Fox Chase’s Cancer Conversations Series Welcomes Jessica Wapner

PHILADELPHIA, PA (May 8, 2013)—Fox Chase Cancer Center will be hosting a Cancer Conversations LIVE event featuring author Jessica Wapner on Tuesday, May 14 at 7:00 p.m. in the Fox Chase Auditorium (Center Building, 333 Cottman Aveue, Philadelphia). At the event, Jessica will discuss her new book The Philadelphia Chromosome: a Mutant Gene and the Quest to Cure Cancer at the Genetic Level—just published this spring.

The book relates newly discovered links between cancers and their genetic causes to the epic journey that has unfolded for over fifty years. This includes the first glimpse through a microscope at Fox Chase Cancer Center of a cancer-causing genetic mutation dubbed the Philadelphia chromosome in 1959; its role in causing chronic myeloid leukemia (CML); and the development of Gleevec—a groundbreaking drug that made this once-fatal cancer treatable with a single daily pill.

Jessica brings the story of the Philadelphia chromosome vividly to life in the inspiring story of what is possible when people, working alone and in concert, are driven to make sense of the unknown and improve the lives of others.

There will be a book signing and light refreshments following the event. The event is FREE, but registration is required (seating is limited). To register, call 215-214-3954, or email [email protected].

Fox Chase Cancer Center (Fox Chase), which includes the Institute for Cancer Research and the American Oncologic Hospital and is a part of Temple Health, is one of the leading comprehensive cancer centers in the United States. Founded in 1904 in Philadelphia as one of the nation’s first cancer hospitals, Fox Chase was also among the first institutions to be designated a National Cancer Institute Comprehensive Cancer Center in 1974. Fox Chase is also one of just 10 members of the Alliance of Dedicated Cancer Centers. Fox Chase researchers have won the highest awards in their fields, including two Nobel Prizes. Fox Chase physicians are also routinely recognized in national rankings, and the Center’s nursing program has received the Magnet recognition for excellence six consecutive times. Today, Fox Chase conducts a broad array of nationally competitive basic, translational, and clinical research, with special programs in cancer prevention, detection, survivorship, and community outreach. It is the policy of Fox Chase Cancer Center that there shall be no exclusion from, or participation in, and no one denied the benefits of, the delivery of quality medical care on the basis of race, ethnicity, religion, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity/expression, disability, age, ancestry, color, national origin, physical ability, level of education, or source of payment.

For more information, call 888-369-2427

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