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One moment can change everything.

When you volunteer with Susan G. Komen, you’re helping to save the lives of people in your community – and around the world. Join us as we work to create a world without breast cancer. We value all our volunteers who assist in Komen events, deliver our mission, share our advocacy, and more.

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A SHOUT OUT TO OUR VOLUNTEERS

Changing lives. Changing the world.

At The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (LLS), we celebrate the people who give their time and energy to the blood cancer community—our volunteers.

And we’re giving a big shout out for everything they do—whether it’s supporting a patient over the phone, interning with us, advocating for policy change, or participating in local fundraising events, our volunteers are truly the heart of LLS.

By continually helping people you don’t know and those you do—and by helping to raise funds and awareness for our mission—you show us what generosity and compassion truly looks like, every single day.

We couldn’t do this lifesaving and life-changing work without you. THANK YOU!

We’re thrilled to announce this year's National Volunteer Award recipients!

I am forever thankful to LLS because they are able to help people like me.

LLS volunteer/ Information Management Volunteer (IMV) / AML survivor

THANKS TO YOU…

Patients can access cutting-edge treatments; caregivers can find support as they take care of themselves and their loved ones; and families know they are not alone in facing the most challenging moments of their lives. Your kindness offers something crucial: hope . 

LLS has shaped my life in more ways than I imagined. It has given me a new interest in the academic world, inspired me to pursue a degree in nursing, and encouraged me to expand my research into oncology and hematology…

LLS on Campus Volunteer

VOLUNTEER WITH LLS

Whether you’re a current volunteer looking for new ways to contribute, a first-time volunteer with LLS, or a former volunteer looking to come back, we’re happy to help you find the path that’s most meaningful for you. Check out our Volunteer LLS Portal for all our available volunteer opportunities, but here are a few to get you started: 

MISSION VOLUNTEERS

Represent our mission all across the country by providing direct support to patients, caregivers, and families when they’re most in need of help—and so much more. Learn more about our volunteer opportunities .

CAMPAIGN VOLUNTEERS

Raise awareness and funds for the LLS mission on the ground—from local community and youth programs to athletic and competitive fundraising campaigns. Get involved in our campaigns by leading teams, participating in committees, supporting our virtual events, and more. 

LEADERSHIP VOLUNTEERS

Cultivate unwavering support as one of hundreds of top leaders nationwide. Help LLS at the highest level by serving as an influential connector in your community. Discover local volunteer leadership roles .

COMMUNITY VOLUNTEERS

Dedicate your time and talent in your local community or with our national team from anywhere. Build capacity in areas like IT or advancement or bring projects to the finish line. Find the right volunteer opportunities .

INTERN VOLUNTEERS

Take your first steps into the workforce as a college student by applying to LLS’s Internship Program. Raise funds, plan events, advocate for patients, and more as an intern and burgeoning volunteer. Explore volunteer internship opportunities .

ADVOCACY VOLUNTEERS

Push for change as part of our Office of Public Policy (OPP) to accelerate the development of new cancer treatments and break down barriers to care. Join the LLS Mobile Action Network to raise your voice for patients and make an immediate impact.

VOLUNTEER GRANTS

To honor active and retired employees who give personal time and service to their favorite causes, many organizations will award volunteer grants with donations to non-profits

Find out if your company has a volunteer grant program.

2024 NATIONAL VOLUNTEER AWARD RECIPIENTS

Meet outstanding volunteers who are the heart of LLS.

We're grateful for every single volunteer, and we're incredibly proud to highlight those who have gone above and beyond to support the blood cancer community however they can.

President's Award Recipient: J.J. Duncan

J.J. Duncan and her family turned a time of tremendous grief after losing her 11-year-old son, Mason, to leukemia, into a mission to advocate for pediatric cancer patients and the mission of The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society (LLS). Prior to her son Mason’s diagnosis, J.J. was actively involved with LLS as a Team in Training participant, quickly becoming an integral member of Los Angeles’s tight-knit TNT community. Learn More

De Villiers Family Legacy Award Recipient: Gurshaman Baweja

Following his beloved daughter’s brave battle with leukemia, Gurshaman Baweja chose to honor her memory by championing the mission of The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (LLS). Working tirelessly to raise funds in his community, attend events and engage his personal network, Gurshaman and his Light the Night team, raised nearly $300K over the past two years. Learn More

Quality of Life Award Recipient: Dr. Matthew Matasar

As a Hematologist/Oncologist specializing in lymphoma and the Chief of the Division of Blood Disorders at Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey, Dr. Matthew Matasar takes his work as an advocate for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society (LLS) to new heights. From serving on the Board of Trustees for the Long Island and New Jersey Regions for 10 years to actively referring patients to LLS for support, he is a champion for LLS. Learn More

President's Award Recipient J.J. Duncan

J.J. Duncan and her family turned a time of tremendous grief after losing her 11-year-old son, Mason, to leukemia, into a mission to advocate for pediatric cancer patients and the mission of The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society (LLS). Prior to her son Mason’s diagnosis, J.J. was actively involved with LLS as a Team in Training participant, quickly becoming an integral member of Los Angeles’s tight-knit TNT community. Following Mason’s diagnosis and treatment, J.J. continued to actively participant and served as the TNT Executive Leadership Committee Co-Chair. In this role, J.J. spoke at Patient and Community Outreach Education programs and was featured as a mission speaker at Greater Los Angeles Region events.

