More than 580,000 people died of cancer last year, about 1,600 beloved family members and friends a day. It’s the second most common cause of death in the U.S. But patients who wouldn’t have survived cancer 15 years ago are now thriving, thanks to research done at The Alvin J. Siteman Cancer Center at Barnes-Jewish Hospital and Washington University School of Medicine.
“We’re helping people in ways we never dreamed possible before, and we’re on the cusp of even greater discoveries,” says director Dr. Timothy Eberlein. “We’re redefining how we think about cancer. Our pioneering work on the human genome has led to targeted treatments based on each individual’s genes. It’s the future of cancer care, and we’re at the forefront.”
Siteman is a national leader in research and treatment. It’s the only center in Missouri designated a Comprehensive Cancer Center by the National Cancer Institute, and it’s also a member of the National Comprehensive Cancer Network. “We rapidly translate innovative research into effective ways to treat all types of cancer,” Eberlein says. Siteman serves nearly 8,600 newly diagnosed individuals and thousands of follow-up patients annually, and reaches people worldwide with tests and treatments developed by its 350-plus scientists and physicians. Patients have access to hundreds of leading-edge, national clinical trials. The center also provides screenings and education for tens of thousands of individuals annually.
But the federal budget for cancer research has remained flat during the last eight years, while the cost of living continues to rise, Eberlein notes. “It’s nearly impossible to conduct research under these circumstances—there simply isn’t enough money,” he says. “Without adequate funding, the pace of scientific investigation slows down. So we rely on community support to help us continue
our work.”
The Foundation for Barnes-Jewish Hospital presents a major fundraiser, the annual illumination Gala, April 11 at The Ritz-Carlton. Proceeds support the Foundation’s Cancer Frontier Fund, created by Amy and Bill Koman to accelerate treatment breakthroughs. “Last year, the fund supported research on vaccines to fight breast cancer and melanoma, a drug to fight life- threatening side effects of bone marrow transplants, a genetic test to improve treatment for some oral cancers, and other groundbreaking projects,” Eberlein says. “This year’s gala proceeds will help us develop new vaccines, drugs and tests to help patients survive cancer—or stop it before it starts.”
Special guest is actress/singer Vanessa Williams. Co-chairs are Warner Baxter, president and CEO of Ameren Corp., and his wife, Cindy; and Dave Spence, chairman of Legacy Pharmaceutical Packaging, and his wife, Suzie. Presenting sponsors are Ameren Corp. and Dave and Suzie Spence. “Cancer has touched everyone in some way, and it has certainly touched my family,” Warner Baxter says. “But illumination supports innovative research that makes a significant difference for patients, families and future generations.”
“Siteman puts great minds together to win the fight against cancer,” adds Dave Spence. “Funds raised through illumination improve cancer care today—and will lead to a cure tomorrow.”
[The Foundation for Barnes-Jewish Hospital hosts illumination gala, benefiting The Alvin J. Siteman Cancer Center, April 11 at The Ritz-Carlton. Individual tickets start at $750; tables start at $7,500. For tickets or more information, call 314.286.0602 or visit illuminationgala.org.]
Pictured: Vanessa Williams
Photo: Gilles Toucas