2023 Year in Review
In 2023, the Chike Springer Foundation forged robust partnerships that expanded its reach and impact within the cancer landscape. Collaborations with healthcare institutions, research organizations, Veteran-focused groups, and corporate entities enabled the foundation to advance its research initiatives and amplify awareness campaigns. These strategic alliances strengthened the foundation's ability to fund innovative cancer research, fostering a unified effort to improve outcomes and quality of life for patients battling lymphoma and their families.
7th Annual Liquid Biopsy for Precision Oncology Summit
We attended the 7th Annual Liquid Biopsy Oncology Conference, a gathering focused on the advancement of liquid biopsy technologies in oncology. The event sparked discussions on the potential of liquid biopsy techniques for early cancer detection, treatment response prediction, and personalized therapeutic guidance. Key challenges and opportunities regarding the integration of these techniques into routine oncology care were also addressed. Our participation underscores our commitment to stay at the forefront of innovative, patient-centered oncology strategies.
Throughout the event, attendees engaged in illuminating sessions covering various topics, including the evolving landscape of circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA), circulating tumor cells (CTCs), extracellular vesicles, and other liquid biopsy biomarkers. Keynote speakers and panel discussions highlighted the remarkable progress made in harnessing liquid biopsy techniques for early cancer detection, understanding tumor heterogeneity, predicting treatment responses, and guiding personalized therapeutic interventions across various cancer types.
Moreover, the conference facilitated collaborative exchanges on the challenges and opportunities in translating liquid biopsy research into clinical practice, addressing regulatory considerations, data standardization, and the integration of these innovative tools into routine oncology care. The diverse perspectives shared at the 7th Annual Liquid Biopsy Oncology Conference underscored the immense potential of liquid biopsy approaches in revolutionizing cancer diagnostics and management, paving the way for more precise, non-invasive, and patient-centered oncology strategies in the years to come.
Lymphoma Research Foundation's Scientific Advisory Board Meetings
We also continued our close partnership with the Lymphoma Research Foundation (LRF), actively participating in the meetings of the LRF's esteemed Scientific Advisory Board. The Board comprises globally recognized clinicians, scientists, and researchers whose collective expertise drives groundbreaking lymphoma research. Through rigorous evaluation of research proposals, they direct funding towards innovative projects predicted to significantly impact lymphoma diagnosis, treatment, and patient care. Our participation enabled us to better serve underrepresented groups affected by this disease.
We had a front row seat reviewing research proposals and hearing of the most impactful upcoming research. Below is a bit more on this prestigious board.
The LRF is honored to boast one of the most distinguished Scientific Advisory Boards in the field of lymphoma research. Composed of 45 world-renowned experts and leaders in hematology, oncology, and related disciplines, this esteemed board plays a pivotal role in guiding LRF's strategic research initiatives. Each member brings an unparalleled level of expertise, experience, and dedication to the advancement of lymphoma science, offering invaluable insights that shape the direction of research and therapeutic innovations.
The Scientific Advisory Board comprises a diverse array of professionals, including leading clinicians, scientists, and researchers from prestigious institutions worldwide. Their collective expertise spans various subtypes of lymphoma, cutting-edge technologies, novel treatment modalities, and the complexities of the tumor microenvironment. These experts contribute their wealth of knowledge and perspectives, ensuring that LRF's research funding is directed toward the most promising and impactful studies that can potentially transform the landscape of lymphoma diagnosis, treatment, and patient care.
One of the pivotal roles of this distinguished board is to rigorously evaluate research proposals, selecting the most innovative and high-impact projects for funding. Their extensive review process involves assessing scientific merit, feasibility, and potential impact on patient outcomes. By leveraging their collective wisdom and depth of experience, the Scientific Advisory Board plays a crucial role in fostering collaborations, driving discoveries, and propelling advancements that aim to improve the lives of individuals affected by lymphoma worldwide.
