Mayo Making Great Progress In Cancer Research

The Mayo Clinic is making great strides in breast cancer, lung cancer and pancreatic cancer research. Last night was the annual 'thank you/recognition dinner' at the Marriott Hotel in downtown Rochester. This last year was one for the record books, as over $1,000,000 was raised, thanks to your generous efforts.

Gina Razidlo. PhD., gave a very informative presentation on how cancer is a metastatic disease. That means the cancer cells can break away and attack other parts of the body, especially pancreatic cancer. She explained how a drug called AZA, which has been around for 50 years, is helping to reduce tumor cell invasion and helps stop the spread. As you can see on the chart, there is a longer life span in clinical trials with mice.
Part of her team members are Chris Magnine, Arthur Sletten, Jing Chen, Rachel Hurley, Shaun Weller and Mark McNiven.

I donate my time and PA system each year to the Eagles Cancer Telethon tryouts, which happen on a couple of different Sunday's. Teresa Chapman, from the Eagles Cancer Telethon, said, "Raising funds means hope for others that we all hold dear. Your donation makes a big difference."

Jerry Watson, general manager of KTTC-TV talked about how they have been involved from the beginning. He mentioned that KTTC just signed a new contract with NBC and they are the only NBC affiliate in America with a special 'clause' in their contract that states they can omit national network programming just for the telethon. Their on-air talent do a wonderful job each year hosting the event. He mentioned that original host Bernie Lusk said the purpose of the telethon is to "entertain, educate and encourage'. It still holds true today.

So to all of you who have donated, attended a pancake breakfast or auction or any other event to raise money for the telethon, thank you. Your efforts help in the fight against cancer for the Mayo Clinic, the Hormel Research Center in Austin and the U of M. May you all be blessed. - Alan