Cancer Society To Award Four Research Grants

WILTON — Four cutting-edge researchers will be presented with grants this month and added to the list of 11 scientists who have been funded with cancer research grants stemming from contributions raised from the American Cancer Society’s “Broadway on Beachside” event in the last decade.

 This years’ tenth anniversary event will take place on Sunday, July 17, in Westport. More than $3 million raised at past “Broadway on Beachside” events have contributed significantly to breast and other areas of cancer research.

Christina R. Bourne, PhD has been selected to pursue the study entitled “Crystallographic Study of Hepatitis B Virus Capsid Assembly and Inhibition.” Kevin Janes, PhD will use the grant to pursue his study, “Cell Specification During Mammary Acinar Morphogenesis In Vitro.” Ryan Jensen, PhD will pursue the study, “Delineating the Role of BRCA2 in Regulating Rad51 Mediated Recombination.” Deirdre Johns, PhD will pursue her study, “Synthesis of Anti-Cancer Antimycin Analogs.”

The American Cancer Society has funded 38 cancer researchers who have gone on to win the Nobel Prize, the highest accolade in scientific achievement. With a proven record of identifying the best and most fruitful research ideas, the society takes pride in spotting novel ideas and awarding grants early in scientists’ careers, before their achievements lead to fame.

The society has been involved in many of the major breakthroughs in cancer, including: the Pap smear to detect cervical cancer, mammography to screen for breast cancer, the PSA test for prostate cancer screening, the cure for childhood leukemia with combination chemotherapy, identification of smoking as the leading cause of lung cancer, and the discovery of genes for inherited breast and colon cancer. To date, we have spent nearly $2.8 billion on cancer research.

“Broadway on Beachside” is an afternoon reception highlighted by Broadway performances and celebrity speakers and culminates with a grant presentation to American Cancer Society researchers. The tenth anniversary reception will also highlight other previously funded researchers.

Individuals and/or organizations wishing to be personally involved in choosing their own American Cancer Society approved researcher can participate in a program entitled “In the Spotlight.”

 “It’s a wonderful way to memorialize a loved one who has succumbed to this dreadful disease,” said American Cancer Society development director Gayle Alswanger. “The process allows the individual(s) and/or organization to choose a researcher whose focus is on a particular type of cancer.”

 A gift of $138,000 establishes a research grant named in memory of someone or for the donor.

University of Connecticut head basketball coach Jim Calhoun will speak for the second consecutive year about his experience as a cancer survivor at the July 17 event. Coach Calhoun, who has won a pair of NCAA Championships and enshrinement into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame, faced the biggest challenge of his life and tackled it with the will and determination that college basketball followers have grown to expect from him and his program. On February 3, 2003, Mr Calhoun announced that he had been diagnosed with prostate cancer and underwent surgery to have his prostate removed. Thirteen days later, Mr Calhoun returned to the sidelines after a successful surgery to eliminate his cancer.

Coach Calhoun will present the society’s first “Champions of Hope” award to actor Jack Klugman, who lost a vocal cord to cancer in the early 90s and has devoted his time and talent to a variety of health issues, including cancer. The award honors an individual “for giving voice to the fight against cancer through education and advocacy.”

Co-chairs of the tenth anniversary “Broadway on Beachside” include Cissy and Donald Hornung and Maggie and Bob Hornung. There is a minimum donation of $300 per person to attend this reception. For more information about “Broadway on Beachside,” researchers funded by this event or “In The Spotlight” cancer research funding opportunities, contact Gayle Alswanger at 203-563-1513 or email gayle.alswanger@cancer.org.

The American Cancer Society is dedicated to eliminating cancer as a health problem by saving lives, diminishing suffering, and preventing cancer through research, education, advocacy, and service. Founded in 1913 and with national headquarters in Atlanta, the society has 14 regional divisions and local offices in 3,400 communities, involving millions of volunteers across the United States. For more information anytime, call toll free 1-800-ACS-2345 or visit www.cancer.org.