This Weekend in Philadelphia: Party With a Purpose Gala Raises Lifesaving Funds to Support Cancer Research Through AACR
The annual event, hosted by Friends of the AACR Foundation, will honor local researchers who are advancing cancer immunotherapy and recognize community members who are making an impact for people with cancer
WHAT
On Sunday, October 25, the Friends of the AACR Foundation will host the 23rd annual Party with a Purpose gala in Philadelphia to raise lifesaving funds for cancer research. This year’s event has raised more than $320,000 to support early detection and prevention research through the Philadelphia-based American Association for Cancer Research (AACR), the world’s first and largest professional organization dedicated to advancing cancer research and its mission to prevent and cure cancer.
WHEN
Sunday, October 25
4-8 p.m.
WHERE
Crystal Tea Room, The Wanamaker Building
100 E Penn Square, 9th Floor
Philadelphia, PA 19107
WHO
The gala will celebrate several honorees whose work has improved the lives of people with cancer and their loved ones. Cancer Research Catalyst, the official blog of AACR, has published two Q&A posts with this year’s honorees.
- Party With a Purpose Honors the Power of Immunotherapy
This post features two Philadelphia-based honorees who are being recognized for their contributions to cancer immunotherapy:- Robert H. Vonderheide, MD, DPhil, FAACR, will receive the Scientific Achievement Award. Vonderheideis the director of the Abramson Cancer Center of the University of Pennsylvania and AACR President-Elect.
- Andrew Rech, MD, PhD, will receive the Early Career Investigator Award. Rech is an assistant professor of pathology and laboratory medicine at the University of Pennsylvania.
- Party With a Purpose Honors Domenick Bucci, MD, and the HEADstrong Foundation
This post highlights two honorees being recognized for their impact on patients and communities affected by cancer:- The HEADstrong Foundation will receive the Community Impact Award. Founder Nick Colleluori launched the organization at age 19 after experiencing firsthand the challenges patients face when they must relocate for cancer treatment during his battle with diffuse large B-cell non-Hodgkin lymphoma. After his death in 2006, his family carried on his vision, helping the foundation raise more than $40 million and support over 39,000 families.
- Domenick Bucci, MD, will receive the Humanitarian Award. Bucci is vice president, medical management and medical policy at Independence Blue Cross.
INTERVIEW OPPORTUNITIES
Media interested in attending the event, speaking with the awardees, or learning more about Party with a Purpose can contact Kathleen Medora at [email protected] or 215-290-5408.