J.J.’s involvement has expanded to the national level as she currently serves as a member of LLS’s Pediatric Advocacy Committee as well as the California Advocacy Committee. Giving tirelessly her time, J.J. shares her family’s story through video, written LLS reports, and in-person legislative meetings. She was a keynote speaker for the first Dare to Dream Summit and was central in the effort to highlight Dare to Dream as a major legislative priority for the Office of Public Policy.

J.J. 's passion for LLS’s mission earned her the award of LLS Advocate Ambassador of the Year in the spring of 2023 and the OPP Volunteer Award in 2023. J.J.’s fight to end blood cancer has also extended beyond work with LLS, as J.J. and her wife have started the Not Today Cancer Foundation in honor of Mason. The Foundation’s flagship event is an annual 5k run/walk to raise funds for pediatric cancer. The 2023 5k included over 700 participants and raised more than $50,000. For her longstanding commitment and outstanding efforts, in honor of her son Mason, J.J. Duncan receives the 2024 President's Award.

The prestigious LLS President’s Award represents our top honor and is given to an individual who has shown excellence in making substantive transformational impact at LLS. From bringing forward national business development opportunities to LLS or leading the way to groundbreaking scientific discoveries, this person has gone above and beyond, making the greatest cumulative impact on the Mission during their time volunteering with LLS.

De Villiers Family Legacy Award Recipient Gurshaman Baweja

Following his beloved daughter’s brave battle with leukemia, Gurshaman Baweja chose to honor her memory by championing the mission of The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (LLS). Working tirelessly to raise funds in his community, attend events and engage his personal network, Gurshaman and his Light the Night team, raised nearly $300K over the past two years.

Gurshaman is passionate about The Dare to Dream Project, often serving as a mission speaker at community events and as an LLS advocate in his Texas community on pediatric blood cancer. Gurshaman’s passion for his daughter’s legacy inspires him as a member of the Texas Advocacy Committee, where he meets with other advocates from around the state. Gurshaman and his wife have served as LLS representatives at the Alliance for Childhood Cancer, urging federal lawmakers to fund pediatric research. A natural storyteller, Gurshaman became the point person for local in-district meetings with members of Congress from the State of Texas. Gurshaman also donates his time traveling to Washington, D.C. to advocate for LLS.

Gurshaman continues to share his daughter’s story and invite others in his community to join the fight to end blood cancer. He looks forward to rolling out the Texas Advocacy Committee and he and his wife are setting up a scholarship foundation in their daughter’s name for young women interested in engineering. For his passionate advocacy for LLS, coupled with his kindness and great empathy, LLS is thrilled to award the 2024 de Villiers Family Legacy Award to Gurshaman Baweja.

The de Villiers Family Legacy Award is given in honor of Rudolph and Antoinette de Villiers’ son Robert. The de Villiers were the visionaries who founded the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society in Robert’s memory. This award recognizes an individual who has worked tirelessly to raise funds and influence policy with a passion and effort that matches that of the de Villiers’ family. The recipient has advanced the overall mission of LLS by impacting their community through their leadership and commitment. 

QUALITY OF LIFE AWARD RECIPIENT: Dr. Matthew Matasar

As a Hematologist/Oncologist specializing in lymphoma and the Chief of the Division of Blood Disorders at Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey, Dr. Matthew Matasar takes his work as an advocate for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society (LLS) to new heights. From serving on the Board of Trustees for the Long Island and New Jersey Regions for 10 years to actively referring patients to LLS for support, he is a champion for LLS. He distributes information to newly diagnosed patients and makes himself available for individual consults from patients seeking second opinions. Fighting to end blood cancer has also become a family mission, as Dr. Matasar’s child participated as a Student of the Year candidate to raise critical funds.

Beyond direct patient involvement, Dr. Matasar is a perpetual supporter of the fundraising efforts and advocacy initiatives of LLS. A long-time walker with Light the Night (LTN), Dr. Matasar has been highlighted during VIP receptions and serves as a “Mission Chair” raising awareness and increasing engagement in LTN at his healthcare facility. He often engages his region’s Patient and Community Outreach Manager to help strengthen relationships and support for blood cancer patients and caregivers in New Jersey and the Tri-State area. His continuous work earned him the Dr. John J. Kenny Award from LLS in 2017.

Dr. Matasar's involvement with LLS extends beyond the region level. Dr. Matasar presents at patient-facing education programs locally and nationally, including local education programs on Emerging Therapies for Hematologic Malignancies, lymphoma sessions at the Tri-State Blood Cancer Conference, national virtual Blood Cancer Conference, Ask An Expert video series, and numerous healthcare professional continuing education programs. Additionally, Dr. Matasar has spoken at the Chairman’s Reception and the Student of the Year Workshop. Using the Translational Research Program grant provided by LLS, Dr. Matasar, engaged over 200 long-term survivors of Hodgkin Lymphoma to see those at greater risk for developing heart disease after radiation therapy to the chest and to determine what diagnostic tests are best at detecting heart disease before actual damage to the heart has occurred. For his many years of involvement and relentless support of the LLS mission, the 2024 Quality of Life Award is presented to Dr. Matthew Matasar.

The Quality of Life Award recognizes a member of the medical community, patient or caregiver who has provided outstanding support to the LLS community that advances the Mission of improving the quality of life of our patients and their families.

