Damon Runyon News

From all of us at the Damon Runyon Cancer Research Foundation, we sincerely hope that you are safe and healthy. We are aware that everyone is affected by COVID-19/novel coronavirus, from our scientists to our donors. 

Advances in Genome Biology and Technology (AGBT) and the Damon Runyon Cancer Research Foundation have partnered to award a new fellowship in honor of world-renowned genomics pioneer, Elaine R. Mardis, PhD. Steven W. M. Crossley, PhD, at the University of California, Berkeley, will receive this award during the AGBT General Meeting to be held February.

Written by Yung S. Lie, PhD, President and Chief Executive Officer, Damon Runyon Cancer Research Foundation

Twenty-two brilliant early career investigators will receive funding to pursue cutting-edge cancer research.

This year the William Raveis Charitable Fund sponsors five outstanding young scientists, committing $450,000 to innovative projects with the greatest potential to impact cancer research. This support helps us foster the next generation of brave and bold scientists and fill gaps in traditional research funding that threaten future breakthroughs.

The Damon Runyon Cancer Research Foundation announced that 12 scientists with novel approaches to fighting cancer have been named 2020 recipients of the Damon Runyon-Rachleff Innovation Award. Six initial grants of $400,000 over two years will fund projects that have the potential to significantly impact the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of cancer. Each project demonstrating significant progres during the first two years of the award will have the opportunity for up to two additional years of funding (four years total for $800,000).

Nobel Laureate and Damon Runyon Board Member William G. Kaelin, Jr., MD, has been using the Damon Runyon Broadway Ticket Service to watch the hottest shows since 2008. We interviewed him about his dedicated support of this program.

The Damon Runyon-Jake Wetchler Award for Pediatric Innovation is given annually to a third-year Damon Runyon Fellow whose research has the greatest potential to impact the prevention, diagnosis or treatment of pediatric cancer. Marissa Rashkovan, PhD, a Damon Runyon-Sohn Pediatric Cancer Fellow at the Columbia-Presbyterian Medical Center, received this special award at the annual Fellows' Retreat.

Since 2004, Genentech has made a transformational commitment to Damon Runyon of over $5.4 million to support the next generation of outstanding scientists. Nancy Valente, MD, Genentech’s Senior Vice President of Product Development/Global Head, Hematology Development, and Genentech’s Charitable Giving team, discuss the company’s productive partnership with Damon Runyon. 

Written by Jennifer Cavanaugh, breast cancer survivor, advocate, wife and mom. 
I had been a huge supporter of cancer research and the Raveis Ride + Walk fundraiser since its inception five years ago. Last year, I attended and walked with my family while I was in the thick of my battle. I was and still am somewhat in shock that it is me standing here speaking to all of you, especially at this point in my life.