Friends of Cancer Research Celebrates 15th Anniversary with Reception Honoring Secretary Sebelius, Senator Hatch and Pulitzer Prize Winning Author and

Premieres Video Narrated by Michael Douglas

 NIH Director Collins, FDA Commissioner Hamburg, and Members of Congress Help Celebrate 15 Years of 'Progress in Science and Innovation'

On October 12, 2011, leaders from government, advocacy, business and science came together to celebrate the 15th Anniversary of Friends of Cancer Research (Friends). When she founded the organization in 1996, Dr. Ellen Sigal saw a compelling need to increase public awareness and support for cancer research and for increased scientific capacity across all federal health agencies. At that time Dr. Sigal was a Presidential Appointee to the National Cancer Advisory Board along with Marlene Malek, who joined Ellen in 1996 as President of Friends.

Now, 15 years later, Friends of Cancer Research is a respected independent think tank and advocacy organization that continues develop unique partnerships and create a more open dialogue among both public and private sectors. In acknowledgement of 15 years of "progress in science and innovation" Friends held a anniversary celebration at the St. Regis Hotel in Washington, DC. 

The evening kicked off with the premiere of Friends new video narrated by Oscar-Winning Actor and cancer survivor, Michael Douglas.  CLICK HERE TO VIEW VIDEO

Each year Friends takes the opportunity at this event to acknowledge great contributions to the cancer research community. Past honorees include: Senator Edward Kennedy, Secretary Michael Levitt, Senator Daniel Inouye, Senator Judd Gregg, Dr. Francis Collins, Ambassador Nancy Brinker, Senator Arlen Specter and Congressman John Dingell.

(L-R) Dr. Collins, Secretary Sebelius, Ellen Sigal, Marlene Malek, Dr. Hamburg

This year, to mark the organizations 15th anniversary, and the 40th anniversary of the declaration of war on cancer, Friends honored Secretary Kathleen Sebelius and Senator Orrin Hatch for their steadfast  support of biomedical research, advocacy for patients and their families, and commitment to the health and well being of the American people. 

Dr. Francis Collins, Director of the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and Dr. Margaret Hamburg, Commissioner of the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) provided a perspective on the close and productive relationship between the agencies and Friends of Cancer Research over the last 15 years. The two heads of agencies went on to present Secretary Sebelius with the Government Leadership Award. 

"The work that Secretary Sebelius began as Governor of Kansas , and continues now as Secretary, on behalf of patients and in support of biomedical research, is truly astounding," said Dr. Ellen Sigal, Chair & Founder of Friends, in acknowledgement of the Secretary being chosen for this honor.

In acknowledgement of his Pulitzer Prize-winning book "The Emperor of All Maladies" and his great contributions to the world's understanding of cancer research and treatment, Dr. Sigal presented the Cancer Leadership award to Pulitzer Prize Winning Author, and accomplished cancer physician, Dr. Siddhartha Muhkerjee.

             Sen. Hatch receives his award                      Dr. Muhkerjee delivers remarks at reception 

Friends President, Marlene Malek, acknowledged Senator Orrin Hatch's contributions to cancer research and patients everywhere presenting him with the Congressional Leadership Award later in the evening. "Senator Hatch has been a steadfast supporter of science, innovation and biomedical research during his 6 terms in the United States Senate," said Marlene Malek, President of Friends. "He has reached across the aisle on so many occasions to do what is right for patients everywhere."

All of us at Friends of Cancer Research would like to thank our Board of Directors, our supporters, colleagues and collaborators from academia, industry and advocacy for 15 incredible years of progress. We are deeply appreciative of all you have done to help grow Friends to the incredible organization it is today. 

Dr. Ellen Sigal to be Honored at the Kennedy Center 

by Susan G. Komen for the Cure

 Friends Chair & Founder to Receive the 2011 Advocacy Distinction Award

"Ellen Sigal is the advocate's advocate - a woman who works tirelessly on behalf of women who often cannot speak for themselves on the issues that matter for women facing breast cancer,"  said Ambassador Nancy G. Brinker, founder and CEO of Susan G. Komen for the Cure speaking about the 2011 recipient of Honoring the Promise's Advocacy Distinction Award. 

All of us at Friends of Cancer Research would like to congratulate Dr. Sigal on this incredible and most deserved honor.

For more information about the 2011 Honoring The Promise Click Here