Summer 2016 : MD Anderson experts join new Parker Institute for Cancer Immunotherapy
MD Anderson experts join new Parker Institute for Cancer Immunotherapy
Largest single contribution to breakthrough field funds alliance of six cancer centers
Cancer immunotherapy leaders at MD Anderson will work with experts at five other cancer centers in a new alliance funded by the largest single contribution ever made to the field. The Parker Institute for Cancer Immunotherapy, created with a $250 million grant from the Parker Foundation, focuses on accelerating progress in the breakthrough field that helps the immune system attack cancers. Each center received initial funding of $10-15 million in the first year to establish the Parker Institute onsite. This investment will grow annually through project grants, shared resources and central funding.
Initially, five MD Anderson researchers will fully participate in the Parker Institute at MD Anderson:
- Director: Jim Allison, Ph.D., chair, Immunology, and executive director, MD Anderson's immunotherapy platform
- Co-director: Padmanee Sharma, M.D., Ph.D., professor, Genitourinary Medical Oncology, and scientific director of the immunotherapy platform
- Cassian Yee, M.D., professor, Melanoma Medical Oncology, and co-leader of the Adoptive Cell Therapy platform
- Elizabeth Mittendorf, M.D., Ph.D., associate professor, Breast Surgical Oncology
- Jennifer Wargo, M.D., associate professor, Surgical Oncology and Genomic Medicine
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Cosmetics entrepreneur focuses on cancer's genetic makeup
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Saks Fifth Avenue reopening
The grand reopening of Saks Fifth Avenue in Houston's Galleria III,
featuring special guest Erdem Moralioglu, founder and creative director
of London-based brand ERDEM, drew some 900 guests and raised more than
$140,000 for MD Anderson's Moon Shots Program.

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Bringing joy to others was teenage AML patient's priority

About the HPV-related Cancers Moon Shot
Certain forms of the human papillomavirus (HPV) cause common skin warts
(papillomas). Others can lead to cancer, including cervical (90%),
oropharyngeal (70%), vulvar (70%), vaginal (70%), penile (more than 60%)
and anal (90%).

Moon Shots Program
Results-oriented, patient-driven

My Moon Shot
Kara Million, of Houston, is a mother of two and a two-time cancer
survivor. A volunteer for myCancerConnection and an advocate for raising
awareness about the human papillomavirus (HPV), Kara says the Moon Shots
Program will be key to ending cancer for good.

A win-win-win situation
Corporate matching gift programs help your money work smarter

Getting to know: Kelli Kickerillo
Native Houstonian Kelli Kickerillo knows a thing or two about a
successful event. As chair of the 2015 Houston A Conversation With a
Living Legend®, Kelli and her husband, Todd Forester, raised more than
$1 million for MD Anderson's Moon Shots Program. Kelli serves as events
chair for MD Anderson's Advance Team, a volunteer board of "next
generation" community and business leaders. No matter what the
event, Kelli and her family remain focused on Making Cancer History® for
cancer patients and survivors around the world.

Survivors Say
Lauren Erdmann, of Midland, is a three-time cancer survivor. She enjoys
spending time with her family, including the newest addition: a
sister-in-law. She also enjoys working at her parents' business, Advance
Kwik Lube. Erdmann has traveled to Cancun and Hawaii with her family,
and they plan a cruise to Alaska and Canada later this year.

Prom party palooza
Teenage cancer patients enjoy an unforgettable evening

Tradition triumphs in West Texas
Polo on the Prairie marks 30 years

Cyclers eye the finish line
Friends create 'Wheel to Survive' to reach the end of ovarian cancer

'The secret sauce'
Golfers Against Cancer credits volunteers in fundraising success

Taking a swing at curing brain cancer
Patient raises money through golf tournament in Mississippi hometown

iPromise
Jan Bres' husband, Tom, died at 54 from glioblastoma. During his
15-month fight, Tom and Jan learned of The Broach Foundation for Brain
Cancer Research, founded in 2011 by James and Jamie Broach after James
was diagnosed with aggressive brain cancer. James, who died in 2013, and
Jamie made it their mission to promote funding and education so
effective treatments, and ultimately a cure, might be found. The
nonprofit has raised $4 million to support brain cancer research under
the leadership of Frederick Lang, M.D., director of Clinical Research, Neurosurgery.

Diamond Anniversary
Proceeds of gala celebration to benefit variety of programs

National Cancer Moonshot Summit
'A bad day for cancer'

Zayed Building opens doors to state-of-the-art research
Dedication celebrates Khalifa Foundation's $150 million grant

Cancer, meet your match
Andrew Sabin Family Fellows named

Upcoming events
Mark your calendar and join the fight