We are a collaboration of scientists, drug research experts and parents who have had their worldview shaken by pediatric cancer and are approaching one, common goal from a wide variety of angles.
OUR TEAM
Charles Keller MD
Chief Science Advisor
Charles is a physician-scientist with expertise in pediatric cancer basic science and experimental therapeutics. Charles’ research focuses on the development of more effective, less toxic therapies for childhood cancers. His special interest is advanced disease that has spread beyond the initial location of the cancer or which makes the tumor unresectable. Charles has co-chaired the brain tumor developmental therapeutics committee (CNS-DVL) of the Children’s Oncology Group and is a member of the soft tissue sarcoma (STS) committee of Children’s Oncology Group. He has also regularly been a standing or ad hoc member of NIH/NCI Study Sections. Charles attended Tulane University where he received a degree in Biomedical Engineering prior to attending Baylor College of Medicine where he received his M.D. degree. After completing his internship and residency in Pediatrics at Texas Children’s Hospital, Charles trained in Pediatric Hematology-Oncology at the University of Utah and with 2007 Nobel laureate, Mario Capecchi. Charles has authored over 100 scientific publications and is a recognized expert in the biology of childhood sarcomas and the preclinical investigation of childhood cancers. Charles is also a co-founder of First Ascent Biomedical (a company developing personalized medical approaches to therapy for canine and human solid tumor patients) and Artisan Biopharma (a company helping translate drug discoveries to clinical use)*. In their spare time, Charles & his daughters enjoy outdoor adventures, as well as designing and building treehouses. * overlap between cc-TDI, FirstAscent and Artisan Biopharma is overseen by a conflict of interest management committee.
Cody Stiverson
Operational Leader
Cody is a 26-year Air Force veteran and fighter pilot who lost his first-born daughter to hepatoblastoma after an intense 13-month battle including liver transplantation. His entire family stays committed to Addie’s memory through their foundation, supporting therapeutic developments for this rare disease. As for Cody’s role, science became a passion and he is extensively connected in the patient-advocacy world across multiple diseases. Each day brings new insights to disparate efforts which need connecting, and he views any success achieved as a tribute to his daughter and her memory. Cody taps into world-wide contacts, a diverse combat and humanitarian operational management background, and is fortunate for a loving family who is committed to the mission ahead.
Anthony Haight, PhD
Chief Scientific Officer
Tony is an PhD organic chemist by trade and a former Distinguished Research Fellow from Abbvie who joins the cc-TDI team having been inspired by those he has known in their battle with cancer and the people striving to find treatments. Tony brings 31 years of pharmaceutical experience with an emphasis on clinical candidate development. Overlap between adjunct role at cc-TDI and Artisan Biopharma is overseen by a conflict of interest management committee.