Our mission is clear: to transform the future of pediatric cancer care and create a world where no child’s potential is ever limited by cancer.
At Children’s Oncology Support Fund, we believe in the magic of every child’s life. We fuel breakthroughs in pediatric cancer research, champion less toxic treatments, and provide families with the support they need. Through strategic hospital partnerships, endowed funds, and targeted research grants, we help advance innovative care and long-term survivorship. We also grow awareness by collaborating with established cancer organizations, medical professionals, and researchers who share our vision. We are dedicated to ensuring that every child’s story is one of resilience, joy, and limitless potential - because every life is a miracle worth fighting for.
COSF works directly with hospitals and established non-profits to build mission-aligned partnerships grounded in transparency, community, and relevancy that maximize impact for children and families facing cancer.
COSF believes in openness, communication, and accountability in all its operations. COSF strives to promote a culture of transparency through its events and activities.
Transparency
COSF believes in the power of healthy collaborative circles. Our organization also believes that the outcomes are far more significant when people, organizations, and communities work together to pursue common goals and interests.
Community
COSF values the power of remaining relevant and up-to-date in pediatric cancer research updates and clinical and non-clinical advances.
Relevancy
Our Founder
Thomas Pierce
Thomas's journey is a powerful testament to his multifaceted talents and unwavering commitment to creating meaningful change in the world. With a foundation in film finance, event production, brand strategy, public relations, and sponsorship sales, Thomas has always been driven by a deeper purpose: to leverage his skills for the greater good.
The loss of his dear friend, Pamela Johnson, was crippling for anyone who knew Pamela, and it ignited a profound passion to support families battling cancer. Witnessing firsthand the emotional and financial toll a diagnosis imposes on loved ones, he channeled his grief into action.
In 2015, Thomas founded Pierce Media & Associates (PMA) in New York City, a venture that highlighted his entrepreneurial spirit and strategic brilliance. Under his leadership, PMA became a beacon of innovation, forging dynamic partnerships between brands and filmmakers. His collaborations with prominent fashion and luxury companies underscored his creative genius in marketing and branding.
In 2019, he turned his attention to producing independent films that not only garnered critical acclaim but also brought vital stories to the forefront of public consciousness. However, it was in January 2022 that Thomas’s passion for philanthropy truly came to the fore with the establishment of the Children's Oncology Support Fund (COSF), a 501(c)(3) organization.
The devastating impact of COVID-19 on researchers and hospitals intensified Thomas's resolve to make a difference. Drawing on his extensive experience volunteering and collaborating with foundations in the cancer and children's welfare space, Thomas took decisive action.
COSF is a living embodiment of Thomas’s deep-rooted commitment to enhancing the lives of children battling cancer and blood disorders. Not content with simply producing films, he has poured his heart and resources into leading COSF, driven by a profound belief in giving back and leaving an indelible mark on society.
Since its inception, under Thomas's visionary leadership, COSF has formed strategic partnerships with prestigious hospitals and renowned nonprofits, including Gabrielle's Angel Foundation for Cancer Research, Children's Hospital Colorado, Children's Hospital Los Angeles, and Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta. His work is not just a career; it is a mission to uplift and transform lives, making Thomas not just a leader, but a force for good in the world.
COSF Team
Jillian Collins | Executive Director
Growing up in San Diego, Jillian developed a deep passion for community building, access to education, and advocacy for underserved populations during her career as an educator for the visually impaired for 12 years.
While supporting various local nonprofits over the past 20 years, she dedicated her career to expanding resources, services, and opportunities through strategic partnerships and charitable initiatives. As a UC San Diego graduate in Human Development Sciences, Jillian combines analytical expertise with human-centered leadership to drive meaningful change. Jillian is a versatile and results-driven leader with a distinguished career spanning nonprofit leadership, business development, event production, special education, leading multi-million dollar startups, and project management across both the public and private sectors. She thrives in high-impact environments, operational efficiency, and organizational growth, seamlessly navigating complex challenges with a data-driven yet empathetic approach.
As the strategic force behind COSF, Jillian ensures the success of mission-driven partnerships, inspiring her team to take bold action and drive innovation. Her unwavering commitment to empowering communities, strengthening organizations, and advancing impactful growth continues to shape a legacy of transformation and purpose-driven outcomes.
Dina Shuhaiber | Manager of Strategic Initiatives & Administration
Dina grew up in the beautiful Bay Area and after college graduation entered the corporate world as a founding member of notable start-up Virgin America - led by one of the world's biggest entrepreneurs and his internationally recognized brand.
A passion for the arts led her to Los Angeles, where she worked as a performer and producer in film and TV, both locally and internationally. Some of her proudest moments include having an Oscar shortlisted Live Action Short Film about war refugees, and an international film premiere at Cannes. Having worked in entertainment, start-ups and education ultimately led her path to non-profits.
Now, as the Manager of Strategic Initiatives & Administration, Dina is optimizing daily operations and strategic processes to drive organizational efficiency and impact. She oversees key administrative functions, leads community management efforts to cultivate meaningful engagement, strengthens partner relationships through auction donation outreach, and ensures seamless guest management - all of which enhance our fundraising initiatives and advance our mission. Her passion, dedication, and collaborative spirit make her an invaluable member of the team, and she is thrilled to be part of the small yet mighty COSF team, where her values align with the organization’s vision and mission.
Thomas Pierce, Founding Chairman
Jillian Collins, Secretary
Dean Sansovich, Treasurer
Scott Weber, Founding Board Member
Carly Weber, Founding Board Member
Shari Liu Fellows, Board Member
Keni Silva, Board Member
Lacy Nicole, Board Member
Savanna Mothner, Board Member
Monica Elias, Board Member