I believe my role as a patient advocate is especially important as an African American woman since African Americans are underrepresented at advocacy events. I want others to know they are not suffering alone, and that I am with them.

LLS volunteer / MDS survivor

RECEIVE NATIONAL RECOGNITION

LLS is proud to be an official Certifying Organization for the President's Volunteer Service Award (PVSA). This award honors volunteers whose exceptional service impacts communities positively across the U.S. and inspires others to act. No matter how you choose to share your time and talents with LLS, you're making an incredible impact for patients, families, and your community. By tracking your volunteer hours with LLS and meeting eligibility requirements, you can be nominated for this exciting national achievement. Speak with your volunteer manager or visit the PVSA website to learn more.

VOLUNTEER NUMBERS THAT COUNT!

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Volunteer at Dana-Farber

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Contact Volunteer Services

Volunteering at Dana-Farber is a rewarding and enriching experience. Dana-Farber staff, donors, and volunteers all work toward a common goal of defeating cancer. As a supplemental resource for patients and families, volunteers who work at Dana-Farber are closely linked to this mission, as are those who volunteer at events that raise essential funds to support it. Volunteers are committed and reliable people who make a very real difference, everywhere they work.

Please read all the information on this site carefully before applying for a volunteer placement. For additional information on volunteer placements at the Institute, please contact Volunteer Services at 617-632-3307 or [email protected] .

Volunteer Requirements

The Lubin Family Volunteer Services Department at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute is committed to providing compassionate, well-trained resourceful volunteers to assist staff and patients, their families and friends.

We expect volunteers to be reliable, committed to their volunteer service, and available on a regular basis.

The following are the requirements to be a volunteer at Dana-Farber:

• All volunteers must be at least 18 years old.
• Volunteer placements are Monday through Friday, from 7:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
• Volunteers are expected to make a commitment of at least one year. Shifts may be weekly or monthly depending on your role.
• For weekly, volunteers must commit to a four-hour shift each week for a period of one year. Please expect to have the same schedule every week.

Volunteer Opportunities are available at:

• Dana-Farber Cancer Institute - Longwood Medical Area
• Dana-Farber Cancer Institute - Chestnut Hill
• Dana-Farber Cancer Institute - Merrimack Valley
• Remote Opportunities
• And more to come...

For additional information or to request an application, call Volunteer Services at 617-632-3307 , or send us an email at [email protected] .

We will review your application to determine eligibility for a placement, and then call you for an interview with a volunteer services staff member. We select volunteers for placement based on availability, time commitment, interests, and skills.

Before You Begin

Once you are interviewed and selected as a volunteer, you will need to complete the following steps:

• Complete on-boarding forms and paperwork
• CORI Form background check
• Complete an orientation
• If on-site, an occupational health clearance; required to have documentation of flu vaccine, Tb test, and COVID-19 vaccine and booster.

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Volunteer with NFCR

Thank you for your interest in volunteering with the National Foundation for Cancer Research.

Volunteering is a wonderful opportunity to participate in community service efforts, give back to society and inspire others, as well as promote goodness or improve the quality of life for others.

Why Volunteer with NFCR:

• You can make a difference!
• Feeling of self-worth and respect
• Go beyond fulfilling a requirement
• Enhance your college admission profile (for high school students)
• Make contacts for future employment
• Volunteer-based scholarships (for those headed to college or graduate school)

Upcoming Opportunities:

Stay Tuned!

View all Volunteer Opportunities with NFCR >>>

Get in Touch

We are often in need of volunteers to help us further our mission and have opportunities to work on a variety of projects in areas such as marketing, fundraising, digital, direct mail, and events. If you are able to help us in any of these areas, or if you have something else in mind, please contact us at [email protected] and include ‘VOLUNTEER’ in the subject line.

Special Thanks

Volunteers are crucial to our mission and a great way to give back to cancer research. We can sign off for community service hours or college credit hours if approved by your school. Thank you to our great volunteers!

National Foundation for Cancer Research(NFCR) is a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt nonprofit organization. Tax ID #: 04-2531031

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One to one with Penny: Volunteering special 1 – That Cancer Conversation podcast

27 May 2024

You can read the transcript for this episode here

Welcome back to another episode of That Cancer Conversation!  

Here at Cancer Research UK, we’re grateful to benefit from the support of more than 25,000 incredible volunteers, who donate their time to help us beat cancer .   

So, in the lead up to Volunteers’ Week on the 3 rd of June, we want to say a huge thank you to our brilliant community of volunteers, whose support makes our life-saving research possible.  

To celebrate their stories, we’re diving into the world of volunteering across 2 special episodes.  

First up, we’re chatting to Penny, who’s been volunteering with us for over 10 years, both as a campaign’s ambassador and as a member of the Children & Young People Insights Panel.  

After losing family members to cancer, Penny started volunteering in 2010 when she was 21, and hasn’t looked back since.  

Looking for a way to get stuck in and make a difference? Head to our volunteering pages to find out how you can get involved.   

And if you’ve got an hour to spare, why not really make it count as part of the Big Help Out ?    

On the 7-9 June, join millions of people across the UK in lending their time to events, shops, campaigns, and much more. Find out how you can help out here  

Join us next week, when we’ll be hearing from Rhian about her experience volunteering at Race for Life events.  

