In April the newest class of U.S. National Academy of Sciences members was announced, and included Carl June, director of the Center for Cellular Immunotherapy in the Abramson Cancer Center at the Perelman School of Medicine.  Dr. June joined 120 members and 26 international members elected by his peers to NAS, recognized for “distinguished and continuing achievements in original research.” To date, there are 2,403 U.S. members of NAS and 501 international members. Dr. Carl June was honored at Philly Fights Cancer: Round 4 as one of the year’s honorees alongside Sean Parker for his work with CAR-T therapy and its subsequent historic FDA approval.

In addition to running the Center for Cellular Immunotherapy at the Abramson Cancer Center, Dr. June is the Richard W. Vague Professor in Immunotherapy in the Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine at the Perelman School of Medicine and director of the Parker Institute for Cancer Immunotherapy at Penn. He is a pioneer in developing CAR T therapy, which became the nation’s first FDA-approved personalized cellular therapy for cancer in August 2017, and was approved for additional indications in 2018. Clinical trials of CAR T therapy began at Penn in 2010, and two of the first three patients to receive the therapy, for chronic lymphocytic leukemia, remain in remission. June also led the first U.S. trial involving CRISPR gene-edited immune cells to treat human cancer patients.

Dr. June has published more than 450 manuscripts and has received numerous prizes and honors, including being named to Time magazine’s list of the 100 most influential people in the world and by election to the Institute of Medicine. He has been honored with the Paul Ehrlich and Ludwig Darmstaedter Prize, William B. Coley Award, Karl Landsteiner Memorial Award, Richard V. Smalley Memorial Award from the Society for Immunotherapy of Cancer, Philadelphia Award, the Hamdan Award for Medical Research Excellence, Novartis Immunology Award for Cancer Cell Therapy Development, and Albany Prize.

To learn more about Dr. Carl June’s accomplishments, and read the full story from Penn Today, see here: https://penntoday.upenn.edu/news/kathleen-hall-jamieson-carl-june-elected-national-academy-sciences

This month, Philly Fights Cancer was included as one of 25 companies recognized within the Philadelphia Business Journal’s 2020 Faces of Philanthropy award.  This annual award highlights praiseworthy pairings of companies and nonprofit organizations who serve their communities through philanthropic efforts large and small, from multimillion-dollar programs to grassroots initiatives.

Penn Medicine’s Abramson Cancer Center with Philly Fights Cancer was recognized for a philanthropic partnership of over five years. The award states:

“Since its founding in 2015, Philly Fights Cancer has raised $39 million for life-saving clinical trials and translational research and has helped achieve more than nine FDA approvals for groundbreaking cancer treatments discovered by researchers at Penn Medicine’s Abramson Cancer Center. The nonprofit’s largest annual fundraiser is Philly Fights Cancer. In October, more than 2,000 guests attended Philly Fights Cancer: Round 5 at the Philadelphia Navy Yard starring John Mulaney, Hugh Jackman, Andy Grammar and Lauren Hart, cancer survivor and voice of the Philadelphia Flyers. Round 5 raised nearly $13 million and was dedicated to Breast Cancer Awareness.”

The Philadelphia Business Journal is a weekly paper providing local business news to Southeastern Pennsylvania and South Jersey. The Philadelphia Business Journal has been recognized for general excellence by the Society of American Business Editors and Writers in 2009 and 2005, and is one of only 14 publications nationwide to receive the association's inaugural “Best of the Best” award.

To read the full story and learn more about this year’s other honorees please see here: https://www.bizjournals.com/philadelphia/news/2020/04/16/2020faces-of-philanthropy-the-stories-of-our-25.html

Philly Fights Cancer is saddened to announce the passing of our organization’s founder and the namesake of the Abramson Cancer Center, Mrs. Madlyn Abramson. A loving mother and wife, a very proud grandmother and beloved friend, Madlyn passed on Wednesday, April 15th at the age of 84 years old.

Madlyn was dedicated to improving the health of those who were ill. "The reputation we enjoy today as one of the nation’s preeminent cancer centers has been built on the strong foundation that Madlyn laid," said Robert Vonderheide, MD, DPhil, director of the Abramson Cancer Center. "Our pursuit of curing cancer unites us every day to do more for our patients here in the Abramson Cancer Center and across the world, and we have Madlyn, together with her husband Leonard, to thank for the vision that set us on this path." Always leading the way in support of patients, the Abramsons were the first to step up at the onset of the current global health crisis, contributing $1 million in support of COVID-19 related research performed at the Abramson Cancer Center. She was known for her drive, her absolute focus on compassionate patient care, and her dedication to Penn’s physicians and researchers.

