For the 11th year, The Gateway for Cancer Research, www.demandcurestoday.org, will host one of Chicago’s biggest and brightest events, Cures 2011, a fundraising gala at the Fairmont Chicago Millennium Park on Saturday, Oct. 22. Dina Bair, medical anchor at WGN TV and cancer survivor will be the gala’s mistress of ceremonies. Event co-chairs are Bev Lynde and Cindy Mayo.
An example of The Gateway at work: A clinical trial currently underway, funded by The Gateway, is studying the use of a custom DNA vaccine to fight breast cancer. The vaccine has had promising results in all participants to date. Interest in cancer vaccines is intense because of their promise as a less-invasive adjunct therapy to traditional regimens. Vaccines offer a highly targeted way to attack cancers, particularly if the cancer recurs and other treatments have been exhausted.
Finding cures is The Gateway’s mission. Ninety-nine cents of every dollar raised goes to finding cures for today’s cancer patients.
“I am so grateful for The Gateway’s perseverance. Cancer continues to wash over our communities leaving our families stripped of mothers, fathers, siblings and lifelong friends,” said Michelle Ashby,” an Illinois area trial participant. “The Gateway has a full recognition of this injustice. They have set aside all the bureaucracy to focus on the crisis of cancer,” she said.
The October gala will help make it possible for The Gateway to fund additional innovative cancer research led by researchers and clinicians whose focus is bringing treatments to cancer patients more quickly. The gala also highlights the importance of nutrition in everyday health by featuring a delicious, full course gourmet menu that incorporates cancer-fighting ingredients.
“We expect another spectacular evening, one focused on health, healing and advocating for today’s cancer patients,” said Gateway President Lynette Bisconti, a 13-year cancer survivor whose own recovery was aided by combining traditional cancer treatments with a cancer fighting nutritional regimen.
“The Gateway is one of the few non-profits to demand a cure now for those battling cancer,” said. Bisconti. “We’re not going to wait while thousands of cancer patients need practical answers today. In addition to raising important funding for our mission, our gala emphasizes the critical importance of supporting the right kind of research to find a cure.”
Last year, more than 750 guests attended helping to raise nearly $1.8 million to fund cancer research. This year, The Gateway expects 800 guests with the hope of raising even more funds. The Gateway has planned an exciting black-tie evening with a bold blue and green theme focused on health that will bring to life a panoply of color, sights and sounds designed to dazzle guests. They will shop an elaborate silent auction filled with unique items, then enjoy cocktails and dinner, a fast-paced live auction and a dance party featuring live music. A raffle will feature a home entertainment package for the whole family including: a Sony 42” flat screen TV, Blu-Ray/DVD player, Xbox Kinect with (3) games, a one year subscription to Netflix and a universal remote control.
Tickets for the evening are $500. Raffle tickets are $100 each or three for $250. For individual ticket and table purchases, or to make a donation, visit The Gateway’s website at www.demandcurestoday.org.
Major sponsors of the event include Cancer Treatment Centers of America, AmerisourceBergen, the Richard Templer family, Bank of America/Merrill Lynch, Katten Muchin Rosenman, Numerof & Associates, PNC Bank and Team Companies.
ABOUT THE GATEWAY FOR CANCER RESEARCH
The Gateway for Cancer ResearchSM is a non-profit organization committed to funding innovative research and bold new ideas for lifesaving treatments. We’re demanding cures to improve and save the lives of today’s patients, now. Our mission is to speed clinical breakthroughs to the bedside to help cancer patients live longer, feel better and be cured today. Since our founding in 1991, The Gateway has funded $19 million in leading-edge research, including blending the best of conventional and complementary/alternative therapies. Follow us on Twitter@Gatewaycr and become a fan at facebook.com/GatewayCancerResearch.
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