Philly Fights Cancer: Round 4 took place Saturday, November 10^th at the Philadelphia Navy Yard. Over 1,800 guests gathered to raise nearly $10 million dollars for clinical trials and translational research at Penn Medicine’s Abramson Cancer Center, while enjoying performances from three-time cancer survivor Jessy Kyle, comedy icon Jerry Seinfeld and international superstars Maroon 5.

This year’s honorary physician was Penn Medicine’s Abramson Cancer Center researcher Dr. Carl June, the Richard W. Vague Professor in Immunotherapy. Dr. June was recently named to TIME Magazine’s 2018 TIME 100 - its annual list of the 100 most influential people in the world - for his breakthrough CAR-T cell therapy. Last year, the FDA approved Kymriah™ (formerly CTL019) for pediatric leukemia, and Dr. Carl June and colleagues at Penn continue to lead the immunorevolution to expand this life-saving therapy to other cancers. The treatment has been deemed a “miracle drug,” and its approval was referred to by the FDA as “historic action.” The New York Times called it “a milestone that is expected to transform treatment."

This year’s honorary chair was Sean Parker, Founder and Chairman of the Parker Institute for Cancer Immunotherapy. The Institute was established in April 2016 through a grant from the Parker Foundation, which brought together 6 institutions across the United States aimed at accelerating the development of breakthrough immune therapies – including a Penn Parker Institute.

A limited-edition Porsche 911 Speedster was also auctioned off. Jerry Seinfeld performed an exclusive set to close the gala, and guests danced the night away to an unforgettable performance from Maroon 5 at the after party, who played hits including Animals, Misery, Moves Like Jagger, and Sunday Morning.

Photo credits: Paul Loftland

This month’s issue of Philadelphia Style Magazine highlights the city’s non-profits that are working hard to make a difference. The Give Back Issue features Philly Fights Cancer’s dedicated co-chairs Missy Dietz and Nancy Abramson Wolfson, as well as their daughters Paige Dietz and Stephanie Wolfson who co-chair the Young Friends Committee.

Philly Fights Cancer has widely known for its groundbreaking success over the last few years. All proceeds go to fund Abramson Cancer Center’s clinical trials and translational research, striving to end cancer once and for all. Philly Fights Cancer puts a spotlight on the center’s unparalleled treatment for those affected by cancer, earning national and global recognition.

Missy Dietz explains, “Since last year, there have been significant milestones in immunotherapy treatments, including several new FDA approvals.”

Abramson Cancer Center is on track to continue providing cutting edge treatment and personalized care, which Philly Fights Cancer proudly helps to fund by bringing attention and awareness to the hospital, bringing patients from near and far.

“Our reach truly goes beyond Philadelphia- patients travel from all over the world to be treated at Penn.” Nancy explains, “Cancer touches everyone. It is our goal to continue to raise funds.”

Philly Fights Cancer has raised over $16 million since 2015, and Philly Fights Cancer: Round 4 will be taking place this month at the Philadelphia Navy Yard, starring comedy legend Jerry Seinfeld and international superstars Maroon 5.