PHILADELPHIA (January 3, 2024) — The Pancreatic Cancer Cure Foundation (PCCF) has donated $30,000 to help fund ongoing research at the Marvin and Concetta Greenberg Pancreatic Cancer Institute at Fox Chase Cancer Center.
During their recent visit to Fox Chase to present the donation, PCCF representatives gained insight into the exceptional strides made by Fox Chase’s close-knit, multidisciplinary team in the field of pancreatic cancer.
“We love hearing the research updates. It really gives us a wave of inspiration. Sometimes we need a little charge of that again,” said Tony Cygan, Vice President of PCCF.
“The type of contributions you provide gives us that extra freedom to go the next step,” said Edna “Eti” Cukierman, PhD, a Co-Director of the Greenberg Institute and Co-Leader of the Cancer Signaling and Microenvironment Research Program at Fox Chase. “This flexibility is instrumental in advancing research to new heights.”
During discussions with Cygan and other PCCF representatives, Cukierman emphasized the critical role of two key tools in scientific breakthroughs. “The majority of the really great discoveries have come from curiosity and observation, areas where we can never get grants. PCCF’s support provides the freedom to explore these uncharted territories, facilitating discoveries beyond the constraints of traditional grant-driven research,” she said.
Sanjay S. Reddy, MD, FACS, another Co-Director of the Greenberg Institute, provided insight into Fox Chase’s familial atmosphere, which enables collaboration that fosters innovative projects that seamlessly cross departments. “I’ve always thought about the institute and Fox Chase in general as a family. That is the unique part about this institution, the way we are able to work together and integrate and cross-pollinate ideas to push the boundaries of scientific discovery,” he said.
Shawn Kleitz, Fox Chase’s Chief Development Officer, said the gift extends beyond financial assistance and represents a vote of confidence in the nimble and collaborative efforts of Fox Chase researchers. “Thank you so much for your support and for your trust in us and what we’re doing — Sanjay, Eti, and her whole lab. We’ve really benefited, so we truly, truly appreciate your support,” he said.
“We’re absolutely in awe of what you’re doing,” said Cygan. “You’re all part of changing the world a little bit in your way, in a big way. It’s a very big deal. Thank you for that.”