Impact Summer 2014

dana-farber.org and jimmyfund.org

THANKING THOSE WHO MAKE A DIFFERENCE.

Leukemia & Lymphoma Society grants delve deeper into biology of blood cancers, broaden access to clinical trials

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ew funding from the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (LLS), a longtime supporter of Dana-Farber, will ­allow investigators to make inroads into the biology of blood cancers and move research findings from the laboratory to the clinic to benefit patients around the world. LLS recently awarded eight grants to Dana-Farber researchers, totaling more than $8.5 million. Irene Ghobrial, MD, received a five-year Specialized Center of Research (SCOR) grant to identify the precursor stages of blood cancers and attempt to delay or thwart their progression to malignancy. She and her colleagues will study how blood cancers evolve over time and how disease progression occurs during the transformation from precursor states to full-blown cancer. In addition, physicians will see patients in the early stages of disease, including acute myeloid leukemia (AML), myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS), and multiple myeloma (MM), in a new Hematologic Malignancy Precursor Clinic. “Understanding the clonal evolution of certain hematological malignancies from early- to late-stage disease will pave the way for defining new treatments for

early-stage blood disorders and provide further insight into the treatment of AML and MM,” said LLS Chief Scientific Officer Lee Greenberger, PhD. In addition, Ghobrial received an LLS Therapy Acceleration Program grant to establish the Blood Cancer Research Partnership (BCRP), which will create a network of sites for clinical trial testing of innovative blood cancer therapies in community oncology settings across the country. Ten potential sites have been identified to bring clinical trials closer to where patients live and provide more opportunities to participate in these trials. Robert Soiffer, MD, chief of the Division of Hematologic Malignancies, is co-director of the BCRP. “This partnership creates a new pathway of collaboration among community oncologists, academic centers, and foundations to improve cancer therapy for patients throughout the United States,” said Ghobrial. “We are grateful to the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society for its commitment to advancing innovative therapies and saving lives.” David Weinstock, MD, received an LLS Scholar Award to characterize how gene alterations promote the growth of follicular lymphoma (FL). His research focuses on how lymphocytes, a type of white blood cell, are altered by genetic mutations and develop into FL. Weinstock’s research will be a valuable tool that other investigators can use to test targeted treatments for patients.

Volume 17 • Issue 2

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20/20 Vision

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Saving by Shaving

6 Palm Beach Partnership

8 Funding the Next Big Thing

11 Propelling Profile

continued on page 8

DFMC team celebrates 25th running, breaks records

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he 2014 Dana-Farber Marathon Challenge (DFMC) team, including nearly 750 members from the U.S., Canada, and nine other countries, felt inspired and grateful as they tackled the 26.2 miles of the 118th Boston Marathon® April 21. This year’s marathon, which marked the 25th running of the DFMC, featured poignant tributes honoring those affected by last year’s tragic events and an extra special energy that connected runners, volunteers, spectators, and the community of Boston. The 2014 DFMC team continues to add to its already record-breaking tally of $6.2 million announced marathon weekend, celebrating a quarter century of support for the Claudia Adams Barr Program in Innovative Basic Cancer Research at Dana-Farber. To date, DFMC runners have raised more than $67 million to support the Barr Program, which funds the innovative, early-stage cancer research that leads to major scientific breakthroughs. One hundred percent of the funds raised by DFMC team members support Barr Program research initiatives. Raising the “Barr” The Barr Program was established in 1987 by Dana-Farber Trustees Delores Barr Weaver and her husband, Wayne, in memory of her mother. In 1989, Michael Silverstein ran the Boston Marathon in memory of his friend Seth Feldman, and raised more than $35,000 for Dana-Farber. Inspired by Michael’s successful fundraising efforts, the Weavers offered a $50,000 matching challenge grant for Dana-Farber to organize a team dedicated to raising funds for the Barr Program. Bill and Peter Santis, grandsons of Institute founder Sidney Farber, MD, recruited 19 runners to run the 1990 Boston Marathon as Barr Program fundraisers. The group raised $50,000, met the Weavers’ challenge, and brought DFMC’s first season total to $100,000.

“I was devastated by the death of my mother in 1957. I could never have envisioned a basic cancer research program named for my mother, much less hundreds of runners participating in the Boston Marathon to support that research through basic science,” said Delores Barr Weaver. “I honestly feel a kinship, a bond, with each and every runner, even those I have never met. All of us together with one goal—eliminating cancer.” continued on page 7

The 2014 Dana-Farber Marathon Challenge team comes together in Hopkinton, Mass., eagerly awaiting the start of the 118th Boston Marathon.

Dear Friends, Dana-Farber’s stature as an internationally renowned leader in the fight against cancer is a true testament to the power of philanthropy. Our premier laboratories and clinics, cutting-edge technologies, and esteemed physician-scientists rest on a foundation of supporters who have loyally championed our lifesaving mission. In this issue of Impact, we are proud to recognize the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, which recently awarded grants totaling more than $8.5 million to Dana-Farber scientists, empowering their research into the biology of blood cancers. Susan G. Komen®, which has supported the Institute since 1995, surpassed $20 million in total giving with new grants totaling more than $2.8 million to deepen our knowledge of breast cancer. We also say thank you to St. Baldrick’s Foundation for awarding more than $1.6 million to our talented pediatric cancer researchers; and to the Ovarian Cancer Research Fund for awarding more than $1.9 million to move us closer to targeted therapies. As always, we are deeply gratified by the efforts of our Dana-Farber Marathon Challenge (DFMC) team. In its 25th year, with a team of more than 750 members, the DFMC has raised an astounding $6.2 million for the Claudia Adams Barr Program in Innovative Basic Cancer Research at Dana-Farber. The 118th Boston Marathon® proved to be especially meaningful as we honored those affected by last year’s tragic events and celebrated the incredible achievement of our runners who tackled 26.2 miles and raised funds to advance our important work. We also remain indebted to our Palm Beach community. Through the 23rd Annual Discovery Celebration, our friends in Palm Beach raised $1.5 million this year for our mission to conquer cancer, topping off $30 million of cumulative giving and bringing vital awareness to the need for unrestricted funding. We also extend our thanks to Granite Telecommunications for its $2.2 million gift through its “Saving by Shaving” event. Led by longtime DanaFarber supporters, Granite CEO Robert Hale and his mother, Institute Trustee Judy Hale, what started out as a dare turned into a resoundingly successful event, with more than 430 Granite employees shaving beards, mustaches, and heads to advance our shared cause. The Institute is fortunate to have so many diverse, committed avenues of philanthropy. It is an honor to thank each and every supporter for the significant role you play in bolstering our fight against cancer, and making a very real difference in the lives of our patients and their families. Sincerely,

$90 million gift from Ludwig Cancer Research fuels highimpact, team science

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he Ludwig Center for Cancer Research at Dana-Farber/Harvard Cancer Center (DF/HCC) has received a $90 million gift from Ludwig Cancer Research on behalf of its founder, Daniel K. Ludwig, to spur innovative scientific inquiry and discovery. This gift represents an equal share of a total $540 million gift to expand the Ludwig Centers at six academic institutions in the United States. “With its foresight and resources, Ludwig Cancer Research is fostering a level of collaboration and translation that will ultimately help improve the lives of cancer patients worldwide. We acknowledge the responsibility that comes with this critical support,” said Dana-Farber Cancer Institute President and CEO Edward J. Benz Jr., MD. This is the second major commitment received from Ludwig Cancer Research to support a Ludwig Center that draws on the combined expertise of faculty members, including those who collaborate through the 18 disease- and disciplinebased research programs that comprise the DF/HCC. “The independent, flexible funding of this transformational gift to expand the Ludwig Center will galvanize and support investigators to work together in new ways with the goal of discovering and developing breakthrough innovations that can benefit patients with cancer as well as other diseases,” said George Demetri, MD, the Quick Family Chair of Medical Oncology at Dana-Farber and co-director of the Ludwig Center. “In this time of shrinking public funds for science, the impact of this philanthropic funding cannot be overstated,” noted Demetri, who is also senior vice president of experimental therapeutics at Dana-Farber. “The research that will be enabled by this gift will bring together teams of leading basic scientists and clinical investigators, in a collaborative culture with the Ludwig Cancer Research community, to turn the best of modern science and technology into new strategies for the diagnosis, treatment, cure, and prevention of cancer.” The new funds will allow the cancer research community to build upon and markedly extend research activities, attract leading biomedical and cancer researchers, speed the pace of discovery, pursue findings through subsequent stages of research, and expand collaborations throughout the U.S. and internationally. n

conquer cancer through golf

Susan S. Paresky Senior Vice President for Development

Impact

Summer 2014

JimmyFundGolf.org

Chief of Staff; Senior Vice President, Medical Affairs Lawrence N. Shulman, MD

Volume 17 • Issue 2

Senior Vice President, Communications Steven R. Singer, MPA

This issue covers gifts received and finalized through January 2014.

