Local non-profit Little p Project funds $100k pediatric cancer research grant

Heather and Rob Mannson speak in honor of their daughter, Parker, at the Little p Project's first annual Gala May 2023. Photo: Little p Project.

Pediatric sarcomas, similar to Parker’s, have a dismal overall survival of 20-30%. Despite decades of clinical trials, the treatment for pediatric soft tissue sarcoma consisting of chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and surgery has mainly remained the same for the last 30 years.  

PARK CITY, Utah — “Parker ‘Little p’ had a way of seeing the beauty in the ordinary whether it be a leaf in her hand or a caterpillar on a branch. Wise beyond her years, Parker always felt a deep sincere need to care for others, as well as animals and the earth. She loved and embodied life, connected with everyone and everything in her orbit.” This insight was shared on the Little p Project website by Parker’s parents, Rob and Heather Mansson.

In the summer of 2020, Parker was diagnosed with soft tissue sarcoma. After many rounds of chemotherapy and radiation, several invasive surgeries, and well over one hundred nights in the hospital, Parker passed away on May 24, 2022.

The loss of Parker devastated her family, friends and all those she touched. Although the grief did not necessarily subside, it prompted her parents, Rob and Heather, to ask, “How can we make a difference? How do we make sure other children do not lose their futures to cancer? How do we show people that rare cancers really aren’t all that rare?” 

The Mansson’s wanted to start a nonprofit that could spread awareness and hope, while carrying on the legacy of Parker. The name and main goal was chosen and their plan was set in motion. With a medical advisory team composed of Parker’s doctors as well as a board of directors made up of relatives and lifelong friends, Little p Project was born.

In May 2023, Little p Project held its first annual gala at the National Ability Center, which included a powerful performance from Parker’s teammates at Summit Dance Project, and a live auction.

The gala succeeded in raising $100,000 in the night alone prompting Little p Project to fund a $100,000 cancer research grant administered by the Children’s Oncology Group Foundation. 

Pediatric sarcomas, similar to Parker’s, have a dismal overall survival of 20-30%. Despite decades of clinical trials, the treatment for pediatric soft tissue sarcoma consisting of chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and surgery has mainly remained the same for the last 30 years.  

The grant awarded to the COG Foundation will help to fund a clinical trial that is evaluating the efficacy and safety of an antibody-drug conjugate, a form of immunotherapy, that specifically is directed toward a target antigen expressed highly on the surface of cancer cells but at lower levels on normal tissue. This specificity reduces systemic exposure and therefore toxicity.  

In addition, the Little p Project will be partnering with the oncology department at Primary Children’s Hospital in Salt Lake City, where Parker was treated. In this partnership, they are currently working on finalizing an application process to identify families who are not only coping with and navigating their child’s cancer diagnosis, but also struggling financially. Once these families are identified, the goal of Little p Project is to support them financially in a way that lessens their burden and stress during their child’s cancer treatment. 

To learn more about this organization, visit the Little p Project website.