If you’re enjoying the podcast, help us out by leaving a review or subscribing wherever you get your podcasts.  

And if there are any cancer conversations you want us to have in future, let us know at [email protected]  

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Sarah harding's legacy: finding women who may have higher breast cancer risks, general election 2024: what does this mean for the tobacco and vapes bill, skin cancer cases reach all-time high, an animal's guide to staying safe in the sun, hpv vaccine slashes cervical cancer rates across society, one to one with penny: volunteering special 1 - that cancer conversation podcast, the ‘mystery’ culprit causing kidney cancer worldwide, proteins in blood could give cancer warning seven years earlier, related topics.

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Stanford Cancer Institute

Search stanford cancer institute, leukemia & lymphoma society equity in access research program.

Deadline: September 12, 2024

LLS invites Letters of Intent for the Equity in Access Research Program under the Request for Proposals:  Building Evidence for Effective Interventions to Increase Therapeutic Cancer Clinical Trial Accrual: Promoting Access for Patients from Underrepresented Groups

Awards will be a maximum of $2.5 million each, over 5 years. Specifically, LLS seeks proposals that will implement and evaluate interventions designed to:

• Mitigate multilevel barriers to therapeutic clinical trial accrual for underrepresented groups
• Quantitatively measure the impact of these interventions on patient accrual

LLS is particularly interested in proposals that address systemic, institutional, and clinician-related barriers that impede clinical trial participation. It is not necessary for applicants to have previously conducted research in blood cancer.  The due date for Letters of Intent is  September 12, 2024 at 3pm ET .  RFP and more information :   LLS.org/EquityinAccess .   Contact  [email protected]  with any questions.

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Volunteers Sought for NCI Study

NCI is looking for volunteers who have endometrial cancer. The purpose of the study is to test two investigational study drugs, a vaccine that targets HER2 (AdHER2DC) and a drug that improves immune cells that destroy tumor cells (N-803). Both drugs will be combined with two FDA-approved cancer treatment drugs for people with endometrial cancer. Research procedures will be provided at no cost; travel assistance may also be available. For details, contact the Clinical Center’s Office of Patient Recruitment at 866-444-8810 or [email protected] and refer to study #001557-C. To learn more online, visit https://go.nih.gov/NEJnMuT .

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Researchers Honored for Outstanding Contributions to Cancer Care

Read Time: 2 minutes

Three Huntsman Cancer Institute researchers have recently been recognized for their work as outstanding faculty members at the University of Utah (the U).

Kim Kaphingst, ScD , director of cancer communication research at Huntsman Cancer Institute and professor of communication at the U, and June Round, PhD , investigator at Huntsman Cancer Institute and professor of microbiology and immunology at the U, were both granted the 2024 Distinguished Research Award . The faculty prize is given annually to scholars who exemplify exceptional research.

Kim Kaphingst

“My hope is that our investigations expand the reach of cancer genetic information to all in the area we serve.”

—Kim Kaphingst, ScD

Photo courtesy of the Office of the Vice President for Research

Kaphingst’s group explores cancer communication, particularly how to educate patients and families who may have inherited cancer syndromes . Kaphingst and her colleagues also look for strategies that will recruit a wider pool of patients into clinical trials .

“Huntsman Cancer Institute is a unique institution where a communications professor can conduct research on genetic testing services and other health services, integrating multiple disciplines. This award really shows how successful our work has been here,” says Kaphingst. “It is an honor to receive the Distinguished Research Award. My hope is that our investigations expand the reach of cancer genetic information to all in the area we serve.”

“I think the Distinguished Research Award validates that this work is important.”

—June Round, PhD

Round and her team study how microbiota—bacteria, fungi, and viruses that live on and in the human body—impact cancer outcomes. Round, an immunologist, is interested in the presence of gut microbes that may prevent colon and pancreatic cancers .

“We believe that people who develop cancer are lacking a lot of beneficial organisms. Whereas people who don't get cancer have organisms that are promoting a healthy immune response. The question is: can we find those organisms and give them to people who have the disease?” says Round. “I think the Distinguished Research Award validates that this work is important.”

The Distinguished Research Award is bestowed by the Office of the Vice President for Research . A committee reviews nominations before deciding on three winners, who each receive a $10,000 grant. Gabriel Bowen, PhD , professor of geology at the U, is the third awardee.

“We received more nominees for the Distinguished Research Award this year than ever before,” says Jakob Jensen, PhD , a member of the Cancer Control and Population Sciences Program at Huntsman Cancer Institute and associate vice president for research at the U. “We are proud to honor three outstanding faculty from diverse disciplines who are making an impact in Utah and beyond.”

Neli Ulrich

“I am immensely grateful to my colleagues at the U for this honor. This award recognizes the decades-long work of my research team.”

—Neli Ulrich, PhD, MS

Neli Ulrich, PhD, MS , chief scientific officer and executive director of the Comprehensive Cancer Center at Huntsman Cancer Institute and professor of population health sciences at the U, was also named a Distinguished Professor at the U. 

Distinguished Professor is a special honored rank for tenured faculty. Professors given the title are lauded for both their high level of research and dedication to teaching. Ulrich is an internationally renowned epidemiologist, widely recognized for her work in colorectal cancer causes and survivorship.

