Destination Hope

On Oct. 4, 2007 more than 900 supporters of UPMC Cancer Centers and the University of Pittsburgh Cancer Institute gathered at Pittsburgh International Airport’s FBO Aviation Center to celebrate the advances in cancer prevention, detection, and treatment being made at Hillman Cancer Center. The event, hosted by honorary chair Teresa Heinz Kerry, and general chairs Susan and Michael Boyle and Bonnie and Tom VanKirk, generated $6 million in sponsorships and contributions for cancer research and patient care. This included:

• more than $1 million from Teresa Heinz and The Heinz Endowments in support of the Center for Environmental Oncology;
• $1 million from Harriett and Ronald B. Herberman, MD, to establish the Ronald B. Herberman, MD Endowed Cancer Research Fund;
• $1 million from the Hillman Foundations to fund innovative cancer research; and
• $1 million from the Shapira family to establish a research program in BRCA-associated breast cancer and other malignancies.

This year’s gala was a “green” event incorporating environmentally friendly elements, from the organic menu featuring locally-grown foods to the programs messages about cancer prevention and early detection.