Chief Surgical Officer Scott J. Swanson, MD

President and Chief Executive Officer Edward J. Benz Jr., MD

Chief of Imaging Annick D. Van den Abbeele, MD Chair, Executive Committee for Clinical Programs Eric P. Winer, MD

Chief Financial Officer and Assistant Treasurer Karen S. Bird, MPH Chair, Psychosocial Oncology and Palliative Care Susan D. Block, MD

Assistant Vice President, Development Marketing Jan Lawlor

Senior Vice President and General Counsel; Chief Governance Officer Richard S. Boskey, Esq.

Impact Editors Lori Dougherty, Kelsie Guerriero

Chief Medical Officer Craig A. Bunnell, MD, MPH, MBA

Contributors Colleen Akins, Jennifer Skala Bodio, Christine Casalini, Erika Clapp, Katie Connors,

Senior Vice President, Experimental Therapeutics George D. Demetri, MD Chair, Medical Oncology James D. Griffin, MD Chair, Radiation Oncology Jay R. Harris, MD Senior Vice President, Human Resources Deborah Hicks, MA Chief Quality Officer Joseph O. Jacobson, MD, MSc Chief Clinical Research Officer Bruce E. Johnson, MD

Scott Edwards, Brittany Flaherty, Jessica Frey, Shayla Guernon, Kelsie Guerriero, Sean Horrigan, Sharon Mathelus, Katherine McIsaac, Erin McVeigh, Maria O’Meara, Erin Podolak, Laura Shannon, Rebecca Sherman, Bailey Snyder, Monica Zurlinden Designer Sharon Veino Production Coordinators Ryan Agate, Ben Gould, Jessamyn Martin Photographers Alex’s Lemonade Stand, John Deputy, Mark David Dietl, Driscoll Photography, Laura Ducie, Drew Hyman, Kelly Park Photography, Lucien Capehart Photography, Maria O’Meara,

Chair, Executive Committee for Research William G. Kaelin Jr., MD

Sam Ogden, Barry Rosin, Brian Smith, Aaron Washington, Matt Wilson, World Economic Forum/

Chair, Executive Committee for Clinical Research Philip W. Kantoff, MD

Remy Steinegger

Senior Vice President, Research Administration Drew Memmott, MA, MPhil Senior Vice President, Experimental Medicine Lee M. Nadler, MD Chair, Pediatric Oncology Stuart H. Orkin, MD Senior Vice President, Institute Operations Maria Papola, MHA Senior Vice President, Development and the Jimmy Fund Susan S. Paresky, MBA Senior Vice President, Patient Care Services; Chief Nursing Offer Patricia Reid Ponte, RN, DNSc, FAAN Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer Dorothy E. Puhy, MBA

Impact is a newsletter of Dana-Farber Cancer Institute published by the Division of Development and the Jimmy Fund. For questions, or to be removed from our mailing list, please contact: Dana-Farber Cancer Institute Division of Development & the Jimmy Fund 10 Brookline Place West, 6th Floor Brookline, MA 02445-7226 617-632-3019 or 800-52-JIMMY or visit jimmyfund.org/opt-out

Chief Scientific Officer Barrett J. Rollins, MD, PhD

Dana-Farber Cancer Institute provides expert, compassionate care to children and adults and is home

Chief of Staff Emeritus Stephen E. Sallan, MD

to groundbreaking cancer discoveries. Since its founding in 1948, the Jimmy Fund has raised millions of dollars through thousands of community efforts to advance Dana-Farber’s lifesaving mission.

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Thank you for supporting Dana-Farber and the Jimmy Fund!

Susan G. Komen celebrates 20 years and $20 million

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n 1982, Nancy G. Brinker promised her dying sister, Susan G. Komen, she would do everything in her power to end breast cancer. Since then, Susan G. Komen® has played a critical role in advancing the fight against breast cancer. Today, Komen has invested more in breast cancer research than any other organization—more than $800 million to date. Since 1990, early detection and treatments have resulted in a 34 percent decline in breast cancer mortality, and today, there are 3 million breast cancer survivors, the largest group of cancer survivors in the United States. In September 2013, Susan G. Komen, DanaFarber Cancer Institute, and its Susan F. Smith Center for Women’s Cancers marked a significant milestone with a celebration honoring Komen for funding more than $20 million in breast cancer research at Dana-Farber during the past two decades. The Institute received its first grant from Susan G. Komen in 1995 to support Myles Brown, MD, for his study on transcriptional regulation of estrogen receptors in breast cancer. This year, Susan G. Komen’s investment of more than $2.8 million includes a $1 million grant made to Andrea Richardson, MD, for her innovative study into resistance in cancers with high autography; Career Catalyst grants to early investigators Shailja Pathania, PhD, and Susan Moody, MD, PhD; Investigator Initiated grants to Richardson and Peter Sosinki, MD; and Komen Scholar grants to Eric Winer, MD, chief of the Division of Women’s Cancers, David Livingston, MD, deputy director of the Dana-Farber/Harvard Cancer Center, Judy Garber, MD, director of the Center for Cancer

Genetics and Prevention, Ann Partridge, MD, founder and director of the Program for Young Women with Breast Cancer, Ian Krop, MD, PhD, and Kornelia Polyak, MD, PhD. “As the largest funder of breast cancer research outside of the U.S. government, we fund research that will bring results to patients in the shortest period of time,” said Judith A. Salerno, MD, MS, president and CEO of Susan G. Komen. “Our relationship with Dana-Farber spans decades and has resulted in meaningful improvement for people facing breast cancer.” The Komen and Dana-Farber relationship goes

beyond research funding. Winer, who is also director of the Breast Oncology Program at the Susan F. Smith Center for Women’s Cancers, has served as Komen’s chief scientific advisor since 2007 and is the co-chair of its scientific advisory board. “We are extremely grateful to Susan G. Komen for its steadfast commitment to funding and support of breast cancer research at Dana-Farber,” said Winer. “Komen’s investment in research has had a measurable impact on the lives of breast cancer patients, and it will continue to save lives as discoveries made by Komenfunded scientists today result in better and more effective treatments in the years ahead.” n

From left: Susan G. Komen Founder and Chair of Global Strategy Nancy G. Brinker, Institute Trustee Susan F. Smith, Dana-Farber President and CEO Edward J. Benz Jr., MD, Komen President and CEO Judith A. Salerno, MD, MS, and Eric P. Winer, MD, chief of Dana-Farber’s Division of Women’s Cancers and Komen chief scientific advisor and Scientific Advisory Board co-chair.

