2008 DONATION RECIPIENT -
INDIANA UNIVERSITY BREN AND MEL SIMON CANCER CENTER
Pictured L to R: Paula McKinnies, Patty Need, Brad Hancock, Nawal Kassem, Dr. Bryan Schneider, Candi McKinnies-Shreve and Mary Page.
Wow! Where do we begin? Maybe just by saying that the trip downtown in -12ºF weather to meet with the Indiana University Simon Cancer Center (IUSCC) breast cancer team was rewarding and well worth the time! Those in attendance from Rock For The Cure (RFTC) were Candi McKinnies-Shreve, Mary Page, Patty Neeb and Paula McKinnies. We were “warmly” greeted by Theresa Vernon, Assistant Director of Development at IUSCC, who then proceeded to escort us to meet the breast cancer team of Dr. Bryan Schneider, head of the team, and researchers Brad Hancock and Nawal Kassem. Their enthusiasm and graciousness with regard to meeting with us was impressive and set us instantly at ease.
Dr. Schneider kicked things off by describing some of their research in regard to a new molecule that is showing great promise for cancer cells in persons with specific DNA make-up, particularly when combined with another molecule presently used in some forms of breast cancer chemotherapy. Dr. Schneider also talked about the IUSCC tissue bank that he started a few short years ago. The bank has grown considerably and now requires a dedicated team to continue studying various aspects of the tissues, and what they might mean in terms of finding a cure or even a means of prevention. This team also works with outside tissue banks to pool their discoveries.
Brad Hancock was next and gave us a “molecular biology 101”class. His job was to explain how they look at cells (both normal and cancerous) and the DNA in particular. He was most informative, and much to his credit, used laymen’s terms. We were certainly better prepared for the tour of the labs and the slides we viewed.
We are most grateful to Teresa, Dr. Schneider, Brad and Nawal for their generosity in taking the time to prepare a memorable tour for us. Rock For The Cure was indeed excited to present a $9,000.00 check to those talented and dedicated folks. We look forward to meeting with them again in the fall of 2009 to see what promising new data they’ve discovered in their research.
Please visit their website for information: www.cancer.iu.edu
