The V Foundation for Cancer Research, a top-rated cancer research charity, is pleased to announce the recipients of the BRCA Research Collaborative Grants, through its partnership with the BRCA Foundation and the Gray Foundation. The grants, totaling $7.5 million, will support research by: Judy Garber, M.D., MPH, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute; Fiona Simpkins, M.D., University of Pennsylvania; Karlene Cimprich, Ph.D., Stanford Cancer Institute; Roger Greenberg, M.D., Ph.D., University of Pennsylvania; and Tony Huang, Ph.D., New York University School of Medicine.
Evan Goldberg, a member of the V Foundation’s Board of Directors, and his wife Cindy launched the BRCA Foundation to bring about new therapies, cures and preventative treatments for those carrying hereditary BRCA gene mutations. Mindy and Jon Gray established the Gray Foundation in honor of Faith Basser, Mindy’s sister who died of ovarian cancer at the age of 44. The partnership has proudly exceeded its initial goal. The BRCA Foundation and the Gray Foundation pledged a combined $3 million, and the V Foundation’s Wine Celebration “Fund-a-Need” more than matched the contribution. The result is $7.5 million in funding for groundbreaking research of BRCA-related cancers.
“This research is meaningful for the specific cancers affected by the BRCA genes, as well as for a larger understanding of how specific genes affect cancer development,” said Susan Braun, Chief Executive Officer of the V Foundation. “If we are to understand cancer fully – in order to cure it and to prevent it – doing outstanding research about key genetic mutations, such as those in the BRCA genes, is a key to our success. We are so grateful to the Grays and the Goldbergs for their generosity in making these grants a reality!”
BRCA stands for BReast CAncer susceptibility gene. When functioning normally, these genes help the body prevent cancer, but they can become markers of higher risk for cancer when the genes are mutated. While BRCA gene mutations were first noted to cause higher rates of breast and ovarian cancer and remain prominently linked to those cancers, research has shown they can trigger a variety of cancers throughout the body, in men and women.
“We are thrilled to have the support of the V Foundation and its partners to investigate a strategy that may help women with BRCA2 mutations to have an easier and safer transition to menopause after their ovaries are removed,” said Garber, who is a Professor of Medicine at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute. “The project will give us an opportunity to do some beautiful science. We’ll take a novel approach to breast cancer prevention using an approved compound shown to be safe for menopause symptoms in women who are at usual breast cancer risk. If successful, the study may give women with BRCA2 mutations a safer and more effective option for managing their breast cancer risk and menopause.”
Celebrating its 25th anniversary, the V Foundation has awarded more than $200 million for cutting-edge cancer research. The V Foundation holds a 4-star (highest) rating from Charity Navigator, America’s largest evaluator of charities, and is among the top 4% of cancer charities of all charities evaluated. The V Foundation is a GuideStar platinum-rated charity.
