For example, the 2008 Barr research project of Loren Walensky, MD, PhD. Dr. Walensky's project
focused on the development of new therapies with the potential to reactivate the “executioner” function of cancer cells and prevent their uncontrollable growth.
All living cells contain “executioner proteins” that help control the growth of normal cells.
Cancer cells find a way to prevent activation of these proteins, enabling them to replicate
uncontrollably. Dr. Walensky generated novel compounds that bind to these proteins in cancer cells, reactivating their “executioner” function and triggering cell death. By integrating chemistry, biology and cancer medicine, this work has the potential to create groundbreaking new therapies for multiple types of cancer, many of which no longer respond to conventional therapies.
And NONE of that research - or that which has been done in the other amazing projects you will learn about each week - could have happened without the generous gifts from donors like you!
I am sure Dr. Walensky and so many other talented and dedicated researchers have had days where they were unsure whether their hard work would make a difference. But they push on undeterred, keeping the ultimate goal and finish line (a world without cancer) on the horizon, and their work has had tremendous and far reaching impact. Could you imagine what would have happened if they just gave up when it got hard? Not an option. So yes, while I will certainly have days where I am unsure whether I can raise $10,000 and run 26.2 miles, seeing the true impact this challenge makes is all the motivation I need.