“Our relationship with Dana-Farber spans decades and has resulted  in meaningful improvement for people facing breast cancer.”  —Judith A. Salerno, MD, MS, president and CEO of Susan G. Komen

St. Baldrick’s Foundation awards nearly $2 million to pediatric cancer researchers at Dana-Farber

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ith just 4 percent of the National Cancer Institute's budget directed to childhood cancer research, the St. Baldrick’s Foundation is working to fill the funding gap by supporting the best childhood cancer research across the country. From money raised at their signature head-shaving fundraisers and the new, individual “Do What You Want” fundraising events, St. Baldrick’s fulfills their mission to support leading research institutions. In 2013, St. Baldrick’s awarded generous grants to four exceptional pediatric oncology investigators at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, totaling more than $1.6 million. Kira Bona, MD, MPH, is working to identify social factors contributing to childhood cancer mortality with the aim of developing a tool that will ultimately improve outcomes related to effects of poverty in children with cancer. Research being conducted by Brian Crompton, MD, focuses on improving survival rates in children with high-risk Ewing sarcoma, while Christine Duncan, MD, is studying late effects of treatment in patients with high-risk leukemia. Finally, Xiaofeng Wang, PhD, is looking at the role of a particular gene mutation that causes rhabdoid tumors, a highly aggressive cancer in young children. “This funding from the St. Baldrick’s Foundation enables us to continue to provide the very best care for children with cancer and other blood disorders,” said Stuart Orkin, MD, chair of Pediatric Oncology

at Dana-Farber. “Because of Dana-Farber’s link to Harvard Medical School and Boston Children’s Hospital, we are fortunate to attract outstanding investigators like these, who, with generous support from organizations like St. Baldrick’s, are working to develop and introduce new therapies.” The St. Baldrick’s Foundation also awarded one of its first International Scholar awards, a three-year grant totaling more than $310,000, to Soad Fuentes Alabi, MD, who is collaborating with Dana-Farber to help build epidemiology research capacity in Central America. This new and unique funding category is for researchers from low- or middle-income countries to be trained in pediatric oncology research, who then commit to continue that research in their country. Research in these areas of the world is important to improving overall understanding of childhood cancer, which benefits children everywhere. “All of our grants are made with the goal of improving the survival rate of childhood cancers or giving a healthier future to survivors, who often experience serious medical issues as a result of the treatment that saved their lives,” said St. Baldrick’s Foundation CEO Kathleen Ruddy. “The St. Baldrick’s Foundation is proud to support excellent research like that being conducted at Dana-Farber to help infants, children, teens, and young adults survive the many cancers that strike them. We welcome people from all walks of life to get involved in funding research to find cures.” n

10% of all designated gifts supports our Faculty Research Fund to advance Dana-Farber’s research mission.

Hayden, one of five St. Baldrick’s 2014 Ambassadors, with his father, Chad.

“The St. Baldrick’s Foundation is proud to support excellent research like that being conducted at Dana-Farber to help infants, children, teens, and young adults survive the many cancers that strike them.”  —St. Baldrick’s Foundation CEO Kathleen Ruddy

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Make your gift online at dana-farber.org/give

Granite Telecommunications’ “Saving by Shaving” raises $2.2 million for Dana-Farber

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hen he asked longtime employee Ross Golen what it would take for Golen to shave off his long beard and handlebar mustache, Granite Telecommunications CEO Rob Hale was probably not expecting the answer to be a gift to Dana-Farber. But that is what happened on March 3, when a bit of banter blossomed into a major event generating $2.2 million in gifts from Hale, his company, and his mother, Institute Trustee Judith Hale, to one of Granite’s primary charities. Ever since his late father, Robert Hale Sr., was treated at Dana-Farber for pancreatic cancer, Rob has made giving back to Dana-Farber an annual priority. He initially pledged $10,000 to see a clean-shaven Golen, whose own father had a cancerous kidney removed at Dana-Farber last year. When other employees volunteered to get shaved, “Saving by Shaving” was born. The company pledged $1,000 per employee, and Judy Hale joined Rob to up the ante, offering $2,000 each for every employee who had their beard, mustache, or head shaved. More than 430 employees rose to the challenge, with local barbers and hair stylists volunteering their services for the event at Granite’s Quincy, Mass., headquarters. “Almost everybody has been affected by cancer, and those of us who have seen its impact want to fight back,” said Rob. “For my teammates to step up makes a powerful statement. They, too, want to honor a loved one and make a compelling effort to stop cancer.” In addition to the money raised at the shaving event, the Granite Fiber Arts Committee knitted 153 “chemo caps,” which were donated to Dana-Farber’s Eleanor and Maxwell Blum Patient and Family Resource Center for patients undergoing chemotherapy. Granite donated $500 per cap to the fundraising efforts. Several participants also donated their hair to Locks of Love, a nonprofit organization that accepts hair of at least 10 inches in length to create hairpieces for financially disadvantaged children suffering hair loss from the treatment of cancer or other medical conditions.

Granite Telecommunications CEO Rob Hale (center) and his mother, Institute Trustee Judith Hale, and their company gave $2.2 million to Dana-Farber through a fundraising challenge sparked by the beard of Granite employee Ross Golen (right).

The Hales and their company are longtime supporters of Dana-Farber. Most recently, a $10 million gift from Judy Hale and her children established the Hale Family Center for Pancreatic Cancer and the Robert T. and Judith B. Hale Chair in Pancreatic Cancer. And each June since 2003, “Granite Day” turns the company’s parking lot into a carnival, entertaining thousands of local residents and raising nearly $1.5 million to date for Dana-Farber. “This amazing, spontaneous event symbolizes the unwavering commitment that everyone at Granite has to Dana-Farber,” said Edward J. Benz Jr., MD, Dana-Farber president and CEO. “We’re incredibly grateful to the Hales and to the whole Granite family for their continued generosity toward Dana-Farber’s lifesaving mission.” n

Wayne and Shan Russell fund Hyundai Hope On Wheels multiple myeloma research drives pediatric cancer research

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A generous gift from Wayne (center) and Shan Russell supports the research of Paul Richardson, MD.

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t the age of 16, Wayne Russell was driving truckloads of timber to market, running a country store, and playing football. After putting himself through college, Russell went on to own and operate a network of convenience stores and gas stations across the South. On weekends, he went fishing and hunting with his children and grandchildren. His energy was boundless. Then, in 2006, Russell became so weak that he could not sit up on his own, and was diagnosed with multiple myeloma. Seeking the best treatment, Russell came to Dana-Farber to see Paul Richardson, MD, now director of Clinical Research and Clinical Program leader for the Jerome Lipper Center for Multiple Myeloma. During the past eight years, doctor and patient have bonded. “Dr. Richardson can explain the intricacies of your treatment,” said Russell. “And his research into medicines like Velcade® and Revlimid ® have helped save my life.” As part of his treatment, Russell has undergone two stem cell transplants under the care of Ted Alyea, MD, a fellow Southerner. To advance Richardson’s work, Russell and his wife, Shan, pledged $100,000 to establish the Wayne and Shan Russell Fund for Multiple Myeloma Research. “Wayne and Shan’s dedication to our research is inspirational,” said Richardson. “Their generous gift helps us synergize with our laboratory colleagues to develop new treatments that can further improve the outlook for our patients.” n

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n 1998, New England Hyundai dealers launched an initiative to raise funds for pediatric cancer research at Dana-Farber. Now, 16 years later, Hyundai Hope On Wheels® continues to advance the Institute’s mission with support from Hyundai Motor America and dealers nationwide. It recently awarded a $250,000 Hope Grant to Charles Roberts, MD, PhD, to explore how specific mutations drive pediatric cancer, which could reveal new therapeutic targets to combat rhabdoid tumors, neuroblastomas, and other challenging malignancies. “This grant comes at an exciting time, and will expedite our work to understand the biology driving aggressive pediatric cancers,” said Roberts. “We can now take the next steps toward identifying novel therapies for our young patients.” Hope On Wheels also awarded Paola Friedrich-Medina, MD, a $75,000 Scholar Grant to analyze how race and ethnicity affect childhood cancer incidence and survival. “Support from Hyundai is propelling this critical research on cancer disparities, which could impact pediatric patients on a national and global scale,” said Friedrich-Medina. Through Hope On Wheels, local dealer fundraising, and sponsorship, Hyundai’s support of Dana-Farber totaled nearly $550,000 in 2013. “We are proud of our longstanding relationship with this prestigious organization that has been at the vanguard of pediatric cancer research,” said Zafar Brooks, executive director of Hope On Wheels. “Together, we are underwriting meaningful research. We could not be more proud of our partnership with DanaFarber for all they do on behalf of children and families.” n

From left: Ken Bloech, then Hyundai Motor America Eastern Region General Manager, with Charles Roberts, MD, PhD, 2013 Hyundai Hope on Wheels National Youth Ambassador C.J. George, Paola Friedrich-Medina, MD, and Dana-Farber President and CEO Edward J. Benz Jr., MD, at the 2013 Boston Marathon® Jimmy Fund Walk.

