Stephanie Wolfson Cohen, co-chair of the Young Friends of Philly Fights Cancer, was featured in the November/ December issue of Philadelphia Style Magazine for a story titled “Rebels with a Cause” which highlighted rising young philanthropists making a difference in the world. Stephanie leads a committed group of young supporters who know all too well that cancer affects people of every age. Many members have been personally impacted by cancer, driving their passion to make a difference. Under Stephanie’s guidance, the Young Friends have brought fresh energy to our mission, partnering with local businesses to create unique, exciting events that keep our community engaged and inspired.

Our story began with Madlyn Abramson, who founded Philly Fights Cancer after her own experience with cancer. Today, Stephanie and her mother, Philly Fights Cancer co-chair Nancy Abramson Wolfson, carry on that legacy, celebrating milestones like the FDA approval of CAR T-cell immunotherapy—a treatment developed by Penn’s Dr. Carl June that has redefined cancer care.

Since 2015, Philly Fights Cancer has raised over $50 million for the Abramson Cancer Center at the University of Pennsylvania, supporting groundbreaking research that changes lives. Our mission is clear: fund clinical trials and translational research to improve patient care, and we're proud to have contributed to 21 FDA-approved cancer treatments.

On Monday, October 21, 2024, more than 200 guests gathered at Loch Bar Philadelphia in support of Philly Fights Cancer, raising $4,125 for Penn Medicine’s Abramson Cancer Center. The benefit day was an outstanding success, with patrons filling the restaurant throughout lunch, happy hour, and dinner service.

Loch Bar demonstrated its commitment to the cause by donating 25% of the day's proceeds, playing a significant role in advancing cancer research and care.

Philly Fights Cancer extends its sincere gratitude to all who attended and contributed to the success of the event. For those unable to join, we encourage you to stay informed about future opportunities to support this critical mission.

October marks Breast Cancer Awareness Month, and Philly Fights Cancer remains committed to supporting the advancement of clinical trials and research aimed at improving cancer treatment, including breast cancer, at the Abramson Cancer Center (ACC).

Breast cancer is the most common cancer among women worldwide, with an estimated 1 in 8 women developing the disease in their lifetime. In the United States alone, over 280,000 new cases of invasive breast cancer are diagnosed each year. Early detection through regular screenings, such as mammograms, plays a critical role in improving outcomes, as it can identify cancer at an earlier, more treatable stage. Studies show that when breast cancer is detected early, the five-year survival rate exceeds 90%. Regular screening, coupled with advances in treatment, has contributed to a steady decline in breast cancer mortality rates, underscoring the vital importance of early detection in saving lives.

Abramson Cancer Center offers a comprehensive breast cancer program, encompassing screenings, specialized care, and access to cutting-edge clinical trials led by expert oncologists. Clinical trials are a cornerstone of medical innovation, providing patients with access to novel therapies that have the potential to improve outcomes while contributing to critical advancements in healthcare.

For more information on these essential clinical trials for breast cancer treatment, visit: https://www.pennmedicine.org/resear.../find-a-clinical-trial.

Philly Fights Cancer performer and cancer survivor Jessy Kyle has launched the Betterly Bra Company, inspired by her personal medical journey, which includes surviving Hodgkin's lymphoma three times, a heart attack, and a kidney transplant. Frustrated with the difficulty of finding a well-fitting bra, Kyle designed a bra offering increased flexibility and comfort, incorporating input from her 78-year-old mother and 16-year-old daughter.

The bra's unique design features adjustable shoulder straps with an extra four inches of adjustability to cater to women struggling to find the right fit. Kyle runs the business from her garage in Bucks County, Pennsylvania.

"I'm a three-time survivor of Hodgkin's lymphoma," Kyle said. "I was 16 when I was diagnosed, so it's almost 35 years. It changed me in the sense that I am just very goal-oriented and focused." That focus zeroed in on a problem she and many women face when looking for a bra.

Jessy Kyle has been treated at Penn Medicine’s Abramson Cancer Center and has performed at Philly Fights Cancer’s marquee annual event as an honored guest.

Read the full article about her company from CBS News here: https://www.cbsnews.com/philadelphia/news/philadelphia-singer-cancer-survivor-new-flexible-bra/

A recent study has found that removing the unaffected breast during a double mastectomy does not provide a survival benefit for most women diagnosed with breast cancer in just one breast. The research, published in JAMA Oncology, analyzed data from over 661,000 women and found that the survival rates for those who underwent lumpectomy or mastectomy while keeping their other breast were similar to those who opted for a double mastectomy.

The study revealed that the risk of developing cancer in the other breast is about 7% over 20 years, and having a double mastectomy did not reduce mortality rates associated with the disease. This is attributed to the fact that the primary cause of death is usually due to the spread of cancer from the initially affected breast rather than the development of a new cancer in the other breast.

However, this finding may not apply to women with BRCA1 or BRCA2 gene mutations, who are at a significantly higher risk for breast cancer and might still benefit from a double mastectomy. Despite the lack of survival advantage, some women choose double mastectomy for peace of mind, cosmetic reasons, or to avoid the anxiety of potential future cancers.

Experts emphasize that while a double mastectomy does not improve survival odds, vigilance in screening and effective treatment for the primary cancer are crucial.

