Susan G. Komen®, Milburn Foundation and the Inflammatory Breast Cancer Research Foundation Push for Breakthroughs in IBC Research
DALLAS–(BUSINESS WIRE)–#breastcancer–Susan G. Komen and two prestigious foundations today announced a
collaboration aimed at finding new approaches to diagnosing and treating
inflammatory breast cancer (IBC). Komen, the Milburn Foundation and the
IBC Research Foundation are seeking applications that will explore new
ideas and novel approaches to combating IBC
– a rare but particularly aggressive form of breast cancer that is
difficult to diagnose and treat.
“Investing in breakthrough research for aggressive forms of breast
cancer like IBC is critical to achieving Komen’s Bold Goal of reducing
the current number of breast cancer deaths in the U.S. by 50 percent in
the next decade,” said Komen President and CEO Dr. Judy Salerno.
“Support from the Milburn Foundation and IBC Research Foundation will
expand our knowledge of this deadly form of breast cancer and save
lives.”
IBC is often difficult to diagnose because it frequently does not
present as a lump. Instead, women notice symptoms such as redness and
swelling or enlargement of the breast that are often mistaken as an
infection, delaying diagnosis. By the time IBC is diagnosed, it is often
at an advanced stage (i.e., stage III or stage IV).
“Additional IBC research is needed to improve diagnosis of this unique
subtype of breast cancer and understand how biology drives its
progression, thereby leading to improved prognosis and more-effective
treatment for those with IBC,” Salerno added.
“It’s been a challenge to bring adequate research attention to
inflammatory breast cancer,” said Ginny Mason, IBC Survivor and
Executive Director of IBC Research Foundation. “Collaboration is
essential for patient-focused success in both the research and nonprofit
communities. We’re excited to be a part of this multiorganization
initiative that provides a platform for creative collaborations and
encourages submissions across disciplines.”
President and Chief Investment Officer of the Milburn Foundation Bryon
Davis shared his thoughts on the genesis of collaboration among the
three organizations.
“The Milburn Foundation is very pleased to have provided a valuable
voice in structuring this multiparty collaboration,” Davis said. “By
providing funding support and fostering relationships we helped to
facilitate a new alliance that will support research innovation. We are
exceptionally proud of what this initiative represents and are honored
to partner with two organizations that demonstrate such a sincere
commitment to the breast cancer cause.”
The Request for Applications for the two grants, each for $60,000, is
now open on komen.org.
Applications will be accepted through November 28. Read
more about Komen’s research programs.
About Susan G. Komen®
Susan G. Komen is the world’s largest breast cancer organization outside
of the federal government, funding more breast cancer research than any
other nonprofit while providing real-time help to those facing the
disease. Since its founding in 1982, Komen has funded more than $920
million in research and provided more than $2 billion in funding to
screening, education, treatment and psychosocial support programs. Komen
has worked in more than 60 countries worldwide. Komen was founded by
Nancy G. Brinker, who promised her sister, Susan G. Komen, that she
would end the disease that claimed Suzy’s life. Visit komen.org
or call 1-877 GO KOMEN. Connect with us on social at ww5.komen.org/social.
About The Milburn Foundation
The Milburn Foundation is a catalyst for building momentum behind
critical breast cancer research and is also the proud recipient of the
2016 Susan G. Komen Reach Award for fundraising innovation (see March
Madness in the Breast Cancer Arena). We have an established history
of high dollar donations to both Susan G. Komen and the IBC Research
Foundation. We partner with companies and non-profits to increase their
impact through matching gift and creative programs. As a private
foundation we are poised to play a unique role in structuring
partnerships and fund raising programs. Find out more by visiting TheMilburnFoundation.org.
About IBC Research Foundation
Inflammatory Breast Cancer Research Foundation was formed in 1999 with
the goal of facilitating research and educating both the lay and medical
communities about IBC. As a web-based, focused non-profit, IBC Research
Foundation has funded significant, quality IBC research projects under
the guidance of a stellar Medical Advisory Board. IBC educational
information can be found on the Foundation website and through the
monthly newsletter. Survivor volunteers provide individual support by
phone and email. The IBC Research Foundation strives to improve the
lives of those touched by IBC through research, creatively educating
stakeholders of all kinds, and tirelessly advocating for both current
IBC patients and survivors. To learn more visit: www.ibcresearch.org
or call 1-877-stop-ibc. Find us on Facebook and Twitter (@IBCResearch).
Contacts
Susan G. Komen
Joni Avery, 972-855-4382
press@komen.org
