The Chi-Lites and The Temptations Surprise Performances at Chicago Cures Gala Helped Raise $2.2 Million for Cancer Research
Schaumburg, Ill. (PRWEB) October 23, 2015 -- Gateway for Cancer Research raised $2.2 million to fund innovative cancer research at its Cures Gala on Saturday, October 17, 2015 at The Sheraton Hotel and Towers, Chicago, IL. The James Bond themed event titled To Live Another Day sought to bring together secret agents from around the world to not only conquer cancer but also to preserve the cancer patient’s quality of life.
Special appearances by Chicago’s very own R&B/Soul group The Chi-Lites, originally formed in 1959, performed several classic sets that included “Oh Girl,” “Have You Seen Her,” and “Too Good to Be Forgotten.” The Temptations also took to the stage and performed several of their classic hits including “My Girl,” “Just My Imagination,” and “Since I Lost My Baby.” The performances were an enthralling surprise for the event attendees.
Richard J Stephenson, Founder and Chairman of the Board of Directors, Gateway for Cancer Research, presented the Gateway Impact Award to the Cures Gala Honorees, Robert and Cynthia Mayo that evening. The award recognizes the Mayos’ commitment and service to Gateway’s vision to shape a world in which a cancer diagnosis is no longer feared.
Maddy Oliver, a Gateway-funded clinical trial patient, gave a powerful speech about her journey from initial diagnosis with osteosarcoma – a childhood bone cancer with the lowest rate of survival, at age 17 – to being cancer-free at age 20 and now living a normal life.
The audience also viewed a video featuring Dr. Sarah Leary of Seattle Children’s Hospital, discussing her ground-breaking Gateway-funded clinical trial known as “Tumor Paint.” The trial focuses on childhood brain cancer where neurosurgeons requested an agent to help identify cancer cells versus healthy brain tissue during surgery. A protein discovered in Israeli Deathstalker Scorpion venom, actively seeks out and attaches to cancer cells and is fused with a luminescent molecule. This combination, under a special light, visually displays the tumors, allowing the surgeon to remove only affected areas -- thereby not only saving lives, also preserving as much of the young patient’s abilities as possible.
“We raised a really significant amount of money to power our mission!” – said Teresa Hall Bartels, President, Gateway for Cancer Research. “People living with cancer are truly the winners as we continue to find and fund breakthrough cancer research.”
Cures Gala major sponsors include the Templer Family Foundation; Mr. and Mrs. Richard J Stephenson; Cancer Treatment Centers of America; Rising Tide Foundation; International Capital & Management Company; Katten Muchin Rosenman, LLP; McGuire Woods; N-Jet; Assembly; Bank of America Merrill Lynch; CliftonLarsonAllen; Bryan and Christina Cressey, Cressey & Company; Insight; OneNeck IT Solutions; Riley Construction; Stellar Insurance Company, Ltd.; and T. Danis Charitable Trust.
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About Gateway for Cancer Research℠
Gateway for Cancer Research is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization committed to funding innovative cancer research studies that help today’s cancer patients to feel better, live longer and conquer cancer TODAY!. Thanks to generous underwriting by Cancer Treatment Centers of America®, 99 cents of every dollar Gateway receives directly funds Phase I and Phase II cancer clinical trials at leading research institutions across the country and abroad. Since 1991 Gateway has supported more than 140 clinical trials and funded millions in leading-edge research, including blending the best of conventional, and complementary and alternative therapies. Get involved today by visiting GatewayCR.org, like us on Facebook at facebook.com/demandcures and join the conversation on Twitter @DemandCures. #BeAGateway.
Victor Young, Gateway for Cancer Research, http://www.gatewaycr.org, +1 847.342.6704, [email protected]
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