Cancer research in St. Louis took a giant leap forward, thanks to a record-breaking $3 million raised by donors at The Foundation for Barnes-Jewish Hospital’s illumination Gala. This year’s total was the most ever raised at the illumination Gala or at any other one-night fundraiser in St. Louis—and the incredible generosity of donors made it all possible.
Dollars raised at the gala support the Foundation’s Cancer Frontier Fund, established by Bill and Amy Koman to speed research breakthroughs at Siteman that will lead to new ways to prevent and treat cancer.
Record-Breaking Generosity
Some especially significant contributions helped push illumination’s fundraising total to a record level: Jack C. Taylor and the Crawford Taylor Foundation gave $500,000 to the Cancer Frontier Fund.
Donations from Ambassador Sam Fox, Marilyn Fox, and the Fox Family Foundation at illumination totaled $450,000. Marilyn and Sam Fox gave in memory of their son, Greg Fox, who passed away from pancreatic cancer earlier this year. Greg was actively involved with Barnes-Jewish Hospital and its associated organizations.
“We’re grateful to be recipients of such incredible generosity,” says Tim Eberlein, MD, director of the Alvin J. Siteman Cancer Center. “Because of support from people such as the Foxes and the Taylors and others in the community, we can conduct the vital research necessary to move us to the next level of cancer prevention and treatment.”
Making Innovative Research Possible
Since 2010, the Foundation has supported nearly 50 research projects at Siteman through the Cancer Frontier Fund. These projects pave the way to find better treatments for a variety of cancers, as well as to develop new techniques to provide more individualized treatment that has the potential to impact people around the world.
In 2016, support for the fund launched seven new research projects that hold promise to advance research for breast cancer, pancreatic cancer and brain cancers.
“Our patients are counting on us,” Dr. Eberlein says. “That’s why we’re working so hard to bring better treatments to patients faster. Research support is essential to making that happen.”
Community Leaders Unite to Fight Cancer
The involvement and commitment of the gala co-chairs, event committee and sponsors were instrumental in making this a recordbreaking year. illumination Gala co-chairs were Diane Sullivan, CEO, president and chairman of Caleres; and Tad Edwards, chairman, CEO and president of Benjamin F. Edwards & Co. Presenting sponsors were Caleres and Catherine and Tad Edwards.
“Many of my family members, co-workers and friends, including my best friend, have been touched by cancer,” Diane says. “Because of them, I wanted to be part of illumination. It’s an exciting time in cancer research but there’s much more to be done. We’re so grateful to the generous donors at the gala who are pushing this research forward faster.”
Tad’s uncle was in the audience at the gala three years after being diagnosed with a late-stage cancer. “When we came to Siteman for care, the team exuded hope,” Tad says. “Thanks to the research and treatment breakthroughs at Siteman, more people like my uncle are living happy, healthy lives. To have one of the best cancer centers in the world right here in St. Louis is a gift to all our families. Together, our support is making a tremendous difference.”
Support The Foundation for Barnes-Jewish Hospital and cancer research by donating online, or by calling 314.286.0600.