New York, NY (May 5, 2015) - The Damon Runyon Cancer Research Foundation honored Dmitri Stockton, President and CEO of GE Asset Management, at its 2015 Annual Breakfast, held on Tuesday morning at Cipriani 42nd Street in New York City. The Breakfast raised $1.5 million to support the nation’s best and brightest cancer researchers, fostering the talent capable of revolutionizing the prevention, detection, and treatment of all forms of cancer.
Alan M. Leventhal, Chairman of the Damon Runyon Board, welcomed attendees by noting the scope and ambition of Damon Runyon scientists, saying, “There’s nobody who does what Damon Runyon does in the quest to cure cancer. We don’t worry about one cancer, we worry about them all.”
Two exceptional Damon Runyon scientists illustrated Damon Runyon’s wide range of focus with research updates: Damon Runyon-Sohn Pediatric Cancer Fellow Angela J. Waanders, MD, of The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, spoke about her efforts to develop more effective, less toxic treatments for childhood glioma brain tumors, and Damon Runyon-Rachleff Innovator Moritz F. Kircher, MD, PhD, of Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, walked attendees through his development of a precision tool that detects and enables the destruction of single cancer cells during surgery.
The event’s keynote speaker was John Elway, former NFL star and current Denver Broncos General Manager. Elway spoke emotionally about losing his twin sister to lung cancer 14 years ago. “Cancer is the ultimate competitor,” he said, exhorting those listening to commit as much support as possible to the Damon Runyon scientists who have dedicated their careers to cancer research. “This foundation has established a roster that reads like an All-Pro team. They are making a difference.”
The morning’s honoree, Dmitri Stockton, was introduced by Leon G. Cooperman, who is the Chairman and CEO of Omega Advisors and a current Damon Runyon Board of Directors member. Stockton shared cancer’s impact on his friends and family and expressed great hope for the future. Gesturing to the Damon Runyon scientists in attendance, he said, “I’ve met these scientists and I can tell you, they’re nothing short of incredible. These are some of the minds who have dedicated themselves to fighting cancer. The impact they’re going to have in the future is just phenomenal. I want you to remember the stories here today and keep up with the fight by funding these scientists.”
DAMON RUNYON CANCER RESEARCH FOUNDATION
To accelerate breakthroughs, the Damon Runyon Cancer Research Foundation provides today’s best young scientists with funding to pursue innovative research. The Foundation has gained worldwide prominence in cancer research by identifying outstanding researchers and physician-scientists. Twelve scientists supported by the Foundation have received the Nobel Prize, seven others have received National Medals of Science, and 68 have been elected to the National Academy of Sciences.
Since its founding in 1946, Damon Runyon has invested nearly $294 million and funded nearly 3,500 young scientists. One hundred percent of all donations to the Foundation are used to support cutting-edge scientific research. Its administrative and fundraising costs are paid from its Damon Runyon Broadway Tickets and endowment.
CONTACT
Kim Kubert
Damon Runyon Cancer Research Foundation
212.455.0501
kim.kubert@damonrunyon.org
