The Breast Cancer Research Foundation
Donate Now WINTER 2010

Letter from our President


Thanks to the support of our dedicated donors over the past 15 years, The Breast Cancer Research Foundation has successfully expanded its grantmaking capabilities from $159,000 to eight scientists in 1994 to $34.5 million to 166 researchers worldwide this year. This represents a monumental increase in our ability to provide the most eminent leaders in science the resources to cure breast cancer.

Our researchers haven't let us down. Whether it is the creation of an atlas of more than 1,300 genes associated with breast cancer or whether it's the discovery and refinement of new treatments according to a woman's individual genetics, BCRF researchers lead the field. Whether it's the wisdom to create a new science of survival, so that a woman's quality of life after treatment can be her best, BCRF researchers have spearheaded change. Whether it's finding ways to optimize the use of MRI for screening and diagnosis, or learning about dietary factors when it comes to breast cancer, BCRF researchers have given us new tools for saving lives.

There is still a distance to travel. But there are reasons why BCRF scientists have been so successful. First, it is their caliber. Our Executive Board of Scientific Advisors - led since the beginning by Dr. Larry Norton - as well as our Scientific Advisory Committee, chaired by Dr. Clifford Hudis, are among the smartest and most committed people working in cancer research today.

Second, BCRF grantees have the freedom to pursue the research that they feel will lead directly to cures and better prevention. This seems like an obvious feature of any research grant program, but sadly, it is not. The federal funding system is cumbersome and involves long waits, delaying critically important research. BCRF, on the other hand, rewards outstanding ideas within months.

Finally - and this is perhaps the most important element of The Breast Cancer Research Foundation - we fund worldwide collaboration. Truthfully; science is competitive, and that's a good thing. But when the stakes are high, we need to be more than just conveners of science. We must amplify our dollars and our research efforts wherever we can. Our Translational Breast Cancer Research Consortium does just that - uniting the efforts of leading breast cancer research centers in the United States and internationally. Our Research Portal allows BCRF grantees to collaborate and brainstorm new possibilities. The stakes are too high to allow questions to be asked in isolation. The stakes are too high not to share resources. This collaborative model works - we've seen the results.

Exciting, yet challenging times lie ahead, and we hope we can continue to count on your support to keep BCRF the premier breast cancer organization in the world.

Sincerely,

Myra J. Biblowit