Cancer Research

cancerresearch.org

The immune system is a unique biological system, which is designed to protect and prevent diseases, flues, and other infections. When an individual becomes afflicted with cancer, it is because the immune system has failed to identify and eliminate tumors. Unfortunately, 7 million people will lose this biological battle each year. But, what if we could build a stronger immune system?

The Cancer Research Institute is a nonprofit organization that is dedicated to the innovative scientific research of cancer immunology (the study of the immune system and its relationship to cancer). They fund and support scientists, internationally, who conduct discovery-driven laboratory and clinical research, in order to harness and establish a stronger immune system. Through CRI’s funding and support, scientists have been able to determine that the immune system can successfully destroy tumors. This discovery has enabled scientists to begin research on the next breakthrough: therapeutic immune-based cancer medicine. CRI not only funds and supports research, but they also hold annual events to spread the awareness and knowledge of cancer immunology as well as enlist the aid of supporters to help propel its unique research programs.

Every August, CRI holds the Young Philanthropists Midsummer Social in a premiere nightclub in Manhatten, NY. This event is directed towards young, charitable adults who are interested in getting involved in supporting the Institute’s work in immunology and cancer research. Last year, 320 young adults came out to support the cause, raising upwards of $25,000. In addition to the Midsummer Social the Institute also holds an annual fall golf outing.

The CRI also conducts a black tie Annual Awards Dinner in New York City.  Over 200 guests attend, to honor outstanding scientific acheivements and service within cancer research. This event alone raises between $750,000 and $1,250,000 dollars.

Along with all of these events, CRI announced the first year of Conquer the Canyon, an event in which individuals raise money to participate in a three-day excursion through the Grand Canyon. If you are interested in getting involved in next year‘s journey, or any of the other events, or would like to learn more about immunology, go to http://www.cancerresearch.org/ or email events@cancerresearch.org.

Blood Cancer

www.marrow.org

Every year, more than 10,000 Americans are diagnosed with life-threatening diseases such as leukemia or lymphoma, and their best or only hope of a cure is a transplant from an unrelated donor or cord blood unit. Most patients, about 70 percent, in need of a transplant do not have a matching donor in their family. Where can they turn? Be The Match.

Be The Match, a part of the non-profit the National Marrow Donor Program, raises awareness and establishes a network of donors through the Be The Match Registry. The registry is a system which matches patients to their prospective donors through Human Leukocyte Antigen (HLA) typing. This typing corresponds a series of data to determine a blood marrow and/or a cord blood match. Be The Match Registry currently has more than 7 million potential volunteer donors. This extensive network gives patients a 60 to 88 percent chance of finding a match. If you are interested in becoming a donor, and potentially saving a life, visit http://www.bethematch.org/join and sign up now.

Be The Match not only aids blood cancer patients with finding a donor, but events are also held nationally – ranging from auctions to walks – to raise awareness and money for blood cancer research, patient assistance funds and adding more people to the Be The Match Registry. If you are interested in getting involved with a local a event, visit http://www.bethematch.org/help.

Elizabeth Hurley

Breast Cancer Foundation

Each year The Breast Cancer Foundation hosts the “Hot Pink Party” in New York, New York and Boston, Massachusetts. This year, the festivities will be held on April 27, 2010 (New York, NY at The Waldorf=Astoria) and May 13, 2010 (Boston, MA at The Four Seasons Hotel). A cornerstone of The Breast Cancer Research Foundation’s fundraising is a result of the supporting stemming these spring benefits.

Each year, Elizabeth Hurley graciously hosts the New York benefit. Alongside a star studded crowd (previous attendees included makeup artist Bobbi Brown and actor Alan Cumming), the audience will be treated to a dazzling live performance by Elton John and/or a surprise musical guest. Last year’s New York event raised an astonishing $4 million dollars and the Foundation hopes to sustain that fundraising goal in 2010.

The Boston event is preceded by a symposium with a panel comprised of several BCRF-funded New England researchers. Attendees have an opportunity to learn the latest on breast cancer research. Last year, survivor and television journalist, Kelly Tuthill, hosted the Boston benefit, helping raise $490,000. The “Boston Humanitarian Award” is also presented to an individual for their outstanding philanthropic work. Last year’s recipient was Larry Lucchino, CEO of the Boston Red Sox.

The Breast Cancer Research Foundation® was founded in 1993 by Evelyn H. Lauder as an independent, not-for-profit 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to funding innovative clinical and translational research. To date, $255 million dollars has been raised. A minimum of 85 cents of each dollar donated to the Foundation goes directly to breast cancer research and awareness programs. The Foundation has received the highest rating from Charity Navigator, four stars, for eight consecutive years, which means BCRF has outperformed over 99% of more than 5,400 evaluated charities in efficiently managing its finances. Additionally, the Foundation received an “A+” rating from the American Institute of Philanthropy. These accolades makes them an incredible organization.