Michael J. Fox Foundation advances research in two fields

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arkinson’s disease and cancer appear to be vastly different diseases, but two Dana-Farber Cancer Institute researchers can attest that they have much in common. Together, Jarrod Marto, PhD, director of the Blais Proteomics Center at Dana-Farber, and Nathanael Gray, PhD, have received more than $2.1 million in grants from The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research (MJFF) for four research projects since 2011, including a recent grant for more than $1.6 million. One reason a foundation that supports an aggressive research agenda aimed at finding a cure for Parkinson’s disease is funding cancer researchers is that scientists use similar tools and technology to study both diseases. With his most recent grant from the MJFF, Marto will be using deep sequencing mass spectrometry developed in Dana-Farber’s Blais Proteomics Center to identify protein-level signatures in samples of cerebrospinal fluid of Parkinson’s patients, which could be early indicators of disease. Development of such biomarkers—biological compounds in blood, body fluids, or tissues—may pinpoint aberrations and thereby enable early detection of Parkinson’s disease and improve the accuracy of diagnosis. Katie Kopil, PhD, the associate director of research programs at MJFF overseeing this project, said biomarker discovery itself is an area of commonality. “To date, no biomarker has been discovered within Parkinson’s disease, and we feel we have a lot to learn from the field of cancer, which has had a head start in identifying biomarkers,” said Kopil. Marto and Gray also have received MJFF grants for research into LRRK2, a gene that is mutated in about 1 to 2 percent of Parkinson’s patients. Marco Baptista, PhD, the associate director of research programs at MJFF who oversees this research, said, “We have learned from the cancer field how to potentially make drugs against Parkinson’s disease caused by LRRK2 mutations.” Gray said that research done at Dana-Farber into understanding an aberrant kinase like LRRK2 parallels the research of protein kinases in cancer, which when mutated also can remain stuck in an “on” position, causing the unregulated growth of cells—a step in the development of cancer. Gray’s research involves kinase inhibitors, which can often be effective cancer treatments and are of keen interest to Parkinson’s researchers. Both Gray and Marto said they are learning from the field of Parkinson’s disease research, just as the MJFF researchers hope to make discoveries through cancer research.

Dana-Farber’s Jarrod Marto, PhD, director of the Blais Proteomics Center, is applying deep sequencing mass spectrometry technology developed at Dana-Farber to identify early biomarkers of Parkinson’s disease in research supported by the Michael J. Fox Foundation.

“The MJFF believes that the more people we can  bring under the tent, the more we increase our chances of making advances against Parkinson’s disease. We believe strongly in bringing in experts from other fields.”  ­—Katie Kopil, PhD, associate director of research programs, MJFF

“The MJFF believes that the more people we can bring under the tent, the more we increase our chances of making advances against Parkinson’s disease. We believe strongly in bringing in experts from other fields,” said Kopil. n

Harnessing the power of the immune system to fight cancer

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ongtime Dana-Farber Trustee and a veteran venture capitalist, Howard Cox has an entrepreneurial spirit and a passion for innovative ideas. When he learned about the rapidly expanding potential of cancer immunotherapy and the groundbreaking research taking place at Dana-Farber’s Center for Immuno-Oncology from Dana-Farber President and CEO Edward J. Benz Jr., MD, he was compelled to help. Cancer immunotherapies are treatments that harness the power of a patient’s own immune system to detect and attack their cancer, and Dana-Farber has long been a leader in the field. Now, under the direction of F. Stephen Hodi, MD, the Center for Immuno-Oncology is connecting cancer specialists in various disease areas with immunology experts across the Institute to collaborate in unprecedented ways and to establish new methods and protocols. As a forward-thinking pioneer himself, Cox identified with Hodi’s work and made a $200,000 gift, which will advance the center’s efforts to accelerate clinical trials of immunotherapies that hold the promise of less toxic, more effective treatments for patients with many different types of cancer. “With its venerated history and depth of expertise, Dana-Farber is making major strides towards the development of immunotherapies and targeted new drugs,” said Benz. “Gifts such as Howard’s pave the way for the remarkable advances that have taken place and ensure that Dana-Farber will Institute Trustee Howard Cox is accelerating remain at the forefront of this field long innovations in cancer immunotherapy with his into the future.” n gift to the Center for Immuno-Oncology.

10% of all designated gifts supports our Faculty Research Fund to advance Dana-Farber’s research mission.

Chefs for Jimmy shines on the podium More than 1,000 food lovers and philanthropists gathered at the 24th annual Chefs for Jimmy event hosted by the Jimmy Fund Council of Western Massachusetts Jan. 24. Anticipating the winter games and their exciting medal ceremonies, this year featured a “Cooking for the Gold” theme. Chefs for Jimmy, presented by Winer Levsky Group of USB Financial Services Inc., featured 30 restaurants and caterers from Western Mass., contributing their delectable and medal-worthy dishes. With scrumptious food, an opportunity drawing, and silent auction, Chefs for Jimmy won the gold and raised more than $107,000 in unrestricted support in memory of Neal Webber, a longtime supporter of the Jimmy Fund. Above, at the check presentation are (from left) event co-chair Andrew Cohen, event committee member Danielle Veronesi Polastry, Jimmy Fund Special Events Development Officer Kerry Sachs, event committee members Elizabeth Haire and Erin Corriveau, Jimmy Fund Director Suzanne Fountain, Institute Trustee and event Co-chair Barbara Sadowsky, event Co-chair Michael Katz, event committee member Elizabeth Rappaport, and presenting sponsor representative Adrian Levsky.

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Palm Beach season an outstanding success

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or more than 20 years, the Palm Beach community has generously supported Dana-Farber Cancer Institute and the Jimmy Fund. Building on its extraordinary commitment, the Palm Beach community raised $1.5 million for Dana-Farber this year during its Discovery Celebration events, bringing its cumulative total to nearly $30 million. Dana-Farber also held its first-ever Palm Beach event in support of the Bridge Project, raising more than $1 million for this unique cancer research collaboration. Institute Trustee Phyllis Krock, Tom Quick, and corporate partner Saks Fifth Avenue kicked off Dana-Farber’s Palm Beach season Jan. 17 with a “Best of Saks” runway show and dinner. Institute President and CEO Edward J. Benz Jr., MD, introduced the evening and highlighted Palm Beach’s important role in DanaFarber’s mission to fight cancer, setting the tone for an exciting and inspirational season. On Feb. 20, at Trump International in West Palm Beach, the Discovery Celebration weekend opened with a dinner hosted by Carolyn and David Brodsky, Judy and Jim Harpel, Sheila Palandjian, and Institute Trustee Jean Sharf and her husband, Fred. The next morning, Institute Trustee Judie Schlager and her husband, Larry, hosted the 13th Annual Breakfast with the Doctors symposium at the Palm Beach Country Club, during which more than 200 guests heard from a panel of six accomplished Dana-Farber physician-scientists. The 23rd Annual Discovery Celebration Feb. 22, themed “The King and I,” capped off the weekend. A distinguished group of more than 350

Discovery Celebration Grand Honorary Chairs and Grand Benefactors Michele Kessler, an Institute Trustee, and her husband, Howard (left); Honorary Chair Patrick Park (second from left); and Grand Honorary Chair Donald Trump.

Dana-Farber donors and friends gathered at the Mar-a-Lago Club for dinner and entertainment. The event culminated with a dynamic and memorable performance by Emmy and Tony Award–winning actress Kristin Chenoweth. During her show, Chenoweth invited 11-year-old guest Charlotte Krieger to perform a duet, “For Good,” from the Broadway musical, “Wicked.” Charlotte and Kristin received a standing ovation from the crowd. This year’s Discovery Celebration was made possible by the shared dedication and commitment of its Grand Honorary Chairs, Institute Trustee Michele Kessler and her husband, Howard, and Melania and Donald J. Trump; Honorary Chair Patrick Park; and Chairs Paul and Phyllis Fireman, Vicki and Arthur Loring, Amy and Robert Schlager, and Barbara and Arthur Simons. Additionally, following the Discovery Celebration events, Dana-Farber hosted a reception and dinner in Palm Beach Mar. 24 to present the Bridge Project, a collaboration between Dana-Farber/Harvard Cancer Center and the Koch Institute at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. The event raised more than $1 million, which will help the collaboration accelerate the discovery of new cancer treatments. “Each and every year, the Palm Beach community displays its support and commitment to Dana-Farber’s mission to conquer cancer,” said Benz. “Thanks to its enduring dedication, the Institute is able to advance cancer research and bring targeted treatments to cancer patients who need it most, worldwide.” n

(From left) Discovery Celebration Co-chairs Robert and Amy Schlager and Vicki and Arthur Loring.