A survivor of breast cancer herself, Madlyn put she and Leonard’s gift into a personal context in 1997: “As a cancer survivor for 12 years, I understand the importance of patient-centered approaches in research and clinical activities.” In the years since, the ACC has established national models for cancer care, on-boarding a diverse team of patient-service coordinators, cancer nutritionists, and psychosocial counselors and social workers, and developing robust survivorship programs.

In a statement on Thursday, J. Larry Jameson, MD, PhD said of Madlyn “Her public commitment would prove prescient: Among first recruits to the Abramson Family Cancer Research Institute made possible by their gift was Carl June, MD, the immunotherapy pioneer responsible for the development of what became the first personalized cellular therapy for cancer. At a celebration event attended by hundreds of faculty and staff to celebrate the FDA’s historic approval of the therapy in August 2017, Madlyn and Leonard stood by proudly with Dr. June, his team of physicians and scientists, and our leadership. It was an honor to have her share that moment with all of us.”

He continued: “Madlyn’s impulse to help, to share, and to inspire is one she learned from her father, Maurice Kornberg, and his devotion to his patients.” As Madlyn recalled, “It was very important to my father to do something that was helping and healing.” She also credited her father’s influence for her decision to attend Penn, where she earned a bachelor’s and master’s degree, both in education.

Philly Fights Cancer asks that our friends and supporters keep Madlyn’s husband, Leonard, three daughters — Marcy Abramson Shoemaker, Nancy, and Judy Abramson Felgoise — and many grandchildren in your thoughts and prayers.  Madlyn’s passing is a loss to the world, and her impact on cancer research will be felt for generations to come.

Contributions in her memory may be made to the Abramson Cancer Center at the University of Pennsylvania 3535 Market Street – Suite 750, Philadelphia, PA  19104 or Philly Fights Cancer.

Madlyn Abramson’s full obituary can be found here: https://www.inquirer.com/obituaries/madlyn-abramson-leonard-philanthropist-abramson-center-for-jewish-life-trustee-penn-died-20200416.html

To our supporters and friends, we understand that we are amid challenging and uncertain times. Our normal way of life has been interrupted, with lingering questions and fear surrounding the long-term impact of COVID-19. Especially for those caring for a loved one with cancer or battling the disease themselves at this time, the health risks of COVID-19 can be especially concerning.

Penn Medicine and Abramson Cancer Center continue to be fully-operational hubs for patient health and treatment. We encourage our Philly Fights Cancer family to stay up-to-date on CDC guidelines and best-practices through the Penn Medicine website.  You may also access Penn Medicine’s hotline if you have any questions about the novel coronavirus and COVID-19 disease. 267-785-8585. Penn Medicine staff are fully prepared to evaluate and care for patients who may be infected with COVID-19 disease, while taking the strongest possible precautions to ensure the health and safety of all other patients, their families, and hospital staff.

We look forward to the incredible medical advancements to come, and thank the heroes on the front lines- the nurses, doctors, medical staff- who selflessly and tirelessly continue to fight for the health and wellbeing of us all.

Nancy Wolfson and Missy Dietz
Philly Fights Cancer Co-Chairs

Photo courtesy of Penn Medicine

Now in its third year, Charity and Social Datebook is Philadelphia’s premier publication surrounding the region’s most prestigious charity and fundraising events. For 2020 Philly Fights Cancer is featured on the cover of the magazine with a stunning photo from Hugh Jackman’s magical and captivating performance from Philly Fights Cancer: Round 5. The magazine features highlights from Philly Fights Cancer: Round 5, as well as an interview with Dr. Robert Vonderheide, and information about the charity’s mission and purpose. A cover party for the magazine was held at the Four Seasons on Monday, March 9^th, where hundreds gathered in the hotel’s grand ballroom to celebrate the unveiling of the issue. Print copies of this year’s issue can be found at luxury businesses and retailers around the Greater Philadelphia area.

