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Kareem Abdul-Jabbar Headlines Barnes-Jewish Hospital Foundation’s Annual “illumination” Gala

  • April 7, 2010
  • Number of views: 4439
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Event Supports “Cancer Frontier Fund” at Siteman Cancer Center

Contact:
Jason Merrill
314-286-0302
[email protected]

April 7, 2010, ST. LOUIS – The NBA’s All-Time Leading Scorer and Hall of Famer Kareem Abdul-Jabbar will host the Barnes-Jewish Hospital Foundation’s “illumination10,” the annual gala benefiting the Siteman Cancer Center at Barnes-Jewish Hospital and Washington University School of Medicine, Saturday, May 15 at the Chase Park Plaza. 

Gala co-chairs Stacey and Jim Weddle are leading community support of illumination10.  Edward Jones is the presenting sponsor of the gala, expected to draw 600 guests for dinner, a live auction of luxury items and experiences and after party.

The 2010 gala will support the Barnes-Jewish Hospital Foundation’s “Cancer Frontier Fund,” a 10-year, $50 million fundraising initiative spearheaded by Amy and Bill Koman to change cancer care and cure around the world by accelerating the pace of discoveries made at the Siteman Cancer Center. 

Since 1999, illumination has generated millions of dollars to support the Siteman Cancer Center – the only National Cancer Institute Comprehensive Cancer Center within 240 miles of St. Louis – in the fight against cancer.  The 2009 event alone netted more than $1.4 million for the Cancer Frontier Fund, which will lead to innovations that enable physicians to treat cancer more effectively by personalizing a patient’s therapy based on the genetics or molecular makeup of his or her cancer.

“Our center has worked to uncover the genetic and molecular basis for cancer,” says Timothy Eberlein, MD, Siteman Cancer Center director.  “We are developing more accurate diagnoses, more targeted therapies and are even working on new treatments that may prevent the disease entirely.”

That’s also a goal of event host Kareem Abdul-Jabbar.  While he is best known as a six-time NBA Most Valuable Player, he is establishing himself in the fight against cancer.  He announced in November 2009 his own battle as he was diagnosed with chronic myeloid leukemia.  Even with that personal experience, cancer has been part of Abdul-Jabbar’s life for many years.

"My grandfather died from colorectal cancer, my uncle died from colorectal cancer and my father almost died from colorectal cancer," Abdul-Jabbar told CNN in November. “I think it's possible for someone in my position to help save lives."

That’s why he’s become active in cancer awareness and educating others about cancer research, a big part of illumination10 and the Siteman Cancer Center.

“Patient care, research and education are what make us a world class academic medical center,” says Richard Liekweg, Barnes-Jewish Hospital president.  “The gala's focus on personalizing care will make a profound difference in the care of patients with cancer treated at the Siteman Cancer Center.”

“The work that Siteman does is amazing,” says Jim Weddle, event co-chair and managing partner at Edward Jones.  “Whatever we can do to help Siteman change that outcome for other families is vitally important.”

The Weddle’s say their involvement in the gala is personal.  Not only did Jim lose his mother and grandmother to cancer, but his wife and event co-chair Stacey had her own experience with cancer as well.

“My breast cancer was a rare, slow-growing type and was caught early on a routine mammogram,” she says.  “This meant we had options for treatment and were able to beat it quickly, but I want everyone to have more options, regardless of their cancer type or stage.” 

The Weddles, Liekweg and Dr. Eberlein will help headline “illumination10” with Abdul-Jabbar.  For more information about tickets and sponsorships, visit www.illumination10.org, or contact Kristin Marino at (314) 286-0602 or [email protected]

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