Discovery Celebration Grand Benefactors and Co-chairs Paul and Phyllis Fireman.

Discovery Celebration Co-chairs Barbara and Arthur Simons.

(From left) Peter Schuette, general manager of Saks Fifth Avenue Palm Beach, a Discovery Celebration Grand Benefactor; Dana-Farber President and CEO Edward J. Benz Jr., MD; and Kick-Off Party Co-chairs Phyllis Krock, an Institute Trustee, and Tom Quick.

(From left) Pre-Celebration Dinner Co-chairs Jim and Judy Harpel, Fred and Jean Sharf, an Institute Trustee, Sheila Palandjian, and Carolyn and David Brodsky.

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Melinda Gordon and Howard Cohen, trustee of the Fishman Family Trust–Sandra Fishman, a Discovery Celebration Grand Patron.

Breakfast with the Doctors Chairs Judie Schlager, an Institute Trustee, and her husband, Larry.

Discovery Celebration Grand Patrons Lori and Christopher Alf.

Discovery Celebration guest Charlotte Krieger performed with Tony and Emmy Award–winning Actress Kristin Chenoweth.

Impact is available online at JimmyFund.org/Impact

Cocozzas celebrate family with $100K gift

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ark and Susan Cocozza know how precious life is, especially the life of a child. When their daughter recently gave birth to a set of healthy, beautiful twins, they found even more reason to celebrate life and family. While the Cocozzas have been longtime donors to Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, they wanted to make a special gift to the Institute to mark the birth of their first grandchildren. With a gift of $100,000 to the ­Institute’s Capital Projects Campaign, the Cocozzas named a conference room and seating area in the Charles A. Dana Building in honor of the twins, Thomas Mark McDonald and Caetlyn Marie McDonald. Mark Cocozza recently attended an event to celebrate the naming of the Marcotte Center for Cancer Research. The words of Albert Marcotte, PhD, who committed $30 million to support the Capital Projects Campaign and strategic research initiatives, resonated with him in a powerful way. “I hate to see anyone suffering, especially children, and I thought Dr. Marcotte was right that research is the answer to cure cancer,” Cocozza said. “I hope the gifts made to the campaign inspire others to give.” The Capital Projects Campaign will help Dana-Farber carry out a number of key expansion projects already under way. With these enhancements, Dana-Farber can continue to attract the most talented and world-renowned physician-scientists, remain at the forefront of translational cancer research, accelerate discovery, and deliver compassionate patient care. n

With their gift to the Capital Projects Campaign, Susan and Mark Cocozza (left) named space in the Dana Building in honor of their grandchildren, Caetlyn and Thomas McDonald, above with their parents, Tara Cocozza and Dave McDonald.

DFMC continued from page 1

Visiting Committee members make joint gift for myeloma research

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s members of the Hematologic Oncology Visiting Committee, Steven L. Cobb and Jason R. Chambers appreciate the opportunity to gain firsthand knowledge of the groundbreaking research being conducted at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute. “Dana-Farber has made incredible strides in making multiple myeloma a manageable disease,” said Cobb. “What was once a death sentence is on its way to becoming a disease people can comfortably live with, thanks to the talented researchers at Dana-Farber.” Constantine Mitsiades, MD, PhD, is working on One researcher who caught their targeted therapies to help myeloma patients with attention early on is Constantine complex and advanced stages of the disease. Mitsiades, MD, PhD. “We’re extremely impressed with the progress we’ve seen Constantine make through the years and want to see him continue to succeed in his research,” said Chambers. Mitsiades has been working to accelerate the development of targeted therapies for patients with complex and advanced stages of myeloma. “Our goal is to find more effective, less toxic treatments for myeloma patients, which wouldn’t be possible without the support of donors, such as Steve and Jason,” said Mitsiades. Inspired by the collaboration and accomplishments of researchers in Mitsiades’ lab, Cobb and Chambers have jointly provided two-thirds of the funds needed for Mitsiades to further his research project over the next three years. They hope this gift will encourage other donors to consider the benefits of collaborative, multiyear gifts and the impact such gifts can make on multiple myeloma research and the work of laboratories such as Mitsiades’. n

Inspired by Avalanna, Cure AT/RT Now advances research and hope

A Brian Herr, the only person who has run with the DFMC all 25 years, with Institute Trustee and Barr Program Founder Delores Barr Weaver at the 2014 Pasta Party.

25th time is a charm

Only one person has run with DFMC every single year since its inception in 1990—Brian Herr. This April, Brian ran his 25th DFMC Boston Marathon in memory of his father. He aimed to raise $25,000 in his 25th year. He exceeded this goal and, in total, has raised more than $220,000. Brian remains steadfast in his commitment to DFMC, and to the mission of Dana-Farber and the Barr Program. “I enjoy running a great deal, so it’s easy to come back year after year,” Brian said. “I’ve watched the DFMC grow, and I’m always inspired by the team’s dedication to fighting cancer. You can feel the power of care and the compassion of the Institute when you The Claudia Adams Barr Program in Innovative run with DFMC. There’s an amazing Basic Cancer Research was created to support sense of purpose and community.” n groundbreaking basic research.

10% of all designated gifts supports our Faculty Research Fund to advance Dana-Farber’s research mission.

valanna Routh never failed to light up a room. Her charm and exuberance warmed the hearts of those around her, and quickly captured national attention. “Anyone who had the pleasure of knowing Avalanna would say that she was the embodiment of courage and grace,” said Charles Roberts, MD, PhD. “She made us want to try even harder.” After a six-year battle, Avalanna lost her fight to an aggressive atypical teratoid rhabdoid tumor (AT/RT) in 2012. Inspired by their daughter’s Cure AT/RT Now established the Avalanna Fund bravery, Aileen and Cameron Routh in memory of Avalanna Routh, above. launched Cure AT/RT Now to raise awareness and funds to combat this rare pediatric cancer, and recently gave $100,000 to Dana-Farber to establish the Avalanna Fund under the direction of Roberts. “Avalanna was very inspirational, and radiated so much love and laughter,” said Aileen, sharing that their support of Dana-Farber is dedicated to “finding a cure and giving people hope that we will get there.” “Charlie Roberts has been a huge influence for us,” said Cameron. “It’s been a pretty easy decision for us to fund his research.” Roberts has studied the biological mechanisms driving pediatric rhabdoid tumors for more than a decade. His work aims to identify new therapeutic targets to expand and improve treatment options for patients battling these rare cancers. “The families driving Cure AT/RT Now tirelessly garner awareness and funding to help us uncover more effective treatments,” said Roberts. “It’s wonderful to see Avalanna’s joy and positivity live on through their outstanding work.” n

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Ovarian Cancer Research Fund fuels research into targeted therapies

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varian Cancer Research Fund (OCRF) is the oldest and largest charity in the United States supporting ovarian cancer research, with a mission to fund scientific research that will lead to more effective identification, treatment, and ultimately a cure for ovarian cancer. Throughout the past year, OCRF awarded five Dana-Farber researchers with grants totaling more than $1.9 million to fuel their groundbreaking studies focused on targeted therapies. “Ovarian Cancer Research Fund strives to fund the very best ovarian cancer research,” said Audra Moran, CEO, Ovarian Cancer Research Fund. “That DanaFarber has received so many OCRF research grants

over the years is a reflection of Dana-Farber’s strength as a premier center of ovarian cancer research in the United States.” In spring 2013, OCRF granted two Liz Tilberis Early Career Awards of $450,000 to Dana-Farber’s Joyce Liu, MD, MPH, and Michael Goldberg, PhD. These awards support junior faculty with a strong commitment to an investigative career in ovarian cancer research. Liu’s project explores the idea that inhibiting the functioning of a novel therapeutic target, ErbB3, can be an effective treatment against a subset of ovarian cancer cases. Goldberg is undertaking parallel work focused on the combined approach of inhibiting both immunosuppressive pathways and pro-proliferative oncogenic pathways. Most recently OCRF awarded two Ann Schreiber Mentored Investigator Awards to Dana-Farber’s Maria Giuseppina Baratta, PhD, and Raphael Ceccaldi, PharmD, PhD. These awards provide funding for trainees who are working under the supervision of a mentor who is a recognized leader in the field of ovarian cancer research. Baratta’s research into novel therapeutic targets for high-grade serous ovarian carcinoma aims to test the role of the gene POLQ

