The Breast Cancer Research Foundation Winter 2006 A Message fromPINK Evelyn Lauder, PRESS Founder and Chairman You will be delighted to know that The Breast Cancer Research Foundation is truly at the forefront of major news in breast cancer research advances. BCRF grantees are working together, sharing ideas to use resources effectively and maximize results. Having already supported the NCI-directed clinical trials cooperative groups around the U.S. for a number of years, the Medical Advisory Board led us to adopt two new collaborative projects this year: First, our funds have provided founding support for the Breast Cancer Research Consortium, representing leading researchers from top medical centers across the U.S. to speed clinical trials evalu- ating new cancer treatments. The Consortium will conduct tests of new drugs in all stages of breast cancer, including trials of promising preventive ratt treatments. These tests will emphasize the biology and genetics of breast cancer and will draw ulie Skar connections between the molecular biology of the J tumor and the response to new classes of drugs. Photo: The Consortium will also design new clinical Evelyn Lauder, Laura Lassman, Myra Biblowit, René Syler trials, emphasizing “pre-operative” testing in women before surgery and trials measuring the growth of tumors, blood vessels and the metabo- BCRF’S SYMPOSIUM AND LUNCHEON lism of cancer cells. This is the first group of its kind sustained without Breast Cancer Now Versus Then government funding and t we hope BCRF’s From the lipstick prints of a well-wisher visible on Dr. Larry Norton’s right cheek continuing support will pehar attract other donors. to Evelyn Lauder and René Syler’s convivial emcee exchanges, the October 18th Symposium and Awards Luncheon of The Breast Cancer Research Foundation Lucien Ca Secondly, a pilot BCRF (BCRF) had a celebratory feel. grant is bringing together Photo: two of the world’s largest cooperative organizations And with good reason. First, the Luncheon, attended by more than 1,070 people, for breast cancer clinical trials: The Breast Cancer raised over $1.7 million. The Foundation awarded a record $22 million in grants Intergroup of North America and the Breast International Group. With BCRF funding, to 110 researchers studying the disease at major academic medical centers across members of both groups have begun a truly global the United States and in seven countries abroad, in what Lauder described as “the collaboration aimed at integrating their respective scientific programs, and cooperative planning of Academy Awards of Medicine” — the BCRF founder’s witty recognition of the clinical trials and treatment. They first met in caliber of breast cancer researchers receiving grants. December 2005, in conjunction with the San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium. Then there was the status of breast cancer research and treatment itself. Norton, How thrilling it is to be fostering such historic scientific director and chairman of BCRF’s Medical Advisory Board, described it: alliances so we can help advance the frontiers of “We can see a finish line now.” Norton reminded the audience during the opening medical research. We are ever grateful for your contributions to our efforts as we race towards our remarks of BCRF’s morning Symposium at Manhattan’s Waldorf=Astoria Hotel goal of prevention and a cure. We’d like to be the that celebration of what we have collectively accomplished is appropriate, as long first at the finish line. as we maintain stamina for completing the race. (Continued on page 2) symposium and luncheon Waldorf=Astoria Hotel’s Chef Jean-Claude Perennou’s (Breast Cancer Now Versus Then Continued) Low-Fat Chocolate Mousse Recipe Now in its twelfth year of funding research in breast cancer, BCRF recognized quality-of- life researcher Patricia Ganz, MD, with the 2005 Jill Rose Award. The award, established 1 LB Manjari Chocolate ten years ago, honors outstanding scientific research and the legacy of the late Jill Rose, a 2 OZ Butter 3 OZ Sugar BCRF founding member. Ganz is an oncologist who directs the Division of Cancer 14 Egg Whites Prevention & Control Research at UCLA’s Jonsson Cancer Center where she leads the (Serves 15) Patients and Survivors Research Program. She has pursued quality-of-life research since, Combine the chocolate and butter in a saucepan and melt as she said, “the days when it was really unconventional to do so.” That was 20 years ago. together over low heat; set aside. Because of her research, clinicians may guide their patients into the post-treatment phase with greater support and appropriate expectations. On accepting the award Ganz told the In a separate bowl, combine the sugar and egg whites. Whisk or beat on high speed until the egg whites form stiff peaks to form audience, “it is a privilege to practice medicine,” and that her role as an oncologist has a meringue. helped her better understand life after breast cancer. Fold the meringue