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Providence Cancer Center Supporters Donate Record Amount

Providence scientists, including Andy Weinberg, Ph.D., mingled with the pre-lunch crowd explaining the latest research underway at Providence Cancer Center.

Portland, May 14th, 2014. Over 650 Providence Cancer Center supporters donated $205,000 during this year’s 16th annual Creating Hope for Cancer Patients luncheon after hearing powerful and personal stories from those touched by cancer. That amount brought the total figure for the event to a record $500,000. At the Oregon Convention Center, Providence scientists, including Andy Weinberg, Ph.D., mingled with the pre-lunch crowd explaining the latest research underway at Providence Cancer Center.

Piper Park (left), keynote speaker Chris Spielman and Ray Park visit at a reception prior to the luncheon. The Park Foundation helped sponsor the annual event.

Lake Oswego residents Mark and Ane Hornibrook shared their emotional and powerful story at the luncheon. Mark is a cancer survivor thanks to Providence Cancer Center and cutting-edge treatements. “If it wasn’t for research, I would not have been able to dance at my daughter’s wedding, and I would not be here now,” he said. “Dr. Urba and his team are working diligently with immunotherapy. Continued research is the only medical hope of a permanent cure.”

Walter J. Urba, M.D., Ph.D., oncologist and director, Robert W. Franz Cancer Research Center in the Earle A. Chiles Research Institute, Providence Cancer Center, accepts a $60 thousand check from Lynn Gust, president, Fred Meyer Stores. The donation is the result of contributions from Fred Meyer employees and customers.

Providence scientists, including Andy Weinberg, Ph.D., mingled with the pre-lunch crowd explaining the latest research underway at Providence Cancer Center.

Walter J. Urba, M.D., Ph.D., oncologist and director, Robert W. Franz Cancer Research Center in the Earle A. Chiles Research Institute, Providence Cancer Center told the crowd Providence’s sole focus on immunotherapy in cancer research is making a difference locally and around the world. He cited many of the firsts accomplished by Providence researchers, including the most recent – the first-in-the-world trial of a vaccine for high-grade glioma, the most common primary brain tumor in adults.

“The point of all our work is to try to improve the lives of our cancer patients,” said Dr. Urba. “We need more fathers to dance at their daughters’ weddings, we need more patients to have the time to spend with their families and watch their children grow.”

Elisa Klein

I’ve been a professional journalist and writer since 1987, (and long-time reporter for KOIN-TV.) As a nationally published reporter, with a Master’s Degree in Journalism, I love to report positive news and information. Journalism has also connected me with another non-profit where I served as a leader; the Northwest’s biggest writer’s organization: The Willamette Writers.