SWCRF Collaborating for A Cure Gala Returns, Celebrates Groundbreaking Scientific Breakthrough

 24th Annual Event Raises More Than $4 Million for Cancer Research

New York, NY – November 22, 2021 - The 24th Annual Collaborating for a Cure Gala, returned to a live, in-person event to celebrate breakthrough research in the fight against cancer. More than 700 people attended the aptly themed Together Again event, raising more than $4 million toward furthering collaborative cancer research programs.

“The past year has been very difficult for all of us,” said William T. Sullivan, executive director of the Foundation. “But last night’s return was a true celebration of the scientists that developed these life-saving vaccines as well as the dedicated researchers around the world working tirelessly to combat the other global pandemic, cancer.”

For example, this year, the Foundation presented its first Breakthrough Science Award to Dr. Kevan Shokat, from the University California San Francisco. Dr. Shokat, an SWCRF-funded investigator, recently discovered a new compound that effectively inhibits a cancer-causing genetic mutation – the overactive KRAS protein - which is a common driver in lung, colorectal, and pancreatic cancers. This mutant protein had been considered “undruggable” for decades, but after 15 years of research and significant investment from SWCRF, Shokat’s discovery paved the way for a new medication which was approved by the FDA this year that shrinks these tumors by up to 50 percent with remarkably low toxicity. Watch: The Joy of a Cancer Treatment Breakthrough

“Over the past few decades, we have seen unprecedented advancements in the treatment of cancer, moving away from toxic treatments and developing more tolerable and effective pills such as this new drug,” said Dr. Samuel Waxman, CEO and Founder of SWCRF. “This is a real game changer and it is a perfect example of why we do what we do – invest long-term in leading scientists and encourage collaboration to save lives.”

The Foundation also continued its tradition of recognizing the fashion industry’s longtime partnership to funding innovative cancer research presenting this year’s Fashion Cares Award to Debra S. Waller, Chairman and CEO of Jockey International, Inc. Waller, who has been personally impacted by cancer in her family, was selected for her dedication to eradicating cancer and decades of philanthropy and community involvement.

 During the gala, SWCRF announced a new collaboration with the Tisch Cancer Institute at Mount Sinai to expand the Foundation’s Aging and Cancer program which already includes partnerships with the National Cancer Institute, National Institute on Aging, and the Israel Cancer Research Foundation. Additionally, the Foundation is funding breakthrough research to combat breast and ovarian cancer. In the past 10 years, SWCRF has allocated $4 million to its Women’s Cancer Research Program and is currently investing $1,550,000 towards 15 prestigious scientists working on finding new treatments for breast and ovarian cancer.

Hosted by CBS’s Chris Wragge, the lively evening concluded with a concert by Jason Isbell and the 400 Unit with a very special guest, Warren Haynes. See photo gallery from the annual gala.

About the Samuel Waxman Cancer Research Foundation (SWCRF):

The Samuel Waxman Cancer Research Foundation is an international organization dedicated to curing and preventing cancer. The Foundation is a pioneer in cancer research and its mission is to eradicate cancer by funding cutting-edge research that identifies and corrects abnormal gene function that causes cancer and develops minimally toxic treatments for patients. Through the Foundation’s collaborative group of world-class scientists, the Institute Without Walls, investigators share information and tools to speed the pace of cancer research. Since its inception in 1976, the Samuel Waxman Cancer Research Foundation has awarded more than $100 million to support the work of more than 200 researchers across the globe. For more information, visit www.waxmancancer.org.

Media Contact:

Wylie G. Tené

Samuel Waxman Cancer Research Foundation

Director of Marketing and Communications

646-398-5261

[email protected]