UAB Comprehensive Cancer Center Magazine E-Edition 2015 | Page 2

news from the director 2015 • VOLUME X X XI • NUMBER 2 contents Letter from the President Welcome to the latest e-edition of the UAB Comprehensive Cancer Center Magazine! This issue focuses on a group that is truly leading the The 2015-2016 year for the Young Supporters Board has kicked off and we are looking forward to another fun and successful year! We are excited to begin way in the fight against cancer – the this new year, and we look forward to making a positive impact on the UAB Young Supporters Board of the UAB Comprehensive Cancer Center and the patients and families this extraordinary Comprehensive Cancer Center. LEADING THE WAY: THE NEXT GENERATION OF CANCER FIGHTERS............3 YOUNG SUPPORTERS BOARD NEW MEMBERS...........4 MEET THE YOUNG SUPPORTERS BOARD.................5 YSB GRANT RECIPIENTS.........6 FIESTA BALL......................................8 GIVING TO THE CENTER place serves. The Young Supporters Board was We have already begun plans for our annual Cinco de Mayo-themed fundraiser, Fiesta Ball, which will be held formed in 2006 to introduce the at Iron City on May 5, 2016. Last year’s event was our most successful yet as we raised more than $90,000 to next generation of Alabamians to support the Mary Ann Harvard Young Investigator Grant and patient and family services at the Cancer Center. the work being done here at the Fiesta Ball is a fun and meaningful event not to be missed, and we are grateful for all of the support we have received from our generous sponsors and the community. Cancer Center, and the board has surpassed our greatest expectations. We recently completed our annual grant review process for the Mary Ann Harvard Young Investigator Grant, I am continuously amazed at the and this year’s recipients are Braden McFarland, Ph.D., and Souroush Rais-Bahrami, M.D. Young investigators passion and the dedication that these young professionals bring to the support of the Young Supporters cause, and I am tremendously proud Board – and people like you – we of all they have accomplished and will achieve that vision sooner rather continue to do. than later. Support from community groups Thank you for supporting your UAB such as the Young Supporters Board Comprehensive Cancer Center. There are a variety of ways to give to the UAB Center. I believe that cancer will be Comprehensive Cancer Center. All donations eliminated as a major public health be designated for the cancer or research such as these hold the key to the future of cancer care, and it is vital for our board to help them accelerate their goal to eradicate cancer. The YSB has awarded 12 grants since its inception, and we look forward to awarding many more in the future. This year we hope to expand our fundraising and outreach efforts to better support the Cancer Center and UAB’s oncology patients and families. We are introducing a new fundraiser called “Dine for a Cure,” where we is critical to the success of the Cancer are tax-deductible as allowed by law and may Mary-Margaret Brown problem in this century, and with the area of your choice. Every dollar stays here will partner with local restaurants to receive a portion of their dining sales. Our members will continue to visit patients and families on the inpatient oncology floors and serve meals to those staying at Hope Lodge, as well as participate in other outreach opportunities throughout the year. All YSB members have been impacted by cancer, so it is important to us to support and encourage those facing this arduous journey. Edward Partridge, M.D. Director and Evalina B. Spencer Chair in Oncology I am excited to get the year under way and honored to be a part of an organization whose vision is to eliminate cancer as a major public health problem. The YSB is truly a unique and special board, and I strongly encourage you to learn more and join us in the fight against cancer! in Birmingham and is directly applied to cancer research and treatment. Donations may be made by visiting the Cancer Center’s Web site, uab.edu/cancer, or by calling the Office of Development and Community Relations at [phone]. MARY-MARGARET BROWN For a free subscription to UAB Comprehensive YOUNG SUPPORTERS BOARD PRESIDENT Cancer Center, please call [phone] or send an e-mail with your name and address to [email protected]. # K N O W U A B C C C • U A B . E D U / C A N C E R 3