Chike Springer Foundation Nominated to be a Consumer Reviewer for the Rare Cancers Panel
Through our nomination to serve as a Consumer Reviewer for the Rare Cancers Panel, we had the privilege to lend our unique perspective on patient needs, preferences, and quality of life implications. Our engagement in this process ensures that funded research aligns with the needs of underrepresented groups, and actively influences the direction of scientific inquiries and the development of innovative treatments. It showed our commitment to advancing the understanding and treatment of these often-overlooked diseases, reinforcing the significance of patient advocacy and collaboration.
Being a consumer reviewer for the Congressionally Directed Medical Research Programs (CDMRP) Rare Cancer Panel is an esteemed opportunity that empowers individuals affected by rare cancers to actively contribute to the evaluation and selection of research proposals. As a consumer reviewer, individuals bring their unique perspective as patients, survivors, caregivers, or advocates, offering valuable insights into the lived experiences and unmet needs within the rare cancer community. This role embodies a crucial partnership between the scientific community and those directly impacted by these cancers, ensuring that research funding is directed towards projects that address the most pressing concerns and have the potential to make a meaningful difference in rare cancer outcomes.
Consumer reviewers play a pivotal role in the grant review process, participating in scientific discussions alongside esteemed scientists, clinicians, and researchers. Their input helps evaluate the potential impact, relevance, and patient-centeredness of research proposals. These individuals bring a personal lens to the evaluation, considering aspects such as patient preferences, quality of life implications, and the practical application of research findings in the lives of individuals facing rare cancers. By actively engaging in the review process, consumer reviewers contribute to ensuring that funded research aligns with the needs and priorities of the rare cancer community, ultimately influencing the direction of scientific inquiry and the development of innovative treatments and interventions.
Participating as a consumer reviewer for the CDMRP Rare Cancer Panel not only offers a unique opportunity for individuals affected by rare cancers to shape research funding decisions but also represents a commitment to advancing the understanding and treatment of these often-overlooked diseases. Their involvement underscores the significance of patient advocacy and collaboration in driving impactful research that holds the potential to transform the landscape of rare cancer care.
We ran races and raised money for cancer research!
We demonstrated our commitment to cancer research by participating in renowned races such as the Detroit Free Press Marathon and the Army Ten Miler. These events provided an opportunity to unite individuals through their shared passion for athletics and making a difference in the world of cancer research. Through these races, we successfully raised significant funds, which will go towards advancing our understanding and treatment of rare and underrepresented forms of cancer. Our runners' dedication echoes the memory of Chike Springer and fuels the progress of our foundation's research initiatives.
We joined the Lymphoma Research Foundation’s Board of Directors
Our founder, Lyndsay Springer, has been elected to join the esteemed Board of Directors at LRF. This prestigious appointment reflects Lyndsay's dedication, expertise, and profound commitment to advancing the mission of eradicating lymphoma and improving the lives of those affected by this disease.
Lyndsay is poised to leverage this appointment to further propel CSF and LRF initiatives. She joins a distinguished cohort of individuals on the Board, including renowned experts and leaders in the field of lymphoma research and advocacy.
In Lyndsay's role as a Director, she will continue to champion innovative approaches, drive impactful strategies, and contribute to steering the foundation towards pioneering research, patient support, and community outreach initiatives. She is dedicated to ensuring that LRF continues its mission to fund groundbreaking research, support patients and caregivers, and advocate for the lymphoma community.
Founder Lyndsay Springer Dedicates Soon You’ll Get Better Cover
Lyndsay Springer dedicated this heartfelt video to Chike, alongside the current patients fighting their own battles and the caregivers who demonstrate unwavering strength by their loved ones' side.
As we reflect on the progress and milestones of 2023, we are deeply grateful to our community of supporters who share our vision of a world where every lymphoma patient has access to optimal care, regardless of their background. Our collective efforts this year have illuminated paths to innovative treatments and brought us closer to equitable health care for all. To discover the full impact of our endeavors and the stories of those we've aided, we invite you to download our Annual Report. Together, let's continue to champion diversity in cancer research and ensure that hope is not just a possibility but a promise for every individual affected by lymphoma.