“I am immensely grateful to my colleagues at the U for this honor,” says Ulrich. “This award recognizes the decades-long work of my research team, with colleagues from surgery, oncology, epidemiology, basic sciences, and other disciplines. I’m also thrilled to see Huntsman Cancer Institute investigators Kaphingst and Round praised for their extraordinary accomplishments. Their revolutionary research in cancer care and prevention epitomizes the work we do at Huntsman Cancer Institute, and I look forward to the future impact of their work.”

Media Contact

Heather Simonsen Public Relations Huntsman Cancer Institute Email Us 801 581-3194

About Huntsman Cancer Institute at the University of Utah

Huntsman Cancer Institute at the University of Utah (the U) is the National Cancer Institute-designated Comprehensive Cancer Center for Utah, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, and Wyoming. With a legacy of innovative cancer research, groundbreaking discoveries, and world-class patient care, we are transforming the way cancer is understood, prevented, diagnosed, treated, and survived. Huntsman Cancer Institute focuses on delivering a cancer-free frontier to all communities in the area we serve . We have more than 300 open clinical trials and 250 research teams studying cancer at any given time. More genes for inherited cancers have been discovered at Huntsman Cancer Institute than at any other cancer center. Our scientists are world-renowned for understanding how cancer begins and using that knowledge to develop innovative approaches to treat each patient’s unique disease. Huntsman Cancer Institute was founded by Jon M. and Karen Huntsman.

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Karmanos Researcher Recruiting LGBTQ+ Cancer Survivors, Caregivers for Focus Groups

Cancer survivors encouraged to help provide feedback on best practices for supporting lgbtq+ cancer survivors and the people who care for them.

The Barbara Ann Karmanos Cancer Institute is partnering with Wayne State University (WSU) School of Medicine, the University of Rochester, and the National Institutes of Health (NIH) to bring attention to the unique needs of cancer survivors and their caregivers in the LGBTQ+ community. The idea for this work came from LGBTQ+ stakeholder partners, who identified improving the well-being of cancer caregivers as a top priority for research and interventions. Now, the investigators are soliciting input from LGBTQ+ cancer survivors and caregivers from across the country. Investigators hope to recruit at least 48 people to participate in focus groups.

“Previous research has shown that LGBTQ+ individuals with cancer and their loved ones who act as informal caregivers experience higher levels of psychological distress and less access to appropriate psychosocial care compared with their heterosexual and cis-gendered counterparts," said Theresa Hastert, Ph.D., MPP, Population Studies and Disparities Research Program member at Karmanos, and associate professor in the WSU School of Medicine Department of Oncology. “As we focus on the importance of what has come from previous research and with the priorities of our LGBTQ+ stakeholder partners, we have identified an area of research we need to explore further.”

Dr. Hastert’s co-investigator is Charles Kamen, Ph.D., MPH, associate professor in the University of Rochester Medical Center Departments of Surgery and Psychiatry in New York. The two received funding from the National Cancer Institute to adapt an existing intervention (the FOCUS Program) to improve the quality of life among people with cancer and their caregivers to meet the needs of LGBTQ+ individuals. The LGBTQ+ stakeholder partners were part of the LGBTQ Cancer Action Council (CAC) , facilitated by the Office of Cancer Health Equity and Community Engagement (OCHECE) at Karmanos. The LGBTQ CAC is a group of cancer survivors, caregivers and advocates. The CAC members were crucial in previous during the preliminary phase of the study, leading to a published paper, Community-Driven Identification and Adaptions of a Cancer Caregiving Intervention for LGBTQIA Population , in Frontiers of Oncology in June 2022.

“In the first phase of this study, we are recruiting LGBTQ+ cancer survivors and caregivers to participate in focus groups to provide feedback on the existing FOCUS intervention and ways it could be adapted to better serve the LGBTQ+ community,” Dr. Hastert shared.

The information obtained through the focus groups will assist in adapting the FOCUS program to better address the needs of LGBTQ+ cancer survivors and caregivers. Investigators are working with a group of topic experts in LGBTQ health and cancer survivorship and interventions to develop an adapted version of the intervention—updating the content of the interventionist guide and the additional information and resources provided during the program. The adapted version will be pilot-tested among LGBTQ+ cancer survivors and caregivers using funding in the current grant to determine if the program is feasible and acceptable in the LGBTQ+ population. Future research will extend the study to measure the improvement of outcomes (e.g., quality of life) among LGBTQ+ cancer survivors and caregivers.

To participate, cancer survivors must be at least 18 years of age and have a friend or family caregiver who is willing to complete the focus group with them. There are no restrictions on when the cancer diagnosis was given and how long the survivor has had the disease or has been in remission. The cancer survivor or their caregiver must identify as LGBTQ+, and both must be able to participate in the focus group in English. These focus groups will be conducted in person at the Karmanos Cancer Institute in Detroit or online via Zoom, depending on the preferences of the participant group. The focus group sessions will last approximately 90 minutes. Each participant will receive a $50 gift card in appreciation for their time.

Potential participants may learn more by contacting the research team at 313-578-4237 or at  [email protected] .

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Uvmcc cancer population science announces pilot award grantees.

Karlyn Martin, M.D. (left), and Jay Garvey, Ph.D. (right).

The Cancer Population Science research program at the University of Vermont Cancer Center recently announced the winners of its pilot awards. The pilot awards are a unique philanthropy-funded mechanisms to support members conducting population-based research. 

