The JFM Lung Cancer Research Fund
Did you know that lung cancer kills more people than breast, prostate and colon cancers combined yet continues to be one of the lowest funded forms of cancer in terms of research and treatment?
In an effort to change these statistics, It is with great pride that the Elpis Foundation and McNichol Family have pledged $200,000 over the next five years to the newly created Joseph F. McNichol Lung Cancer Research Fund benefitting The Abramson Cancer Center of the University of Pennsylvania. This fund will provide financial support for lung cancer research conducted by Dr. Charles B. Simone, specifically, as it relates to early detection and screening, treatment, advances in radiation oncology, and the overall research being done within the Interdisciplinary Thoracic Oncology Program.
Dr. Simone is working on some big things with his team! Please click here to read a little more about the Circulating Tumor Cell blood testing and immunotherapy treatment options they are exploring with this money. We are not only making great strides to cure cancer, but making it easier to find cancer early on where it is most treatable!
We have a lot of work to do and will regularly be updating everyone with advancements we are making towards our goal.
UPDATE - May 2019
We wanted to reach out to express our sincere gratitude to everyone who participated in one of the many events focused on fulfilling the 200,000 pledge we made way back in 2013. You all mean so very much to us and to Joe for keeping his memory alive and well. He is breathing heavily thru the lungs of healthy cancer survivors because of your generosity and support.
It’s an amazing feeling to reflect on that last statement. While we are sure anyone of us would trade anything to keep our loved ones just a little longer, there is some comfort in knowing plenty of good has resulted here.
Elpis is pleased to announce that we have fulfilled the pledge we made to Penn back in 2013 to donate $200,000 to The JFM Fund for Lung Cancer Research at PENN. We just sent in our final $45,500 check to PENN and all of that came from you guys from this past Fundraiser, by far our biggest and best yet!
This is a bittersweet post, knowing that this year's event was the last of a great run. But at least we went out on a high note! I can not thank you enough for all so many of you have done over the years from JFM to War on the Shore, its been a hell of a lot of fun setting up these events. It has always been a great way to stay in touch with friends and family and these certainly were some of my most memorable nights. From the Old Windrift to Jacks to Llanerch and now the Pub, thank you so very much for everything!
Thank you,
Patrick
UPDATE - January 2018
So here are some of the reasons why we are really excited about working w/ PENN!
This past year has seen advancements like never before and we truly are getting closer. As of August 29th, The FDA has approved an Immunotherapy 'living drug' for some forms of blood cancer like ALL. And that drug came right here from Penn. This is a landmark milestone in the fight not only against cancer, but many other diseases. The idea that we can train the immune system to eradicate cancer cells and tumors is mind blowing. And now it is a real thing. Many of you reading this had a direct impact on this feat.
For the past few years every dollar we have raised has gone to Penn for this research. So please know from the bottom of my heart that I could not be more thankful for your support. You have made a difference in countless lives already and will continue to help so many more in the future. We will continue to fight this battle for everyone we know who has last their battle against cancer and for those who we can and will cure someday.
I love you,
Patrick McNichol
Here is some additional reading material. You are not going to leave the house tonite, so spend 20 mins educating yourself on just how close we are getting!
Penn Video: https://youtu.be/KWWuZ8Yt9xA
NY Times FDA Approval @ PENN: https://goo.gl/J3JMw9
Time Magazine CAR T Cell article: https://goo.gl/Xdc5hS
How T-Cells can Take on Cancer: https://goo.gl/fhRySQ
Mom, There is Hope Commercial: https://goo.gl/J3XueM
Update - October 2017:
The Fourth Annual JFM Gala was held on Saturday February 11th at Llanerch Country Club, raising over $50,000! We are now over $132,000 donated towards our $200,000 pledge.
We have also added the option to make recurring pledges to the Fund! It may not seem like a lot but just donating a few bucks a month really adds up!!!
We need help! We want to wrap up our pledge with the Gala in 2018 but we need volunteers! Contact me ASAP!
For more information on some of the statistics and background on lung cancer, please click here
If you would like to donate to this Fund, please click below! You can now make recurring monthly contributions or a one time donation!