On February 18th Abramson Cancer Center and the Philly Fights Cancer Young Friends had the pleasure of hosting an open forum panel discussion at the Fitler Club. The Young Friends invited specialists from Penn Medicine’s Abramson Cancer Center to discuss their work at Penn and answer all questions from attendees about all things relating to cancer. This rare opportunity allowed Philly Fights Cancer supporters, and those interested in learning more about cancer, to gain insight into the world of cancer from experts in the field and become familiar with a disease that unfortunately affects millions every day. The discussion was open to people of all backgrounds, including medical students interested in oncology, healthcare professionals, or those who have been personally affected by cancer. The panel discussion was followed by a cocktail reception with passed bites.

The panel was comprised of the following physicians:

Avery D. Posey, PhD- Dr. Posey is an immunologist and glycobiologist who completed his post-doc training under Dr. Carl June, the world’s leading expert in T cell engineering and cancer immunotherapy. He has over 25 peer reviewed publications and has been instrumental in the design and of many of the CAR-T cell treatments that are currently in clinical trials.

Mark H. O’Hara, MD- Dr. O’hara specializes in gastrointestinal cancers, particularly pancreatic cancer. He has authored over 30 peer reviewed papers and is the principle investigator on multiple phase one clinical trials at the Abramson Cancer Center.

Stephen Bagley, MD, MSCE- Dr. Bagley has expertise in malignancies of the central nervous system. His research interests include immunotherapeutic approaches to glioblastoma and the use of circulating biomarkers for nervous system tumors. He not only has over 50 peer reviewed publications but also is the principle investigator for multiple clinical trials that are testing novel treatment approaches for patients with recurrent glioblastoma.

Tara C. Mitchell, MD- Dr. Mitchell is a medical oncologist and skin cancer specialist. Penn is lucky to have her as the principal investigator of several clinical trials in both the Melanoma Program and the Developmental Therapeutics Program.

The Abramson Cancer Center and Philly Fights Cancer have the pleasure of hosting an open forum panel discussion at the Fitler Club on February 18th at 7:30 pm. We have invited specialists from the Cancer Center to discuss their work at Penn and answer all of YOUR questions. This is a rare opportunity to gain insight into the world of cancer from experts in the field, and become familiar with a disease that unfortunately effects millions every day. This discussion is open to people of all backgrounds, whether you are a medical student interested in oncology, a professional in healthcare, or have just been personally effected by cancer, please consider joining us for a meaningful and enlightening discussion. Food and drink will be provided. All ticket sales and donations benefit the Abramson Cancer Center.

For tickets and to learn more about this event, please visit the Young Friends of Philly Fights Cancer Facebook page:

https://www.facebook.com/events/1603236609829708/

Philly Fights Cancer is proud to help support the clinical trials and translational research that makes groundbreaking medical advancements possible. To learn more about the annual meeting, or to explore more information about the American Society of Hematology, see here.

The impact of Philly Fights Cancer: Round 5 wouldn’t have been possible without the help of our incredible corporate sponsors and private donors. We would like to thank the following participants for their heroic generosity:

Philly Fights Cancer: Round 5 took place Saturday, October 26^th at the Philadelphia Navy Yard. Over 2,000 guests gathered to raise money for clinical trials and translational research at Penn Medicine’s Abramson Cancer Center, while enjoying performances from local superstar and cancer survivor Lauren Hart, comedian John Mulaney, master of screen and stage Hugh Jackman, and pop superstar Andy Grammer.

In addition to incredible talent, Philly Fights Cancer was privileged to honor the Breast Cancer Clinical Investigative Team at the Abramson Cancer Center, a comprehensive team of highly-skilled breast cancer surgeons, sub-specialist medical oncologists, radiation oncologists, pathologists, radiologists, plastic surgeons and oncology nurse navigators. The team meets weekly to discuss each patient’s treatment, resulting in the most advanced high-tech personalized care – providing education, compassionate care and the support needed to help each patient navigate their diagnosis and treatment plans. The evening also celebrated honorary chairs Margaret Anne and James Nolen.

A limited-edition Porsche was also auctioned off. Hugh Jackman performed an exclusive performance which included hits from his long history on Broadway to close the gala, and guests danced the night away to an unforgettable performance from Andy Grammer at the after party, who played hits including “Honey I’m Good”, “Don’t Give Up on Me”, and “Keep Your Head Up.”

View the photo gallery here.

(Photo by Lisa Lake/Getty Images)

(Photo by Lisa Lake/Getty Images)

(Photo by Lisa Lake/Getty Images)