New Cumming funds support experimental therapeutics

on the survival of a human ovarian cancer cell while growing into a tumor. Ceccaldi is pursuing bioinformatic analysis of the role of elevated POLQ in ovarian tumor cells, to determine whether women with this specific class of ovarian tumor have a characteristic prognosis or response to therapy. Additionally, as part of its 20th anniversary supporting ovarian cancer patients, OCRF awarded a $900,000 Program Project Development Grant to a team of researchers led by Ursula Matulonis, MD, medical director of Gynecologic Oncology at DanaFarber’s Susan F. Smith Center for Women’s Cancers. Treatment advances in ovarian cancer have reached a plateau, so Matulonis and her team are undertaking three projects that involve testing new combinations of targeted drugs. “Newer agents that target ovarian cancer genetic abnormalities have shown some efficacy as single agents, but cancer cells eventually figure out ways to grow despite the drug,” said Matulonis. “With support from OCRF, the goal of this project is to quickly bring laboratory-tested and verified novel drug combinations into ovarian cancer clinical trials.” n

KBT Charitable Foundation establishes fund, continues a family legacy of giving

T Jack Cumming and his wife, Pamela, have been longtime supporters of Dana-Farber.

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ith more than 30 years of experience in the medical industry, Jack ­Cumming knows the importance of compassion and customer service. As a longtime donor to Dana-Farber, Cumming observed these values in action when his friends and loved ones were treated at the Institute. To support quality care and the groundbreaking research that is pivotal to Dana-Farber’s mission, Cumming recently pledged $200,000 to establish two research funds focused on experimental therapies. “It is my belief that Dana-Farber is the right place and has the physicianscientists who will discover the next big breakthrough to find cures and prolong quality of life for patients,” Cumming said. George Demetri, MD, Dana-Farber’s senior vice president for experimental therapeutics, will manage both funds. “Dana-Farber is committed to developing highly effective new treatments for patients with all types of cancers, ranging from the rarest sarcomas to the most common cancers,” Demetri said. “This gift will provide our physicians and researchers with the flexibility to design the best possible studies that will speed the testing of new discoveries to help patients.” In supporting this work, Cumming is confident that Dana-Farber can help to conquer cancer by investing in research. “By putting precious dollars in the right hands, then good things will happen," he said. n

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he Redstone Family’s history of giving is closely woven into the history of Dana-Farber Cancer Institute and the Jimmy Fund. Beginning with Michael Redstone, one of the founding fathers of the Jimmy Fund, his son Sumner Redstone, and his granddaughter Shari Redstone, who are both Institute Trustees, the Redstone Family has committed their support to Dana-Farber for more than 60 years. Their tradition of giving continues with a fourth generation—siblings Tyler Korff, Brandon Korff, and Kim Ostheimer—who founded the KBT Charitable Foundation and established the KBT Fund at Dana-Farber with a gift of $100,000. The KBT Fund will provide critical resources necessary for Institute priorities as they arise, from innovative clinical trials to support programs for patients and their families. Additionally, at the end of 2013, the KBT Charitable Foundation issued a matching challenge to annual fund donors, inspiring more than $450,000 in gifts to Dana-Farber. “Our family has a long history of supporting the Jimmy Fund and DanaFarber, and we’re proud to continue that legacy,” said Tyler Korff. “We are constantly reading about Dana-Farber’s achievements, whether it is nextgeneration gene sequencing, the creation of a state-of-the-art patient and family resource center, or pro bono financial services for patients. We’re delighted to contribute to such a worthy cause.” n

Leukemia & Lymphoma Society continued from page 1 Pediatric oncology research fellow Koshi Akahane, MD, PhD, received an LLS Fellow award to study T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (T-ALL), a disease that, despite treatment advances, remains fatal in 25 percent of children and 50 percent of adults. Under the direction of A. Thomas Look, MD, Akahane will investigate the mechanisms of innate resistance to mitochondrial apoptosis (programmed cell death) in treatment-resistant T-ALL in order to identify effective strategies for therapeutic intervention. “Drs. Ghobrial, Weinstock, and Akahane are leading clinicians and scientists who will not only provide insight into the genetic underpinnings of disease, but are uniquely positioned to translate these findings to improved treatments,” said Greenberger. Other Dana-Farber researchers receiving LLS awards were Ami Bhatt, MD, PhD, Gianluca Varetti, PhD, and Haojian Zhang, PhD, who received Fellow awards, and John Koreth, MD, PhD, and Kimberly Stegmaier, MD, who received Scholar awards. n

Elsa U. Pardee Foundation funds research examining metastatic breast cancer

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hanks to a generous $150,000 grant from the Elsa U. Pardee Foundation, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute’s Constantine Mitsiades, MD, PhD, and postdoctoral fellow Eugen Dhimolea, PhD, will delve into the complex properties of metastatic breast cancer and its effect on its microenvironment in order to determine a more effective treatment. Metastatic disease occurs when tumors spread to other parts of the body, and it remains the main cause of mortality in breast cancer. Initial A gift from the Elsa U. Pardee Foundation is treatment is often ineffective once supporting the metastatic breast cancer research of Dana-Farber’s Constantine Mitsiades, MD, metastases occur, which may be, at PhD, with a $150,000 grant. Pictured: The late least in part, the result of the tumors Elsa and James Pardee. manipulating the healthy cells around them. “Metastatic tumors usurp and hijack the functions of non-malignant cells and use them to their advantage,” Mitsiades said. “Support from the Pardee Foundation will allow us to identify the strategies to best neutralize how metastatic breast cancer with non-mutant estrogen receptors takes advantage of these normal, non-malignant cells around them.” “The Pardee Foundation supports innovative approaches to cancer treatments and cures—that has been our approach since the 1950s when we realized promising scientists were often denied funding simply because they were unknown,” said Gail Lanphear, Pardee Foundation president. “We are proud to fund Dr. Mitsiades’ promising work examining metastatic estrogen receptor– positive breast cancer and its microenvironment.” The Pardee Foundation was established in 1944 with a $1 million bequest from the estate of Elsa U. Pardee, wife of the former board chairman of The Dow Chemical Company. Pardee died of breast cancer, and wished for the foundation to support the “control and cure of cancer.” n

DeBaun family honors the memory of a husband and father

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hen Bob DeBaun was diagnosed with multiple myeloma in 2002, he came with his wife, Jane, from Chicago to Dana-Farber to begin treatment under the care of Kenneth Anderson, MD, director of the Jerome Lipper Multiple Myeloma Center and LeBow Institute for Myeloma Therapeutics. Jane recalls the extraordinary care that Bob received over the years that he was treated at Dana-Farber: “Dr. Anderson was incredibly compassionate, and everyone—from the phlebotomist to the nurses and office staff—were a blessing.” Believing that research was the key to better treatments, the DeBauns made two gifts over six years to fuel research conducted by Anderson and Paul Richardson, MD, director of clinical research at the Jerome Lipper Center for Multiple Myeloma. Sadly, DeBaun passed away in 2010. To honor Bob’s memory, Jane and her children and their spouses, Elizabeth and Jason Pasquinelli and Blake and Leslie DeBaun, made another gift of $100,000 to continue their commitment to Anderson’s research. “Bob was one of the most caring and giving persons I have ever known. He continues to be our hero and inspiration,” said Anderson. “We are deeply grateful to Jane and her family. In Bob’s honor, we will develop new and more effective therapies to help myeloma patients worldwide.” n

In 2005, Bob and Jane DeBaun began funding research being done by Ken Anderson, MD (center). To honor Bob’s memory, Jane and her children have generously continued their support.

