Ann Theodore Foundation Breakthrough Sarcoidosis Initiative (ATF-BSI)
SPARC partnered with the Ann Theodore Foundation to support basic and translational research projects in sarcoidosis through the ATF-BSI. This program has been active since 2021.
Immune and Multi-System Diseases
Our immune systems are complex, powerful, and adaptive agents, protecting us from external threats and repairing our bodies after injury. These attributes are great strengths when functioning properly—but when they aren’t functioning properly, they can lead to complicated disease manifestations, affecting multiple organs and tissues in the body.
There are hundreds of immune diseases. Over 15 million people were diagnosed with autoimmune diseases between 2011 and 2022. These diseases can be difficult to diagnose, track, and treat and can have drastic impacts on physical health and quality of life. Breakthroughs in clinical care require creative and bold investments in novel and promising ideas, resulting in new approaches to improving the lives of people living with immune diseases.
Science Philanthropy Accelerator for Research and Collaboration (SPARC) partners with funders to identify impactful opportunities where philanthropy can accelerate progress in immune health. Together, we can build communities, navigate research setbacks, and foster innovation in clinical care to ensure a brighter future for all those who live with immune diseases.
Active Funding Programs
Ann Theodore Foundation Learning Opportunities in Medicine and Sarcoidosis (ATF-LOMAS)
SPARC is working with the Ann Theodore Foundation to administer the ATF-LOMAS grant program, which supports early-career investigators as they establish their work in sarcoidosis.
Programmatic Areas
Sarcoidosis
Sarcoidosis is a life-changing immune disorder that can affect any organ in the body, leading to severe decreases in quality of life and, potentially, death. Alongside ATF, SPARC has developed and implemented multiple philanthropic strategies dedicated to supporting sarcoidosis research and building the research community.
Type 1 Diabetes (T1D)
T1D, formerly known as juvenile diabetes, is a serious autoimmune disease that affects people of all ages by destroying insulin-producing cells in the pancreas, leading to lifelong health complications. SPARC, together with the Leona M. and Harry B. Helmsley Charitable Trust, worked with the T1D community to build and maintain a framework for T1D autoantibody screening in the general population.
Lipedema
Lipedema is a chronic condition that occurs almost exclusively in women and manifests as symmetrical buildup of painful fat and swelling in the limbs. A major challenge in the field is that little is known about how and why lipedema develops in a patient, so SPARC engaged with experts to develop a road map and tools to accelerate progress in lipedema research.
Neurofibromatosis Type 1 (NF1)
NF1 is a genetic disease that can cause a broad range of abnormalities. Among the most impactful is the growth of tumors on nerves, which can compromise essential functions such as vision. NF1 can also cause developmental impacts, including cognitive issues, bone deformities, and heart problems. SPARC reviewed the research and clinical care systems to help patients, families, and donors make informed decisions about supporting NF1 efforts.
Program Experts
Quinton Banks, PhD
Associate Director
Quinton Banks focuses on philanthropy in immune and rare diseases, including sarcoidosis and ALS. Banks has training in biological sciences and psychology, which gives him a unique perspective on the human impact of high-net-worth giving. His extensive scientific background includes research in chronic pain, taste perception, and muscle physiology. Banks holds a PhD from the University of Maryland School of Medicine and a bachelor’s degree from Grinnell College.
Cara Altimus, PhD
Managing Director
Cara Altimus leads SPARC at the Milken Institute. She is also the Managing Director of Breakthrough Discoveries for thriving with Bipolar Disorder (BD2), a philanthropic initiative launched out of SPARC. Previously, Altimus led the Neural Interfaces Laboratory at the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA). She serves as the chair for the Trainee Advisory Committee for the Society for Neuroscience and as an advisor to the Ontario Brain Institute. Altimus holds a PhD in biology from Johns Hopkins University and a bachelor’s degree in genetics from the University of Georgia.
Daniel Pham, PhD
Director
Daniel Pham is the Director of Discovery Research Programs at BD2. He played a lead role in building the foundation for BD², cultivating productive collaborations, and co-authoring multiple publications on bipolar disorder. Previously, Pham worked in science advocacy and policy at the American Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, as well as Research America and Future of Research. Pham holds a PhD in neuroscience from Johns Hopkins University and a bachelor’s degree in neuroscience from UCLA.
Erin Ross
Director
Erin Ross manages SPARC’s strategy and operations across all initiatives. She applies her expertise in health systems and analyzing the role scientific evidence plays in health policy implementation to the role. Ross has published work on health policy and implementation strategies for topics such as type 1 diabetes, dementia, and tauopathies. Prior to joining SPARC, Erin worked in the life science industry for more than 17 years, building strong skills in scientific research, writing, facilitation, and communication. She holds a bachelor’s degree in biochemistry from Hood College.
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