The awardees are:  

Karlyn Martin, M.D. , associate professor of Medicine. Dr. Martin’s study will evaluate factors that influence initiating timely anticoagulation treatment in newly diagnosed pancreatic cancer patients. Individuals diagnosed with pancreatic cancer have a 50-fold higher chance of developing venous thromboembolism (VTE), or blood clots 1 . Despite guidelines which support starting newly diagnosed pancreatic cancer patients on anticoagulation medication, evidence indicates that this is not routinely done 2 . An inter-programmatic collaboration with Cancer Center members Chris Holmes, M.D. (CHE), Steven Ades, M.D. (CHE), and trainee member Ryan Thomas, this project will inform the development of effective implementation strategies for anticoagulation treatment, decreasing VTE in patients with pancreatic cancer and improving their outcomes. The project will evaluate factors across different settings, including rural areas, to ensure that implementation strategies reflect the needs of various groups within the Cancer Center’s catchment area. 

Jay Garvey, Ph.D.,  associate professor of Education.   The pilot award will support studies on cancer-related health disparities among sexual and gender minority populations in rural Vermont. Vermont has approximately 5.2% of residents who identify as LGBTQIA+, ranking it as the sixth highest state in the nation 3 . Recent studies have shown substantial health disparities among sexual and gender minority communities 4–7  (source). However, it is unclear how these communities are specifically impacted by cancer related health disparities. Working in collaboration with Kell Arbor from the Vermont PRIDE Center, Maija Reblin, Ph.D. (CPS), and Diego Adrianzen Herrera, M.D. (CHE), the team will explore cancer-related health disparities across the cancer continuum in rural Vermont. The findings of this study will inform future research directions and clinical care needs among sexual and gender minority communities. 

References: 1. Mulder, F. I.  et al.  Venous thromboembolism in cancer patients: a population-based cohort study.  Blood   137 , 1959–1969 (2021). 2. Heffley, J.  et al.  Venous Thromboembolism in Patients with Pancreatic Adenocarcinoma: Disease Burden and Initiation of Ambulatory Thromboprphylaxis. 3.  LGBT Data & Demographics – The Williams Institute .  https://williamsinstitute.law.ucla.edu/visualization/lgbt-stats/?topic=LGBT#about-the-data  (2019). 4. Institute of Medicine.  The Health of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender People: Building a Foundation for Better Understanding . (The National Academies Press, Washington, DC, 2011). 5. Ceres, M., Quinn, G. P., Loscalzo, M. & Rice, D. Cancer Screening Considerations and Cancer Screening Uptake for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender Persons.  Semin. Oncol. Nurs.   34 , 37–51 (2018). 6. Kamen, C. S.  et al.  “Treat us with dignity”: a qualitative study of the experiences and recommendations of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ) patients with cancer.  Support. Care Cancer   27 , 2525–2532 (2019). 7. Pratt-Chapman, M. L., Alpert, A. B. & Castillo, D. A. Health outcomes of sexual and gender minorities after cancer: a systematic review.  Syst. Rev.   10 , 183 (2021). 

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Judy Appleton, Ph.D. Early Career Excellence in Research Award supports inaugural recipient’s work in cancer biology

Anushka Dongre. Photo: Carol Jennings/CVM

Dr. Anushka Dongre, assistant professor in the Department of Biomedical Sciences at the College of Veterinary Medicine (CVM), is the inaugural recipient of the Judy Appleton, Ph.D. Early Career Excellence in Research Award.

The award was established last year thanks to a generous gift from Geoff Letchworth, D.V.M. ’72, Ph.D. ’80 and provides significant resources for an assistant professor early in their career to add staff or necessary materials to their lab. It is named in honor of Dr. Judy Appleton, Emeritus Alfred H. Caspary Professor of Immunology, who conducted groundbreaking research on helminth infections and served as vice provost.

“I extend a very warm congratulations to Dr. Dongre,” said Lorin Warnick, D.V.M., Ph.D.’94, Austin O. Hooey Dean of Veterinary Medicine. “Her promising work continues the legacy of excellence in research that is embodied by Dr. Appleton and supported thanks to the vision of Dr. Geoff Letchworth.”

Letchworth himself benefited from an early career scholarship for his work in virology at the University of Wisconsin-Madison and later went on to conduct research at the USDA laboratory in Wyoming. “The objective of this grant is to give Dr. Dongre the freedom to explore unexpected opportunities in her research independent of the delays inherent in the public grant system,” he said.

Working at the interface of cancer biology and immunology, Dongre uses mouse models to better understand how epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition — a process cancer cells undergo to metastasize — contributes to mesenchymal cells’ resistance to a form of immunotherapy called checkpoint inhibition.

Dongre brings a diverse scientific background to her research. After earning her bachelor’s and master’s degrees in microbiology from the University of Mumbai in India, she completed her Ph.D. in the lab of renowned immunologist Dr. Barbara Osborne at the University of Massachusetts-Amherst. Wanting to explore a new field while applying her expertise in adaptive immunology, she spent her postdoc years in the lab of Dr. Robert Weinberg, a leading expert in cancer biology at the Whitehead Institute at MIT. Here Dongre began to connect the plasticity of cancer cells with immunotherapy and the tumor microenvironment — research she brought with her to Cornell in early 2022.

