When we recount those responsible for progress in medicine, our admiration is usually focused on the scientists and doctors who have made the discoveries or tested them on human populations in order to bring them to the public at large. We should remember, however, that the life’s blood of biomedical research is funding. And those who provide funding are not just necessary – they are crucial.
Since the War on Cancer began, substantial revenues have been necessary for cancer research. To a large degree, the sorts of funds necessary for successful laboratories have required investments that went beyond the usual resources of most foundations. Thus, the NIH and, more broadly, the government became the main source of research dollars, with additional revenues coming from industry, particularly for the conduct of clinical trials or related research.
Times have changed. The government and industry remain major sources, but money is tight. What fills this gap? We think back to the early days, when names like Rockefeller were the mainstays of research. Two years ago, the Time magazine People of the Year were Bill and Melinda Gates, partially in recognition of their incredible philanthropy in the area of infectious disease in the developing world. Warren Buffett recently received enormous acclaim for promising huge sums to their foundation.
Our cancer research community has similar heroes. They have established, and through their dedication, have made successful foundations that are devoted to a variety of cancers and cancer-related topics. Each of us in the cancer research field is familiar with the foundations that can support his/her research and will routinely apply for small or large sums to fund projects. These heroes and their foundations keep us going through these hard times. They deserve our recognition and gratitude.
In this issue of our Newsletter, we recognize the first of a series of such heroes – Evelyn H. Lauder, founder and head of the Breast Cancer Research Foundation. She is a worthy first.
The Editors
Andrew J. Dannenberg, M.D.
Henry R. Erle, MD-Roberts Family Professor of Medicine
Weill Medical College of Cornell University
Co-Director
Cancer Prevention Program
Columbia Weill Cornell Cancer Centers
NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital
Alfred I. Neugut, M.D., Ph.D.
Myron M. Studner Professor of Cancer Research
Professor of Medicine and Epidemiology
Associate Director for Population Sciences
Herbert Irving Comprehensive Cancer Center
Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons
and Mailman School of Public Health
Co-Director, Cancer Prevention Program
Columbia Weill Cornell Cancer Centers
NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital
