Gateway for Cancer Research, a nonprofit organization dedicated to finding, funding and furthering breakthrough cancer clinical trials around the world, raised $3 million at its annual Cures Gala, held at the private residence of Gateway’s vice chair Dr. Stacie J. Stephenson and founder and chairman of the board Richard J Stephenson in Barrington Hills, Illinois.
The event brought together like-minded, passionate individuals to celebrate the impact Gateway’s research has had on more than 10,000 cancer patients over the past three decades. *NSYNC member and global pop icon Joey Fatone served as emcee, and guests enjoyed spectacular performances from singer and songwriter Taylor Dayne and Grammy nominee, diamond-selling performer and philanthropist Robin Thicke.
“Gateway exclusively funds Phase I and Phase II cancer clinical trials, which are often the first-in-human evaluation of promising new cancer drugs and therapies and represent a critical first step in finding new cancer treatments to help patients live longer and feel better,” said Dr. Stacie J. Stephenson. “Gateway for Cancer Research offers hope and healing to patients while empowering them to triumph over their disease.”
This year’s gala spotlighted the amazing work being done by Dr. Sarah Tolaney, chief of breast oncology at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, who is leading a Gateway-funded breast cancer trial that is assessing whether a combination of antibody drugs and immunotherapy can prevent HR+ metastatic breast cancer from spreading. This type of breast cancer accounts for about two-thirds of all diagnoses, including that of Gateway patient Valerie Frank, who credits the organization for increasing her chances of survival and giving her a better quality of life than she thought possible with Stage 4 cancer.
For more information, or for ticket and sponsorship information for Gateway’s next fundraising event, Gateway Celebrity Fight Night, to be held April 27, 2024, in Phoenix, visit gatewaycr.org.