For Dongre, the Judy Appleton award “couldn’t come at a better time, I’m very grateful,” she said. “We have many ideas of branching out and exploring different mechanisms by which mesenchymal cells are killed. This requires us to use some cutting-edge techniques, which are expensive. We can use some of these funds to leverage the best technology out there and combine it with our mouse models to address these difficult questions.” She also plans to recruit more personnel to her lab and mentor students, whose stipends she will now be able to pay.

In the long run, Dongre hopes to translate her findings from the mouse models to other species, including canine and feline carcinomas. “That’s the advantage of being here in the veterinary college,” she said. “Eventually we’ll get to human patient samples as well. The award is helping us with the next steps along this path.”

Dr. Paula Cohen, associate dean for research and graduate education, for one, is looking forward to seeing the direction Dongre’s work will take. “Dr. Letchworth's generous gift supports young scientists at a pivotal moment in their careers,” she said. “For Dr. Dongre, who has already proven herself using innovative approaches to studying the importance of the epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition in the genesis of breast carcinoma, this award could be transformative.”

Written by Olivia Hall

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Revelations in oncology: Reflecting on the past and charting the future in cancer research

Over the past several decades, we have seen tremendous progress across the oncology landscape, with advances that have transformed our understanding of cancer and ushered in new hope for people facing the disease. Among these critical advances was the introduction of immuno-oncology, which revolutionized how cancer is treated. Recently, Adam Lenkowsky, executive vice president, chief commercialization officer, and Tania Small, senior vice president, head of medical affairs, sat down to reflect on Bristol Myers Squibb’s (BMS) contributions to pioneering the field of checkpoint inhibition. 

That work is far from done: with an ever-evolving oncology pipeline that focuses on specific targets of disease and solving complex biologic problems in a precise way, our team at BMS remains committed to reimagining drug development and addressing the complexities of cancer through multiple research approaches.

Q: While we have come a long way in cancer care, in many ways it seems we’re only just beginning. Can you tell us more about how the cancer treatment paradigm has evolved in recent years?   

Tania : I started my career in clinical practice, specializing in pediatric hematology/oncology in the early 2000s. Back then, the treatment paradigm for many cancers was more simplistic, and survival rates were lower. What I observed during my years treating patients strengthened my resolve to contribute to our collective understanding of the disease and radically improve the treatment paradigm . 

We’ve made incredible progress since then. We recognize cancer as a diverse collection of diseases and understand the equally diverse set of needs our patients face. And we are applying that knowledge and experience to the development of future therapeutic approaches.

This sort of patient-driven science has led to some true revelations for our team at BMS. Take the pervasive issue of disease recurrence: we recognized a little over a decade ago that single agents may only get us so far in confronting the biological complexities of solid tumors and delaying—or preventing—progression or recurrence. We asked ourselves: what more could we do to overcome these challenges? We recognized that more needed to be done and we formulated and tested a hypothesis around a double immunotherapeutic approach that became the backbone of what is today an industry-leading development program.

Adam : We’re in an exciting new era of innovation in oncology. For decades, breakthroughs in radiation, chemotherapy and immunotherapy have changed the game and people are living longer. This progress has motivated our team to continue to push and expand our research into new modalities and mechanisms. 

But we’re not stopping there. As Tania said, we understand the relentless grasp that cancer can have, and recognize the role that access to life-changing medicines can play in improving the lives of patients and their loved ones. We do everything we can to get our medicines in the hands of the patients who need them, including taking tailored approaches to ensuring access for those living in low- and middle-income countries. These actions represent just a few of the ways we are working to eliminate barriers, achieve equitable outcomes and positively impact the treatment paradigm for all.

Q: We are still working to find a cure for cancer. With this, what are the challenges BMS is hoping to tackle to improve current standards of cancer care?

Adam : Our team has always been defined by curiosity, collaboration and innovation. Dr. Jim Allison and Dr. Tasuku Honjo undisputedly sparked a revolution with their discovery that the immune system could be activated to attack and destroy cancer cells. Discoveries like that inspire us and remind us of the importance of working together. We take every opportunity to engage more closely across the scientific community to consider what new technology means for current standards of care and how we can approach science in new ways. We need open dialogue to understand what physicians are seeing in clinical practice, and what more they need as they work to make the best decisions for their patients.

Tania : I agree. It takes what I like to call a “whole treatment team,” inclusive of physicians and other healthcare providers, advocates, researchers, regulators and more, to help meet the needs of patients. Every day, these individuals work tirelessly to solve the challenges of cancer treatment, and we are grateful for their efforts.

At the same time, our goal is to be a partner to patients and families. For too long, drug development was devoid of the patient voice and didn’t reflect patient needs! We needed to fix that as a collective community. I’m proud of our company’s efforts to change the course. Our Patient Expert Engagement Resource (PEER) program ensures the patient voice is embedded into every stage of the process. The program functions in a number of ways: for example, requiring all pivotal trial protocols include expert patient advocacy engagement prior to internal sign-off. These perspectives are critical as we continue to translate big ideas into tangible scientific advances.

Q: You mentioned the “revelation about recurrence” the BMS team had more than a decade ago. As we think about the time period since, what would you consider is the team’s biggest achievement? 

