She survived. Diagnosed with papillary thyroid carcinoma at age 11, Sowa lived to discover a problem with how childhood cancer research was funded. This talk explores funding strategies for organizations that help bridge the gap left by government funding for childhood cancer research. Samantha is an actuarial science student at North Central College. A childhood cancer survivor, Samantha has conducted research on childhood cancer funding that she will continue through her college career. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx