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LOCAL GRANTS PROVIDE SEEDS4HOPE IN RESEARCH TO FIGHT CANCER
ThreeUWindsor researcherswon two-year grants
totalling $233,500as seed funding to support new
projects, theWindsor-EssexCountyCancer Centre
Foundationannounced in lateOctober.
Biochemistryprofessor JamesGauldwill analyzewhich
mutations in such cancer-relatedproteins as tuberin are
capable of forming cancer. This studyultimately could
allow researchers and clinicians tomakemore informed
decisions about combination therapies that aremost likely
to yield successful results inpatientswith thesemutations.
Biologyprofessor PhillipKarpowiczwill test how
colorectal cancer is affectedbyday-night cycles,
specificallywhether these cycles elevate colorectal cancer
risk, and if maintainingnormal sleep cycles canhelp
prevent it. In the long-term, hiswork shouldhelppredict
the optimal times of chemo and radiation therapies for
colorectal cancer, aswell formanydifferent cancers.
Biologyprofessor LisaPorterwill examine the role
of a cancer-relatedproteindiscoveredby thePorter lab
(Spy1) that appears toplay a role in the progressionof
themost common liver cancer, hepatocellular carcinoma
(HCC). The study introduces a
genetic component thatmay
ultimately serve as a valuable
diagnostic indicator or a target
for therapeutic intervention
thatwould advance care for
all patientswithHCC.
The fundingmakes
a total of almost $1.7million
awarded to local cancer
researchers through the
Seeds4Hope grant awards
program since its inception
in 2009. Administrator
Dr.Michael Dufresne said the
investmentwill show its value
in the future applicationof
results.
“But the potential for
future success in the long term
canbemeasured in the short
termbymonitoring several
indicators of progress such as publications, collaborations,
and clinical trials,” he said. “From these indicators, it is clear
that Seeds4Hope funded research is playing a significant
role in advancing cancer care inour community and
beyond.”
SCHOLARSHIP GIFT CONTINUES TOLDO LEGACY OF SUPPORT
DeservingEssexandKentCounty studentswho
wish topursue the studyof medicineat theSchulich
School of MedicineandDentistry–Windsor Program
will haveadditional opportunities for support, thanks
toa$250,000gift from theToldoFoundation to the
ToldoFoundationMedical ExcellenceScholarship,
announced inDecember.
The scholarshipwas initiated in2009witha$500,000
donation from theFoundation. It is basedonacademic
achievement andfinancial needand is open to local
Canadian students or permanent residentswhomeetOSAP
Ontario residency requirements.
This $750,000 total endowmentwill continue toprovide
income to fund scholarships for years to come.
In addition to theFoundation’s support of medical
education, theToldoFoundationhasmade significant
contributions to theHospice of Windsor andEssexCounty,
theWindsor Regional Cancer Centre, and theWindsor
SymphonyOrchestra.
Seeds4Hope administratorDr.Michael Dufresne, left, congratulates research grant recipients,
Drs. LisaPorter, PhillipKarpowicz andJamesGauld.