Tania : While we’ve seen marked improvements across many cancers, a core focus related to the issue of disease recurrence has been on the cancers that are among the hardest to treat. This is an area we have always believed we can make a broad impact, and an area where we are seeing proof of progress. Not long ago, available treatments for advanced melanoma offered patients little hope, with only one in four surviving a year after diagnosis. Today, more than 49% of patients are living 6.5 years after diagnosis. *  It’s clear how scientific progress is translating to tangible impact for patients. I would say our greatest achievements from the past 10+ years are seen in the patients themselves, who have more treatment options than ever before and the potential for more time. The ultimate metric we strive to reach every day is transforming as many lives as possible through our science.

Q: What opportunities lie ahead? 

Adam : Having worked at BMS for over 27 years, including leading our U.S. and global oncology business, I’ve seen firsthand our company’s remarkable evolution in oncology. The growth of our oncology portfolio has created some incredibly meaningful milestones in my own career and for our organization – and the continued impact on patients is a steady source of excitement and pride. As we continue to expand our oncology pipeline through diversified research strategies, we see countless opportunities to push the boundaries of science, target novel disease mechanisms and tackle even more complex biological challenges. But equally important is the opportunity we see to have a direct, positive impact on people living with cancer and their loved ones. It’s an exciting time, not only for BMS, but for our entire industry, as science and technology around the world are moving at a rapid pace and helping us better understand and address patient needs. We’re leveraging these advancements to speed up the discovery and development process across our pipeline with the goal of making immunotherapy and other breakthrough modalities, like protein degradation, targeted therapies, cell therapy, antibody-drug conjugates and radioligands, a reality for more patients.

Tania : Our team is made up of scientific innovators who are actively pursuing new breakthroughs to tackle some of the biggest challenges we face in cancer. Our dedication to drive discovery in immuno-oncology and throughout our growing oncology portfolio is tied to a greater purpose, which is supporting the lives of patients and their families.

In my time as a hematologist/oncologist, I connected deeply with the families I served, and profoundly felt their desperation for more time. When I think about the last decade-plus of progress and the promise of what’s to come, I think very specifically about our opportunity to help patients and their loved ones at scale. I believe the next decade of innovation will enable us to drive more inclusive research and the types of durable treatment responses that can make more time a reality for more patients. And who knows? There is likely to be another scientific revelation or two ahead of us, too!

*Korn et al. 2008 meta-analysis for the introduction of immunotherapy and targeted therapy: 25% of patients still alive after 1 year – median life expectancy 6 months/IPI alonge: 20% (Schadendorf et al. JCO 2015)/Hodi et al. presented at ASCO 2020 (abstract 9522).

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Volunteer for a good cause this summer

Posted on May 29, 2024 by Chloe Mills . This entry was posted in Engaging Interests , Volunteerism . Bookmark the permalink .

Summer is almost here! And it’s a great time to connect with your community through volunteering.

Research has found that volunteering has many benefits to you and the communities you serve.

We want to share a few of the many opportunities to give back through volunteering — either on your own, with your family or with a group of friends or co-workers. And we know that summer is also a great time for your kids to serve required volunteer hours for school.

You can learn more and get ideas about volunteering locally through the UW Combined Fund Drive . And find hundreds of volunteer opportunities through Volunteer Match or the Washington Combined Fund Drive database. Track your volunteer hours with our UWCFD volunteer tracker .

Northshore Senior Center

Can’t make it to a center? Consider writing thoughtful letters that can be mailed out to seniors and join the Kindness Crew, spreading positivity through your words!

Have administrative skills? Consider putting those computer and customer service skills to use as front desk support to greet visitors.

Woodinville Farmers Market

This is a great opportunity for families and kids to volunteer! Volunteer opportunities are split into morning (8 a.m.-noon) and afternoon (11:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m.) shifts

Hone your event management skills and help promote sustainability in our food systems by helping vendors or assisting at the visitors’ desk or kids’ activity table.

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Help alleviate food insecurity in Northeast Seattle through volunteering in the front of the house, back of the house, home delivery program—or even helping tend the Rooftop Roots Farm.

Volunteer opportunities cater to a range of commitment levels, group sizes (up to 16) and ages (middle- and high-school students welcome!). Can’t commit to regular volunteering? Sign up for drop-in hours.

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The Food Pantry always needs people to check-in visitors, transport local produce donations from the UW Farm or other campus locations, join the gleaning team, organize food drives or table events to increase awareness.

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Improve literacy and support the library as a welcoming space for all. Volunteer opportunities include leading Talk Time Classes, conversing with English language learners, serving as a Reading Buddy or tutor for K-12 students.

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Support healing trauma through the arts as a creative mentor or support teaching artists as an in-person or virtual assistant, capturing photography, taking attendance, helping facilitate positive engagement. Two-hour classes typically run for four or eight weeks and are held on weekday afternoons/evenings.

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Get your hands dirty with one of the featured organizations in our recent Urban Gardening Lunch & Learn, hosted by the UW Combined Fund Drive. Tilth Alliance has volunteer opportunities working in gardens, farms, wetlands and forests. Volunteers can also help improve access to fresh produce in our community, celebrate community meals and support family and senior nutrition programs.

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Zero Waste Washington

Get involved with one of the featured organizations at May’s UW Combined Fund Drive Environmental Nonprofit Expo by volunteering for an upcoming South Sound Litter Cleanup. As a group, you’ll beautify parks and beaches and help advocate for policies that limit plastic waste.

We hope that you will be inspired to find a volunteer activity that resonates with you!

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