A home run for President’s Circle Appreciation Night Members of Dana-Farber’s President’s Circle giving society were recognized for their steadfast generosity with a night of celebration at the 8th Annual President’s Circle Appreciation Night. Held April 8 during the first week of the baseball season, the event attracted more than 160 President’s Circle members to Fenway Park. The evening celebrated members’ annual gifts totaling $10,000 and above. During the welcome reception and before watching the Boston Red Sox take on the Texas Rangers, guests enjoyed famous Fenway Franks and other ballpark fare while mingling with fellow ­members. ­Attendees also received updates on the Institute from Dana-Farber Chief of Staff Emeritus and Faculty Chairman of Philanthropy Stephen Sallan, MD, and a warm welcome from Radio Voice of the Boston Red Sox Joe Castiglione of WEEI Red Sox Radio Network (left, displaying his 2013 World Series ring).

Melanoma Research Foundation supports study of rare eye cancer

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ost often when we think of melanoma, we think of skin cancer. However, we have melanocytes—the type of cells affected by melanoma—in other parts of the body as well. Approximately 2,000 Americans are diagnosed each year with one of the rarer forms of melanoma: ocular, also called uveal, melanoma in the eyes. The Melanoma Research Foundation (MRF) awarded a $200,000 grant to support research into uveal melanoma, led by Levi ­ arraway, MD, PhD, director of Dana-Farber’s Center for Precision Medicine. G

10% of all designated gifts supports our Faculty Research Fund to advance Dana-Farber’s research mission.

“I am grateful for this support from the Melanoma Research Foundation, which will advance our goal to discover potential therapeutic targets that could lead to the development of new therapies for patients,” said Garraway. This research will be one of the largest studies of uveal melanoma completed to date, and will define for the first time the full landscape of mutated genes present in this type of cancer. “The MRF’s CURE Ocular Melanoma initiative is pleased to be able to support Dr. Garraway, a world-renowned melanoma researcher who is expanding his work in uveal melanoma,” said Tim Turnham, PhD, executive director of the Melanoma Research Foundation. “This research should provide decisive insights into the spectrum of genetic alterations in uveal melanoma, as well as possible new drug targets that could provide the basis for effective therapies in this lethal type of cancer.” n

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Consortium will drive new treatments for myelodysplastic syndromes

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s part of a six-institution, $16 million consortium created to change the course of treatments and outcomes for patients suffering from myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS), Dana-Farber Cancer Institute received initial funding through the Aplastic Anemia & MDS International Foundation of Rockville, Md., and the Edward P. Evans Foundation to advance research on MDS, a group of diseases that affect the bone marrow and blood. David Steensma, MD, leads the team at Dana-Farber that includes David Steensma, MD, leads the Dana-Farber team named to a national consortium to improve one fellow yearly, a research nurse, and outcomes for patients with myelodysplastic a research coordinator. Members of syndromes (MDS). the consortium collaborate to accrue the patient bases desperately needed to “Dr. Steensma has a great conduct studies and get results sooner. “Dr. Steensma has a great rapport rapport with patients with patients and with the foundation, and the foundation, and it is wonderful to have him as and it is wonderful to part of the consortium,” said John have him as part of the Huber, executive director of the foundation. “No single place has a consortium.”  sufficient number of patients to have a ­—John Huber, executive successful study, so bringing together director of the Aplastic these leading medical foundations and institutions is imperative, and that Anemia & MDS International includes Dana-Farber.” Foundation “It’s a unique opportunity to have these sites collaborate on these diseases, as they are very difficult to treat. This is the first time that we have had something like this surrounding MDS and these diseases,” said Steensma. “Quality of life is also important in these studies—we not only examine blood, but utilize focus groups and other special tools to measure the patients’ experiences.” n

Immunotherapy: Changing the rules of the game

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ichael Goldberg, PhD, wants to change the environment when it comes to approaching cancer. Rather than killing cancer cells using tools that originate outside of the body, such as radiation and chemotherapy, Goldberg has been investigating the concept of working more closely with an internal ally: the immune system. Goldberg’s research explores the use of nanoparticles to target and stimulate immune cells rather than subjecting the whole body to traditional therapies that often have devastating side effects. His goal is to leverage immunotherapy to restore a natural order to the body that can theoretically fight all types of cancers, including melanoma. The Melanoma Research Alliance (MRA), the largest private funder of melanoma research, conducts a rigorous review of grant applications received from researchers around the world every year. Recently, MRA awarded funding to Goldberg through the Helman Family-MRA Young Investigator Award, which is designed to support research faculty who are at the beginning of their promising careers. Goldberg’s award is part of the Team Science award that includes two other Dana-Farber investigators, Kai Wucherpfennig, MD, PhD, and Glenn Dranoff, MD. “We are proud to support the work of talented young researchers like Michael Goldberg,” said Wendy Selig, MRA president and CEO. “These scientists represent the future of melanoma research, and their ideas and drive will translate into improved options for melanoma patients.” “We’re very excited by the promising clinical data demonstrating that stimulation of a patient’s immune system can result in durable outcomes, particularly among melanoma patients,” said Goldberg. “With the support of the MRA, we seek to apply nanotechnology to increase the percentage of patients who achieve such encouraging responses, with a view towards a cure.” n

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Riemer family gift advances breast cancer research

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n honor of the doctor who treated their daughter, Carol and Stanley Riemer have established a fund to further breast cancer research and care at Dana-Farber. The Carol and Stanley Riemer Family Fund will support research efforts led by Eric Winer, MD, chief of the Division of Women’s Cancers and director of the Breast Oncology Center at DanaFarber’s Susan F. Smith Center for Women’s Cancers. “During what was a difficult and frightening situation, Lizzie was fortunate enough to have Dr. Winer as Stanley and Carol Riemer’s generous gift will her doctor,” said Carol. “He’s quite an support breast cancer research and care at Danaamazing and wonderful man—so kind Farber. and caring.” “He was remarkable,” Stanley agreed. “No matter how busy he was or how many obligations he had, when he was with Lizzie, there was no sense of hurry. He was 100 percent focused on her and her treatment.” In addition to the exceptional care their daughter received, the Riemers were also impressed with Winer’s ability to bring his research expertise to the bedside. “Lizzie received chemotherapy and surgery,” Stanley added. “But she also benefited from a breakthrough drug, so we saw firsthand the benefits of research.” “The Riemers’ generous gift will make a great impact in our mission to better understand and treat breast cancer,” said Winer. “With their support, we can accelerate our research to identify new therapies and provide compassionate care to patients and their families.” The Riemers have been Dana-Farber donors for more than 30 years. Stanley’s law firm, Riemer & Braunstein LLP, supports a variety of Dana-Farber and the Jimmy Fund activities. n

A hole in one for Golf Appreciation Night The annual Jimmy Fund Golf Appreciation Night, held at Dana-Farber’s Yawkey Center for Cancer Care Feb. 6, recognized members of the Jimmy Fund Golf community for their exceptional commitment to Dana-Farber and the Jimmy Fund. The evening paid tribute to an outstanding 2013 fundraising season, which welcomed 26 new tournaments, celebrated nine milestone anniversaries, and raised more than $6.45 million for the Jimmy Fund. The Ken Coleman Extra Mile Award, named in honor of the former Boston Red Sox sportscaster, is presented annually to outstanding tournament volunteers. The 2013 recipients were Robert Brack (left) of the Joan H. Brack Memorial Golf Tournament, which has raised more than $1.5 million since 1999, and Gerry Forget (right) of the East Woonsocket Little League Jim Carr Memorial, which has raised nearly $225,000 since 1993. A third Extra Mile Award recognized the late Paul Dowd of the Paul Dowd Jimmy Fund Classic, which has raised more than $335,000 since its inception 30 years ago.

