News & Updates

Colleen’s Dream Foundation and the Tri-Cities Fever Gift $5,000 to Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center for Ovarian Cancer Research

Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center

As part of their 2015 end-of-year funding strategy, Colleen’s Dream Foundation, with the help of the Tri-Cities Fever has gifted $5,000 to Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center to fund ovarian cancer research being conducted by Dr. Jamie Guenthoer, according to Colleen’s Dream Foundation President Billy Cundiff.

“We are honored to continue our support of Dr. Guenthoer,” says Cundiff. “She is a relentless worker and her passion shows in her work. As an organization, we feel like she is a great fit with our mission and we are excited to see the results of her research.”

Dr. Guenthoer says her research focuses on identifying new biomarkers for the early detection of ovarian cancer.

“The goal of my research is to identify novel markers of ovarian cancer,” she says. “My aim is to detect the presence of a tumor earlier in progression, prior to dissemination, when patients have a significantly better prognosis.”

She says early detection is the key to beating ovarian cancer.

“One of the most significant factors in dictating prognosis for individuals with cancer is early detection,” she says. “Unfortunately, when it comes to ovarian cancer, only 15 percent of all cases are detected at an early stage, when the disease is confined to the ovaries. I believe that for ovarian cancer, there is a dire need to identify and develop novel tools to improve early detection, and I think those tools could make a significant impact on minimizing mortality.”

Dr. Guenthoer adds her interest in fighting cancer is personal.

“My interest in cancer research first came through personal experience,” she says. “My mom had breast cancer for eight years. That experience revealed to me that there is still a lot of ground to make up in our ongoing battle with cancer.”

She says the gift from Colleen’s Dream Foundation is just that – a gift.

“Having continued support from Colleen’s Dream Foundation allows me, as a young investigator, to make greater strides in establishing my career and to try to make an impact on this too often deadly disease.”

Cundiff adds he is very appreciative the Tri-Cities Fever help in making this gift possible.

ABOUT FRED HUTCHINSON CANCER RESEARCH

At Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, home to three Nobel laureates, interdisciplinary teams of world-renowned scientists seek new and innovative ways to prevent, diagnose and treat cancer, HIV/AIDS and other life-threatening diseases.

Fred Hutch’s pioneering work in bone marrow transplantation led to the development of immunotherapy, which harnesses the power of the immune system to treat cancer with minimal side effects. An independent, nonprofit research institute based in Seattle, Fred Hutch houses the nation’s first and largest cancer prevention research program, as well as the clinical coordinating center of the Women’s Health Initiative and the international headquarters of the HIV Vaccine Trials Network.

Private contributions are essential for enabling Fred Hutch scientists to explore novel research opportunities that lead to important medical breakthroughs. For more information visit http://www.fredhutch.org or follow Fred Hutch on Facebook, Twitter or YouTube.

ABOUT COLLEEN’S DREAM FOUNDATION:

Colleen’s Dream Foundation started in 2012 and supports research for early detection and improved treatment for ovarian cancer. The story of Colleen’s Dream started in 2007 when Colleen Drury –Nicole Cundiff’s mother and Billy Cundiff’s mother-in-law- was diagnosed with late-stage ovarian cancer. The family became aware of a new world that was filled with invasive surgery, harsh chemotherapy, and lots of uncertainty, and realized they needed to help others who were dealing with ovarian cancer.

Colleen’s Dream Foundation believes it is important to raise money for research that will lead to reliable early detection testing and improved treatment for ovarian cancer. Because so little is known about ovarian cancer in proportion to other women’s health issues, there is an incredible opportunity for research and education.

Go here to find out more about Colleen’s Dream Foundation.

Colleen’s Dream Foundation is a qualified 501 (c)(3) tax exempt non-profit organization based in Phoenix, Arizona.