How Will the Funds Raised During the Hillman Cancer Center Event in 2006 Be Used?Funds will be targeted for the following priorities: RESEARCH STUDIES: Multidisciplinary research is underway throughout the Hillman Cancer Center, requiring support for laboratories, technical staff, equipment and supplies, etc. Efforts focus on all types of diseases –breast cancer, prostate cancer, pancreatic cancer, colon cancer, head and neck cancer, lung cancer, leukemia and lymphoma, and many others. Funds will be used to purchase supplies, support technical assistance, and secure some of the shared instrumentation that is used throughout all of the laboratories. RECRUITMENT OF OUTSTANDING SCIENTISTS: Resources are needed for recruitment and start-up packages for new faculty in high priority areas of research such as cancer vaccines and cellular therapies, early diagnosis of all types of cancer, studies on therapeutic monitoring of cancer, cancer stem cell biology, and diagnostic imaging. These scientists will be working in an atmosphere designed to capture the positive synergy that exists in a multidisciplinary setting. SUPPORT CANCER EDUCATION PROGRAMS: Ongoing cancer education for the general public is designed to increase awareness about the full spectrum of cancer-related care, with emphasis on prevention strategies, early detection methods, and warning signs of cancer. Funding will support awareness programs, Reason to Hope presentations, and high-school cancer awareness programs. FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE FOR PATIENTS: Despite the fact that many patients have insurance, chronic illness, economic conditions, or many other factors cause patients to experience financial hardships. It is not uncommon for a patient with a disease like cancer to experience a drastic loss of income after one year of treatment –sometimes as much as 50% loss. At the Hillman Cancer Center we are building resources to assist patients who experience financial hardship. SATELLITE CENTER SUPPORT: The UPMC Cancer Centers offer the finest level of cancer care to patients in a wide range of disciplines covering virtually all cancers. Through this network of 43 centers, cutting-edge, advanced technologies are brought “closer to home”. Our commitment to providing excellence in patient care has now reached an international status with plans underway for a cancer center site in Ireland. Funds will aid in further advancements of prevention, detection, diagnosis and treatment of cancer. The stature of the Hillman Cancer Center can be seen in the significant contributions made to the growing understanding of cancer and its processes, as well as improved care for the multitude of patients who seek care here from throughout the region and around the world. Even better indications of success can be found in the lives of patients who have found their personal victories. No use of resources could have a greater return. It is at the great centers of cancer care, education, research and preventative cancer care – centers like the Hillman Cancer Center –that the challenge of cancer will be fiercely fought and ultimately and definitely met. |
