AACR CEO Dr. Margaret Foti Receives the Distinguished Partner in Hope Award

PHILADELPHIA — Margaret Foti, Ph.D., M.D. (h.c.), chief executive officer of the American Association for Cancer Research, was honored with the Distinguished Partner in Hope Award during the Annual Colorectal Cancer Conference hosted by the Abramson Cancer Center of the University of Pennsylvania in Philadelphia on March 22. Foti was recognized for her outstanding contribution to cancer research, prevention and therapy.

She delivered the keynote lecture, “Progress Against Cancer in the New Era of Cancer Science and Medicine,” at the conference, which was attended by more than 500 cancer survivors.

“I am deeply honored to receive this special recognition from the Abramson Cancer Center,” said Foti. “It is important to disseminate information about recent scientific advances in cancer research and treatment to cancer patients and the public. I have the highest regard for the outstanding work of the center and its division of gastroenterology, and I applaud the Abramson Cancer Center for its educational commitment.”

The Abramson Cancer Center hosts informative, day-long educational conferences on many specific types of cancer. The only conferences of their kind in the region, they serve as an interactive forum where cancer patients, survivors and families can learn about the latest advances in prevention, treatment and research and actively engage with the Cancer Center’s expert faculty and staff. The Colorectal Cancer Conference, held at the Hilton Philadelphia City Avenue, has separate tracks during the meeting that address specific issues relating to pancreatic, colon, esophageal and stomach cancers.
 
At each conference, an award is presented to an individual or organization to recognize the difference they have made in cancer awareness, research or patient care in our community and beyond. This year the Cancer Center recognized Foti for her work in the field.

“Dr. Foti leads a remarkable organization that has not only catalyzed cancer research, but the AACR has also played a pivotal role in making translational research a high-priority reality,” said Chi Van Dang, M.D., Ph.D., director of the Abramson Cancer Center. “Her limitless dedication is clearly reflected by her outstanding leadership of the AACR, which has become a shining light and a beacon of hope for cancer patients. In this regard, we are honored that she accepts the Distinguished Partner in Hope Award from the Abramson Cancer Center.”

In addition to this honorable achievement, Foti has received many other accolades for her contributions to cancer research and advocacy. Most recently in October 2012, she received the Founders Award for Excellence in Cancer Research during a special recognition ceremony at the National Brain Tumor Society 2012 Summit in Boston, Mass. Last year she was recognized as a First Lady of the Intercultural Cancer Council and she also received the 2012 Biotech Humanitarian Award from the Biotechnology Industry Organization. She was also awarded Research!America’s 2012 Raymond and Beverly Sackler Award for Sustained National Leadership.

In 2010, Foti received the first Margaret Foti Award, which was established in cooperation with the University of Catania Ph.D. Oncology Program and the Italian League Against Cancer of Catania. In 2009, she received the first Margaret Kripke Legend Award from The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, the European CanCer Organization Lifetime Achievement Award and a citation from Philadelphia Mayor Michael Nutter for her dedication to increasing awareness of the importance of cancer research, as well as for her pivotal role in designating May as National Cancer Research Month. Foti was also the first recipient of an AACR award created in her name in 2007 for leadership and extraordinary achievements in cancer research. Her numerous other awards and recognitions for work in the United States and abroad include honorary memberships in the Japanese Cancer Association, the European Association for Cancer Research and the Hungarian Cancer Society, as well as three honorary doctorates in medicine and surgery.

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About the American Association for Cancer Research
Founded in 1907, the American Association for Cancer Research (AACR) is the world’s first and largest professional organization dedicated to advancing cancer research and its mission to prevent and cure cancer. AACR membership includes more than 34,000 laboratory, translational and clinical researchers; population scientists; other health care professionals; and cancer advocates residing in more than 90 countries. The AACR marshals the full spectrum of expertise of the cancer community to accelerate progress in the prevention, biology, diagnosis and treatment of cancer by annually convening more than 20 conferences and educational workshops, the largest of which is the AACR Annual Meeting with more than 17,000 attendees. In addition, the AACR publishes eight peer-reviewed scientific journals and a magazine for cancer survivors, patients and their caregivers. The AACR funds meritorious research directly as well as in cooperation with numerous cancer organizations. As the scientific partner of Stand Up To Cancer, the AACR provides expert peer review, grants administration and scientific oversight of team science and individual grants in cancer research that have the potential for near-term patient benefit. The AACR actively communicates with legislators and policymakers about the value of cancer research and related biomedical science in saving lives from cancer. For more information about the AACR, visit www.AACR.org.

About the Abramson Cancer Center
The Abramson Cancer Center of the University of Pennsylvania is a national leader in cancer research, patient care, and education. The pre-eminent position of the Cancer Center is reflected in its continuous designation as a Comprehensive Cancer Center by the National Cancer Institute since 1973, one of 40 such Centers in the United States. The Abramson Cancer Center is dedicated to innovative and compassionate cancer care. The clinical program, comprised of a dedicated staff of physicians, nurse practitioners, nurses, social workers, physical therapists, nutritionists and patient care coordinators, currently sees over 90,000 outpatient visits, over 11,800 inpatient discharges, and provides over 37,000 chemotherapy treatments, and more than 66,000 radiation treatments. Not only is the Abramson Cancer Center dedicated to providing state-of-the-art cancer care, the latest forms of cancer prevention, diagnosis, and treatment are available to our patients through clinical themes that developed in the relentless pursuit to eliminate the pain and suffering from cancer. In addition, the Abramson Cancer Center is home to the 400+ basic, translational and clinical scientists who work relentlessly to determine the pathogenesis of cancer. Together, the faculty are committed to improving the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of cancer. To learn more visit www.penncancer.org.

Media Contact:
Lauren Riley
(215) 446-7155
lauren.riley@aacr.org