Read more about this research in the following NY Times article: Breast Cancer Survival Not Boosted by Double Mastectomy, Study Says - The New York Times (nytimes.com)

An article from the Philadelphia Inquirer recently highlighted Elkin’s Park native, Lynn Oxenberg's, ongoing battle with glioblastoma, an aggressive brain cancer for which there is no cure. For the past six years, Oxenberg has been using a treatment called Tumor Treating Fields (TTF) therapy, which involves wearing a device that sends electric fields to inhibit cancer cell growth. This, combined with regular use of a battery-operated backpack and continuous monitoring with highly sensitive MRIs, has helped extend her life significantly beyond the average survival time of 15 months for this condition.

Researchers at the University of Pennsylvania are studying whether combining TTF therapy with advanced MRI technology, which provides detailed "temperature" readings of the brain to detect tumor changes more accurately, could improve outcomes further. Currently, TTF therapy shows modest success in extending life but is cumbersome and costly. Despite the challenges, Oxenberg's experience offers hope that glioblastoma might one day be managed more effectively, potentially transforming it from a terminal illness into a manageable chronic condition.

Read more about Lynn’s story here: Could AI-powered MRIs help treat glioblastoma like a chronic condition? (inquirer.com)

A cancer diagnosis today is vastly different from what it was 10 or 20 years ago. Advances in treatments like chemotherapy, radiation, proton therapy, CAR T cell therapy, and immunotherapy are enabling patients to live longer and healthier lives. Yet, even after cancer goes into remission, untreated side effects and other health concerns can continue to impact patients' well-being.

This is where Jennie Barbieri steps in. As the first director of Bridging Oncology Care and Wellness Recovery at the Ann B. Barshinger Cancer Institute (ABBCI) of Penn Medicine Lancaster General Health, Barbieri is pioneering a new approach to post-cancer care. Her role, and the new department, were created to address the institute’s commitment to not only treating cancer but also managing the side effects and encouraging lifestyle changes that promote recovery.

Barbieri’s work focuses on a holistic and collaborative approach to wellness for cancer survivors, aimed at enhancing their quality of life and managing long-term effects of cancer treatments. She meets with patients during their rehabilitation to understand their post-cancer experiences, helping them set and achieve health and wellness goals. Over a six-to-eight-month period, patients will see Barbieri three to four times. If they have lost touch with their primary care doctor during treatment, she helps reconnect them with appropriate primary care services.

Barbieri’s efforts are a testament to the evolving landscape of cancer care, where recovery is not just about survival but also about living well.

Read more about Jennie Barbieri’s work with cancer recovery from Penn Medicine News here: https://www.pennmedicine.org/news/news-blog/2024/april/a-doctor-to-help-patients-thrive-in-life-after-cancer

We are very proud to share the incredible success of our recent event at Steak 48 benefiting Philly Fights Cancer! Thanks to the overwhelming support from our community, we are thrilled to announce that we raised a staggering $30,418.91. This remarkable achievement wouldn't have been possible without the generosity of our supporters who dined out in full force for our cause.
A special thank you goes out to the team at Steak 48 for their exceptional generosity and unwavering commitment to our mission. Their dedication to giving back to the community is truly commendable, and we are deeply grateful for their partnership.

The funds raised from this event will play a vital role in supporting life-saving clinical trials and translational research at Penn Medicine’s Abramson Cancer Center. Every dollar contributed will directly impact the fight against cancer, bringing us one step closer to finding a cure.

Steak 48 Philadelphia has proven to be an invaluable ally in our battle against cancer. Their ongoing support not only helps to fund groundbreaking research but also serves as a beacon of hope for those affected by this disease. We are immensely proud to have such a dedicated partner in our corner.

We extend our heartfelt gratitude to everyone who attended the dinner, made reservations, or spread the word about this event. Your support has made a significant difference in the lives of countless individuals battling cancer, and for that, we are profoundly thankful.

An Evening to Benefit Philly Fights Cancer at Steak 48

On Tuesday, April 30th, we invite you to join us for dinner at Steak 48, one of Philadelphia’s premier dining destinations to benefit Philly Fights Cancer.  Steak 48 will be partnering with Philly Fights Cancer to raise money in support of Penn Medicine’s Abramson Cancer Center.

Steak 48 will be donating 100% of all proceeds from 200 dinners (excluding tax, credit card fees & gratuity) to Philly Fights Cancer which will help fund cancer research, treatment, and patient care at Penn Medicine’s Abramson Cancer Center.

We encourage you to make a reservation at Steak 48 for April 30th to secure your spot for this special night where phenomenal cuisine meets making a meaningful difference in the fight against cancer.

Did you know that colorectal cancer is the third most common cancer in the United States? Similarly, it is one of the leading causes of cancer-related deaths every single year. In honor of March being Colon Cancer Awareness Month, we are bringing awareness to the risks and factors that contribute to colorectal cancers as well as highlighting the importance of regular cancer screenings.

Penn Medicine studies all parts of colorectal cancers and have identified leading factors that may increase your chances of colorectal cancers. Some of these factors include, age, family history with colorectal cancer, inflammatory bowel disease, and racial/ethnic background.

As research and studies on colorectal cancer increases, studies have shown that the leading factor in cancer prevention is regular screenings. Early detection is key to combating invasive cancers like colorectal cancer, and getting up-to-date cancer screenings can help with this.

It is important to both know your risks for colorectal cancer as well as be informed on the different types of cancer screenings aimed to detect these cancers. To learn more about risk factors and colorectal screenings, follow this article from Penn Medicine. https://www.pennmedicine.org/cancer/about/focus-on-cancer/2023/july/colorectal-cancer-101-increase-your-awareness