|
|
 |
|
|
|
|
Message from the Founder
July 2007
Canary Foundation recently reached an important milestone in our mission to activate resources for the early detection of cancer. On May 22, Canary and Stanford University co-announced a Center of Excellence for Cancer Early Detection at Stanford. Canary and the Department of Radiology jointly committed $11.5 million to expand our efforts in early detection with support from the Stanford Cancer Center. The vision for the Center of Excellence is to create the nation’s leader in the combination of in vivo and in vitro diagnostics (blood and imaging) so that tests can be made available to the public faster. Dr. Sanjiv Gambhir from Stanford will lead a joint board to prioritize research investments.
Following the announcement, we kicked off our third annual Early Detection Symposium, hosting over 160 researchers who are in collaboration with the Canary network of researchers. Keynotes were delivered by Dr. Anna Barker, Deputy Director of the National Cancer Institute, and Dr. Janet Woodcock, Deputy Director of the Food and Drug Administration, who framed the pragmatic issues of delivering tests to the marketplace. One highlight of the symposium was a “poster session” in the redwoods—a casual gathering where scientists shared their research with one another.
Much progress has recently been made experimentally. We are now exploring enormous data sets to look for interactions that will help set our priorities on biomarker development. (Biomarkers are proteins in the blood that are early indicators of cancer.)
The most recent member of the Canary team, Sarah Hawley, managed a new grant process to expand our software platform into the community. Canary is supporting the presentation of another 15 Computational Proteomics Analysis System (CPAS) software awards to promote data sharing among North American Canary labs.
On the fundraising front, Pat McCowan and Michael Ball, Canary board member and CEO of GenoLogics, successfully carried out the second annual Canary Derby in Victoria, British Columbia, Canada. This event brought together people from over 20 high-tech companies and raised over $100,000 toward new equipment for Dr. Brad Nelson’s lab at the BC Cancer Agency, where work is being done to accelerate biomarker validation.
This month is hectic as we prepare for our premier fundraising and awareness-building event—the San Jose Grand Prix, July 27 through 29. Canary related events include the “Light the Way to Early Detection” Track Walk, a Silent Auction at the Driver Party, the Ride of Your Life historic stock car race, the CXO and Celebrity Go-Kart Challenge, and the Cabana Gala featuring the band Heart. We hope to see you there!
|
|
|
|
|
  |
|
|
Foundation News ArchivesContact UsDonateAbout Canary Foundation
|
|
|
|
