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)

Neiman Marcus is proud to announce an exciting upcoming sweepstakes to benefit Philly Fights Cancer’s 5^th annual fundraiser. One lucky winner will have the chance to win a collection of three prizes once a month for six consecutive months (November 2019 through April 2020).

Prizes include lunch for two at the NM Cafe (Level Three) with champagne, six months of in-store shopping with a style expert, and $1,250 once per month for six consecutive months (experience value at $8,000).

To participate, click the link below and select “I will make a custom donation” from the dropdown menu. Once the transaction is complete, the participant will receive an email with their ticket number(s). The suggested donation for Philly Fights Cancer Sweepstakes is 1 for $200 OR 3 for $500. Tickets for this sweepstakes are still available, so don’t wait and make a donation today. This is one fundraiser that you do not want to miss!

https://www.alumni.upenn.edu/PFCbook2019

Sponsors and supporters of Philly Fights Cancer gathered at Philadelphia’s Fitler Club on Monday, September 23 for the Philly Fights Cancer: Round 5 Patron Party, a fundraiser which took place before the annual Philly Fights Cancer event on Saturday, October 26^th. Guests enjoyed a silent auction inclusive of items from notable Philadelphia restaurants and businesses, including Garces Catering, Scarpetta, Neiman Marcus, Tito’s, Evantine Design, Newuman’s Kitchen, and A. Jacoby & Company. The evening also included light bites from the Fitler Club’s exclusive chef Mark Vetri, as well as hand-crafted cocktails and live entertainment.

The event served as a pre-fundraiser for Philly Fights Cancer: Round 5. All money raised from the Patron Party will go towards clinical trials and translational research at Penn’s Abramson Cancer Center.

Excitement is high as Philly Fights Cancer: Round 5 approaches, which will once again take place at the Philadelphia Navy Yard. The 5-year milestone of this event also marks an astounding $26 million raised since 2015. Over 2,000 guests will be in attendance at this year’s event, with entertainment including Hugh Jackman, John Mulaney, Andy Grammer and Lauren Hart.

We are excited to officially announce that singer, songwriter and national recording artist Lauren Hart is joining our lineup for Philly Fights Cancer: Round 5. This Philadelphia Flyers performer is a treasured talent among the Philadelphia community and beyond.

Always known for her introspective lyrics and soaring vocals, Lauren’s songs have been heard on television series and soap operas including “Joan of Arcadia,” “Party of Five,” “All My Children” and “One Life to Live,” and her critically acclaimed National Anthem is featured in the Disney feature film “Miracle”. Lauren sings the National Anthem before every Philadelphia Flyers home game, a tribute to her late father, legendary National Hockey League Hall of Fame announcer Gene Hart, known for 30 years as “The Voice of the Flyers.”

She has performed at the Presidential Inauguration, where she shared the stage with Bill and Hillary Clinton, and on the French Riviera, where she lived for several years, performing with such artists as Stan Getz, the Gipsy Kings, Harry Belafonte and Frank Sinatra.

Lauren returned to the US and began her recording career when she was signed by Columbia Records in 1996 and later RedAnt/BMG.

In the U.S., she has appeared on the CBS Morning Show National, and opened for Fiona Apple, Tori Amos, Train and 10,000 Maniacs.

In addition to her music, Lauren has enjoyed a successful career in broadcast television, serving as co-host of Philadelphia’s NBC 10! Show, and appearing on the Comcast Sports Network covering the Flyers, and most recently hosted her own television show on the WMCN network called ALL HART.

Lauren has ventured into the world of documentary filmmaking by scoring Race to the Bottom of the Earth, chronicling her husband Todd Carmichael’s record-setting solo trek across Antarctica and the film Johnny and Jane come Marching Home, telling the story of our homeless veterans. In 2012 Lauren started work for DANGEROUS GROUNDS, a travelogue show for the Travel Channel. Lauren is the composer and makes on camera appearances as well.

Lauren’s passion for music is matched only by her passion for the charitable organizations she is committed to – MOMS DEMAND ACTION, EVERYTOWN, INTERNATIONAL JUSTICE MISSION, and the Gene Hart Memorial Fund where she helps oversee college scholarships and contributes to cancer research and patients.

Lauren is on the Board of Governors of the National Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences (Grammy Awards) and is the chapter's Vice President. She also sits on the board of the Philadelphia Orchestra, has been on advisory boards for both Pennsylvania Hospital and The Philadelphia Zoo, and is an honorary Board member of the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, Southern NJ.  In 2007, Lauren was honored by the Society with its prestigious “Person of the Year” Award. She was named “Humanitarian of the Year” by the Friends of the American Cancer Society in 2010. In 2005 Lauren married Todd Carmichael, the founder of one of the premier coffee roasters in the country, La Colombe.

Todd and Lauren are proud parents of 4 children who were born in Ethiopia.

They have worked tirelessly on behalf of the children and families in Ethiopia and Uganda. Their love of Africa and the people helped shape their family and their entire future. They continue their work in the form of micro loans, family sponsorship, and education and farming.