To include Dana-Farber in your estate plans, call us at 617-632-3756

Three grants from Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation advance novel research

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n 2000, 4-year-old neuroblastoma patient Alexandra Scott set up a lemonade stand to raise money for her doctors, so that she could help other kids while receiving her treatments. That first year, Alex and her brother raised $2,000. While bravely fighting cancer, Alex set up lemonade stands every year. When she passed away in 2004, her family continued her legacy through Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation (ALSF). Furthering its commitment to finding cures for all childhood cancers and building on a history of longstanding support, ALSF recently awarded three new grants to Dana-Farber oncologists. Dana-Farber pediatric oncologists Charles Roberts, MD, PhD, and Loren Walensky, MD, PhD, each received a $250,000 Innovation Award, while Jessie Hsu, PhD, received a $100,000 Young Investigator Award. The Innovation Award funds researchers who take a novel approach to pediatric cancer scientific investigation. Roberts’ work focuses on targeting a tumorsuppressing gene in rare and aggressive pediatric rhabdoid tumors, with the goal of developing novel targeted therapies to combat them. Walensky’s research combines chemistry, pediatric cancer biology, and translational medicine to identify and dismantle the cell survival mechanisms that drive childhood cancers and treatment resistance. By bridging disciplines, Walensky hopes to create next-generation therapies for relapsed and refractory pediatric cancers. Hsu will use her Young Investigator Award to conduct research on osteosarcoma, the most common bone cancer afflicting mostly children and young adults. Despite efforts in the past 30 years, treatment for this devastating disease has not improved significantly. This award offers the unique opportunity

to develop new, more effective and less toxic treatments for children with osteosarcoma. “I am confident that these research projects can make an impact on pediatric patients and their families,” said Jay Scott, co-executive director of the foundation. “We choose projects that are likely to make critical contributions to current pediatric cancer research and play a part in bringing the latest and most promising lifesaving treatments to seriously ill children.” n

Seaman gift to support research on lung cancer genetics

“Citizen of the world” bequest funds research for genetic profiling of rare cancers

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ana-Farber Cancer Institute Trustee Richard Seaman’s connection to lung cancer research spans nearly 40 years. When his father, who was treated at the Institute for lung cancer in the 1970s by the late Emil Frei, MD, passed away, Seaman created the Norman R. Seaman Endowment Fund for Lung Cancer Research in his father’s memory. Now, through the generosity of the Seaman Family Foundation and the Seaman Corporation, an additional $400,000 gift will expand and grow the endowed fund. This support will help further research to discover new genetic Richard Seaman is supporting research to discover targets in lung cancer in the laboratory new genetic targets in lung cancer. of Matthew Meyerson, MD, PhD. “I am grateful for this generous support, which will enable our efforts to elucidate the underlying biology of lung cancer,” said Meyerson. “With this gift we will be able to pursue long-term efforts to understand the function of specific genetic mutations.” Since his first encounter with Dana-Farber, Seaman has been impressed by the innovative research at the Institute and how these breakthroughs are used to revolutionize patient care. It is what he says makes Dana-Farber truly unique among cancer care organizations. “Over the years new genetic discoveries have truly altered the landscape of lung cancer care,” said Seaman. “From the cocktail of chemotherapy to the pinpoint precision of targeted therapy, these new treatments hold tremendous promise for lung cancer patients.” n

CELEBRATe our world champions! 10% of all designated gifts supports our Faculty Research Fund to advance Dana-Farber’s research mission.

“I raise money for pediatric cancer research with the help of other kids and grownups through my lemonade stand.” – Alex Scott, 2004

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or anyone who knew her, the watchword for Susan Curran was “thoughtfulness.” That thoughtfulness shone through after she was told that the treatment options had been exhausted for the complex and unclassified cancer she was fighting. Prior to her untimely death in January 2013, Susan decided to leave an endowment, the Curran Family Research Fund, to Dana-Farber to support long-term research geared toward a more comprehensive understanding of the genetic mutations in cancer. After her tumor was sequenced for genetic mutations through Dana-Farber’s Profile program, Susan decided to direct her fund to support Profile and the technology platform that drives it, OncoPanel. Through Profile, scientists and clinicians at Dana-Farber can scan more than 300 genes in tumor samples to identify genetic mutations that can be targeted by existing therapies. “The Curran Family Research Fund will benefit patients, especially those like Susan with extremely rare cancers, by helping us tailor treatments based on genetic mutations that we might find in their cancer,” said Barrett Rollins, MD, PhD, Dana-Farber chief scientific officer, who will oversee the fund. Susan’s goal for the fund was to help as many cancer patients as possible, something she believed Profile and OncoPanel were designed to do. “Susan never stopped being a citizen Susan Curran wanted the Curran Family Research of the world,” said her husband, Matt Fund to help as many patients as possible, Wilson, “and now, through this gift, especially those with rare cancers. she never will.” n

Get your Jimmy Fund/ Red sox License Plate JIMMYFUND.ORG/PLATE2014

Impact

Summer 2014

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Impact Summer 2014

 ana-Farber Cancer Institute D Division of Development & The Jimmy Fund 10 Brookline Place West, 6th Floor Brookline, MA 02445-7226

Non-profit Org. U.S. Postage PAID Dana-Farber

THANKING THOSE WHO MAKE A DIFFERENCE.

dana-farber.org and jimmyfund.org

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The 2014 Jimmy Fund Co-Captains, Boston Red Sox third baseman Will Middlebrooks (left) and catcher David Ross, kicked off the season with a visit from Jimmy Fund Clinic patient Gianna Martiniello at Fenway Park. As ambassadors for the Jimmy Fund, Co-Captains Middlebrooks and Ross will lend their support to Jimmy Fund events, visit adult and pediatric clinics, raise awareness, and build support for Dana-Farber.

July June –July

Jimmy Fund Theatre Collections

Volunteer for the Jimmy Fund’s longest-running fundraiser and give generously when the canister is passed down the aisle at National Amusements and independent theatres in Mass., Conn., R.I., N.Y., and Ohio. Contact: Catie Hsieh at 617-582-7724 or catherine_ [email protected].

June –Aug.

Give $1 at the register at participating Burger King and Valvoline locations and receive a promotion card with a guaranteed prize. Contact: Ryan Delaney at 617-582-9675 or ryan_ [email protected].

Aug. 19-20

WEEI/NESN Jimmy Fund RadioTelethon presented by Arbella Insurance Foundation, Inc.

Tune in to this 36-hour live broadcast from the Boston Red Sox’ historic Fenway Park, and give generously. Contact: Jacquelyn Callahan at 617-632-5008 or visit jimmyfundradiotelethon.org.

September

Jimmy Fund Little League Program presented by Extra Innings

Swim Across America

Dive in to the 22-mile Boston Harbor Island relay July 11, or the Nantasket Swim July 12 for swimmers 12 and up in Hull, Mass., and support the David B. Perini, Jr., Quality of Life Clinic at Dana-Farber. Contact: Kerry Sachs at 617-582-7916 or [email protected].

July 23– Aug. 12

A Chance for Kids & Families®

AUGUST

Help kids have fun while learning philanthropy. Support your local Little League district in Mass. and N.H. Contact: Laura Ducie at 617-632-3613 or [email protected].

July 11 & 12

July 28 –Sep. 7

Strike Out Cancer

Give $1, $3, or $5 at the register at participating Taco Bell, KFC, and The Paper Store locations, and receive a baseball pin-up displaying your support for the Jimmy Fund. Contact: Ryan Delaney at 617-582-9675 or [email protected].

Aug. 1

Joe Cronin Memorial Jimmy Fund Fishing Tournament

Support Dana-Farber and the Jimmy Fund with this fun day on the water in Osterville, Mass. Contact: Kelly ­Lauriat at 617-632-5091 or visit joecroninfishing.com.

Aug. 2–3

Pan-Mass Challenge

Join more than 5,800 riders as they bike across the Commonwealth to raise $40 million in the 35th annual Pan-Mass Challenge. 100 percent of every rider-raised dollar supports Dana-Farber and the Jimmy Fund. Register to ride, volunteer, or make a gift at pmc.org.

Aug. 17

New Balance Falmouth Road Race

Run this seven-mile road race on scenic Cape Cod to raise funds for Dana-Farber and the Jimmy Fund, or make a gift to support a runner. Contact: Emily Falconer at 617-632-6610 or [email protected].

Sep. 21

Boston Marathon® Jimmy Fund Walk presented by Hyundai

Walk one of four routes along the historic Boston Marathon® course, from 3 miles to the full 26.2, and raise funds to conquer all forms of cancer at Dana-Farber. Register today at jimmyfundwalk.org or call 866-531-9255.

October Oct. 12

B.A.A Half Marathon®

Register now to join the official Dana-Farber team, and raise funds to conquer cancer. Visit rundanafarber.org/BAA or contact Cara Mitchell at 617-632-3492.

For more information on all Jimmy Fund and Dana-Farber events, go to jimmyfund.org or dana-farber.org.