionate care and groundbreaking discoveries. Your charitable donation helps us deliver expert treatment and hope to thousands of children and families.
Meet the patients whose stories inspire us—and see the difference your support makes.