mixture quickly into the melted chocolate and refrigerate for several hours. Enjoy! First Lady of New York State Libby Pataki recognized the renowned artist Chuck Close with BCRF’s Humanitarian Award. Close said modestly upon acceptance of the award Sue-Ann Friedman and that his wife, a breast cancer survivor, and other survivors, are the heroes who are more Roslyn Goldstein deserving of recognition. At every turn of the day’s events researchers and survivors described how different the prospects are for patients with breast cancer today as a result of research advances over the past decade. In a poignant video produced by Brian Litman and introduced by BCRF president Myra Biblowit, survivors and their families underscored the impact of improved treatments and better outcomes. With the message of accomplishment in the ongoing face of hope, another message was also clear: the strides of research could not have been achieved without the foresight and support of BCRF. The Symposium and Luncheon were made possible by underwriters Roslyn and Leslie Goldstein and longstanding corporate sponsor, Roche. The Foundation also thanks Benefit Co-Chairs Anne Eisenhower Flöttl, Betsy Green, Ronnie Heyman, Gail Hilson, Evelyn Lauder, Gigi Mortimer, and Elizabeth Rohatyn. Jane Lauder, Jamee Gregory, Dr. Funmi Olopade and Jo Carole Lauder Dr. Laura Esserman Evelyn Lauder and William Lauder Molly Wallace and Cynthia Shipper Gail Hilson ratt ulie Skar J Patrick McMullan (Jimi Celeste) Patrick McMullan (Jimi Celeste) Marshall Rose, Dr. Patricia Ganz, Myra Biblowit, Evelyn Lauder, Dr. Larry Norton. Front row: Dr. Patricia Ganz, Dr. Pamela Goodwin, Dr.Annette Stanton, Unless otherwise noted all photos: Wendi Rose Photo: Libby Pataki and Chuck Close Photo: Leonard Lauder Susan Rudin Dr. Electra Paskett, Dr. Edith Perez Linda Lindenbaum and Renée Belfer 2 The Breast Cancer Research Foundation Winter Newsletter 2006 3 about us scientific retreat BOARD OF DIRECTORS LETTER FROM OUR PRESIDENT Evelyn H. Lauder, Chairman Dear Friends: Myra J. Biblowit, President Jeanette S.Wagner, Vice President In October we awarded $22 million to 110 researchers, our largest Deborah Krulewitch, grant-making program ever. We now fund investigators at renowned Secretary and Treasurer medical centers in the United States, Canada, Europe, Israel and Latin Carolee Friedlander America. The Breast Cancer Research Foundation’s mission of preven- CHANGE THE DISEASE, CHANGE THE SURVIVAL Carlyn S. McCaffrey, Esq. tion and a cure for breast cancer in our lifetime has truly become a worldwide effort. Josie Robertson Quality of life research center stage at public symposium, scientific retreat Just as the research we fund is critical, spreading the word about the importance of ADVISORY BOARD research is vital to BCRF’s growth. One of the most effective ways we can impact the health of men and women across the globe is to enlighten people about the Foundation’s Roberta M. Amon “We’ve changed the natural history of breast cancer through better detection and Andrea Bronfman work. This fall the BCRF staff spoke to employees at Coach, Movado, Song, and Karen Neuburger, encouraging them to join us in our mission. We have reached out to the next treatment,” said Pamela Goodwin, MD, Professor of Medicine, Mt. Sinai Hospital, Mary Bryant University of Toronto. Her remark as a panelist at the scientific Symposium that Susan Payson Burke generation with college fundraising programs and held our first Junior event, attracting Rena Rowan Damone over 300 young New Yorkers eager to support a cause that touches so many. This fall the preceded the annual BCRF Luncheon in October underscored the changes that Ute Dugan, MD, PhD Foundation was honored with inaugural events in Lexington, Kentucky, and in Boston, research has brought to breast cancer and complemented Jill Rose Suzanne Elson Chicago and Toronto. Through Play for P.I.N.K. tournaments and Danskin Triathlons Awardee Dr. Patricia Ganz’s explanation of what question drives a new Janet Fisher we reach over 100,000 people nationwide. Our network of BCRF ambassadors contin- generation of research: “What is the impact of primary breast cancer Anne Eisenhower Flöttl ues to grow. Wherever we go, I am moved by how people are impacted by this disease treatments on women’s health?” Kim Garner and what motivates them to give back. Amy P.Goldman, PhD This year’s public Symposium panel consisted of five top, female breast Marjorie Reed Gordon Our donors around the world, so generous in spirit and deed, truly are the engine that Lorna Hyde Graev fuels The Breast Cancer Research Foundation. At this moment in time, when research is cancer researchers including Ganz, an oncologist who heads the Division Betsy S. Green advancing at an unprecedented pace, when there is a renaissance of biomedical science, of Cancer Prevention & Control at UCLA’s Jonsson Cancer Center; Bette-Ann Gwathmey the investments that BCRF makes are having an enormous impact on every continent.