FUNDING THE FIGHT. FUELING HOPE.
Every Child Deserves a Fighting Chance.
Funding the groundbreaking science with the hope of giving children with brain tumors more time, better treatments, and the possibility of a cure.
100% of money donated to projects goes directly to the research
WHY WE EXIST
Pediatric brain tumors are the #1 cause of death from disease in children under the age of 20.
That’s not a statistic to accept. Ian’s Friends Foundation was founded by parents and a community who refused to. Since 2006, we’ve channeled dollars raised into research that would otherwise go unfunded, supporting the scientists racing to change what’s possible for kids with brain tumors.
FEATURED
See the Science in Action
Ian’s Friends Foundation has and currently funds research at 33 institutions internationally of the world’s most respected hospitals and universities. This is the work your support makes possible.
OUR DIFFERENCE
We Don’t Just Raise Money.
We Move Science Forward.
We Fund What Others Won’t
IFF specifically targets novel, high-risk research that is unlikely to receive traditional federal or institutional funding.
We Create Unlikely Partnerships
We broker unique collaborations between world-renowned researchers and research institutions, breaking down silos that slow discovery.
Every Funded Dollar Goes to Research
IFF pays zero indirect costs to institutions. When we fund/donate to universities or hospitals, 100% of the gift funds the science/projects.
Every Funded Dollar Goes to Research
IFF pays zero indirect costs to institutions. When we fund/donate to universities or hospitals, 100% of the gift funds the science/projects.
A FEW PROJECT HIGHLIGHTS
Research You Make Possible
We partner with researchers at the nation’s top hospitals and universities. Here’s a glimpse at the work your generosity is driving.
Our annual WhatIFF Symposium brings together researchers in a shark-tank-style format to break down barriers and fast-track discoveries.
Learn more
Ian and his family, 20 years later.
OUR STORY
“We found something.”
Those three words changed everything for Cheryl and Phil Yagoda on November 1, 2005, when their son Ian, then a child, finished what was supposed to be a routine MRI. Ian was diagnosed with an inoperable brain tumor in his brainstem. What came next was a family in search of answers, and a shocking discovery: so little funding existed for pediatric brain tumor research, the #1 cause of childhood death from disease.
The People Behind the Research
Behind every project IFF funds, there are families. Some are still fighting. Some have lost a child and still show up to fight for the next one. Their voices are why we do this.
FAMILIES IN THE FIGHT
Families Living with a Diagnosis
Parents and siblings sharing what life looks like, the fear, the appointments, the small victories, and the hope that research brings.
FAMILIES WHO HAVE LOST A CHILD
Those Who Give Back After Loss
Some of the most powerful voices in our community belong to families who lost a child to a brain tumor, and chose to honor them by donating tissue, participating in research, or continuing to fundraise. Their stories remind us that this work outlasts any individual diagnosis.
RESEARCHERS & DOCTORS
The Scientists Your Support Empowers
Hear directly from the researchers and physicians at partner institutions … what drew them to this work, what IFF funding made possible, and what they believe is within reach.
WAYS TO GET INVOLVED
Give Hope. Give Now.
There’s a place for everyone in this fight. Choose the way that works best for you.
Create your own fundraising page and rally your community around a cause that matters. Birthdays, races, milestones, any reason is the right reason.
Become an Event Sponsor
Our Evening of Inspiration gala brings together hundreds of supporters each year. Sponsorship opportunities are available at every level.
Give in Honor or Memory
Celebrate a life, honor a survivor, or remember someone you’ve lost by directing a gift to the research that could change everything for the next child.
UPCOMING EVENTS
Two Cities. One Mission.
Be There.
Our signature events bring together supporters, researchers, and families for an evening that is equal parts inspiration and impact. Every ticket sold and every sponsorship secured goes directly toward funding the research that changes lives.
Evening of Inspiration Atlanta 2026
Nov 7 at 6:30 PM EST • The Foundry at Puritan Mill
Our Atlanta flagship event. A night of stories, science, and community, celebrating the progress we’ve made together and rallying for the road ahead. Black-tie optional.
Evening of Inspiration Los Angeles 2026
Oct 9 at 6:00 PM PDT • Playa Studios
IFF Jr. LA has built a vibrant community of supporters on the West Coast. Join us for an unforgettable evening that proves the fight against pediatric brain tumors is truly a national movement.
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Hotel Booking »
Use code MM15 for a 15% discount
WAYS TO GET INVOLVED
There Are More Ways to Make a Difference