WOODBURY, NY, April 11, 2024 – The Lustgarten Foundation, in collaboration with the American Association for Cancer Research (AACR), has announced the 2024 recipients of the Lustgarten-AACR Career Development Awards for Pancreatic Cancer Research, in Honor of Ruth Bader Ginsburg and John Robert Lewis. These grants were awarded to Tracy W. Liu, PhD, West Virginia University, and Christina G. Towers, PhD, Salk Institute for Biological Studies, respectively. Additionally, in collaboration with Swim Across America, the Lustgarten Foundation-Swim Across America-AACR Pancreatic Cancer Early Detection Research Grant has been awarded to Renato Ostuni, PhD, Università Vita-Salute San Raffaele. These awards exemplify Lustgarten’s commitment to creatively solving the complexities of this devastating disease.

The Lustgarten Foundation-AACR Career Development Awards aim to reduce the gap in funding received by early-career women and underrepresented minority scientists who conduct research that could contribute to a better understanding and treatment of pancreatic cancer. Recipients are awarded a three-year, $300,000 grant for meritorious basic, translational, clinical, or population sciences research. 

The Lustgarten Foundation-Swim Across America-AACR Pancreatic Cancer Early Detection Research Grant represents a joint effort to support innovative research to advance efforts toward the early detection and interception of pancreatic cancer. Recipients are awarded a three-year, $300,000 grant for projects in other areas of cancer or biomedical research that have promising ideas and approaches that can be applied to pancreatic cancer research.

LUSTGARTEN FUNDED RESEARCH: An adjuvant treatment regimen that included autogene cevumeran, an investigational individualized neoantigen-specific mRNA vaccine, induced durable and functional T-cell responses that were associated with a reduced risk of disease recurrence in certain patients with resectable pancreatic cancer.

LUSTGARTEN FUNDED RESEARCH: A novel treatment for leukemias and lymphomas that arise from immune system T cells, developed by investigators at the Johns Hopkins Kimmel Cancer Center and its Ludwig Center and Lustgarten Laboratory, was found to be effective at killing these cancers in mice bearing human T-cell tumors.

LUSTGARTEN FUNDED RESEARCH: Researchers at the University of Toronto’s Donnelly Centre for Cellular and Biomolecular Research have found two enzymes that work against the chemotherapy drug gemcitabine, preventing it from effectively treating pancreatic cancer.

Join us for an evening of stunning skyline vistas, unparalleled ambiance, exquisite cocktails and culinary delights – all while supporting groundbreaking pancreatic cancer research.

Dr. Elizabeth Legatt 

In 2019, retired obstetrician/gynecologist and thyroid cancer survivor Dr. Elizabeth Legatt, then 68, suddenly became prediabetic, and she didn’t know why. There had been no change in her weight, diet, or lifestyle. Her doctor attributed it to her getting older, but she knew there must be another reason. 

Then came her middle-of-the-night, potentially life-saving epiphany: Something was wrong with Elizabeth’s pancreas.  

Elizabeth has a family history of pancreatic cancer, as her mother passed away from the disease when she was 86. Plus, the pancreas is responsible for making insulin, and when the body doesn’t use insulin effectively or produce enough insulin, this could cause prediabetes and then diabetes.  

Elizabeth pleaded with her doctor to order an MRI, and she was devastated when the MRI confirmed her worst fear: a cyst in her pancreas. While most pancreatic cysts are harmless and can be safely monitored with MRIs, Elizabeth’s cyst was a more worrisome branching cyst. Her biopsy showed the cyst to be an Intraductal Papillary Mucinous Neoplasm (IPMN)—a precursor lesion that can progress into invasive pancreatic cancer if left untreated. Six months later, it had tripled in size, prompting the immediate need for laparoscopic surgery before the IPMN could progress to pancreatic cancer. 

In January 2021, Dr. John Chabot, Executive Director of the Pancreas Center and Chief of GI/Endocrine Surgery at NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital in New York City, performed laparoscopic surgery to remove one-third of Elizabeth’s pancreas—specifically the tail where the cyst was located—and her spleen. Her recuperation went smoothly, and she resumed her normal routine three weeks post-surgery. Her procedure was considered curative and no further treatment was needed. She undergoes annual MRIs to ensure the remaining two-thirds of her pancreas is healthy, and this year, her surgeon told her she doesn’t need to return for two years! 

“I consider myself unbelievably lucky, and I’m so grateful for every day that I’m alive. The prediabetes was a blessing because it compelled me to search for answers that eventually led to the MRI where my IPMN was discovered,” Elizabeth shared. “I urge any adults with sudden onset of prediabetes or diabetes to recognize that this may be a sign of a pancreatic cyst or pancreatic cancer, and to please speak to your doctor about having an MRI.”  

Now, Elizabeth is focused on volunteering in her community, spending time with her family (including her grandchildren), and raising awareness of sudden onset prediabetes as a potential warning sign of an issue with the pancreas. “I’ve been chosen to live, and I’m making every day count,” she shared. 

On Tuesday, March 12, 2024,  we celebrated International Women’s Day at the prestigious Salk Institute for Biological Studies for “The Power of Persistence: Women Transforming Cancer Research & Care.” This symposium boasted a powerhouse program featuring some of the most influential scientists in cancer research today. Chaired by Elizabeth Jaffee, this exciting symposium fostered collaboration, mentorship, and the exchange of ideas. By providing a platform for sharing experiences, challenges, and successes, the event encouraged participants to forge lasting connections and alliances that contribute to the continued advancement of cancer research and care.

WATCH: The Power of Persistence – Opening Remarks

Lustgarten CEO Linda Tantawi and Salk Cancer Center Executive Director Leona Flores welcome guests and kick off the symposium.

WATCH: Session 1: The Heart and Science of Innovation

Moderated by Salk Associate Professor Diana Hargreaves, this session illuminates the gap between the heart’s intrinsic connection to ingenuity and the scientific principles that give rise to revolutionary ideas. Speakers:

• Marina Pasca di Magliano, University of Michigan
• Lisa Coussens, Oregon Health and Science University

WATCH: Session 2: The Lustgarten Foundation Career Development Award Lecture in honor of Ruth Bader Ginsburg

Established in 2021, The Lustgarten Foundation – American Association for Cancer Research (AACR) Career Development Awards for Pancreatic Cancer Research in Honor of Ruth Bader Ginsburg and John Robert Lewis, celebrates the legacies of Justice Ginsburg and Congressman Lewis, both of whom died of pancreatic cancer in 2020. The Awards support the work of early-career female researchers and underrepresented minority researchers in pancreatic cancer research, ensuring a diverse and inclusive research community. Ashley Kiemen of Johns Hopkins University and 2023 Career Development awardee gives her remarks.

WATCH: Session 3: Fireside Chat

This thought-provoking session, Daring to Fail, delves into the personal and professional journeys of Elizabeth (Liz) Jaffee and Margaret Tempero, exploring their experiences, challenges, and, most importantly, their courageous willingness to embrace “failure(s)” as a steppingstone to success.

WATCH: Session 4: Zen and the Art of Lab Leadership

Moderated by Salk Assistant Professor Christina Towers, this session delves into the nuanced world of lab management and provide insights into creating an environment that nurtures creativity, fosters collaboration, and drives exceptional scientific outcomes.
Speakers:

• Dannielle Engle, Salk Institute
• Stephanie Dougan, Dana Farber Cancer Center
• Julie Sutcliffe, UC Davis Health

Rachel Weiss 

Rachel Weiss’ father Ross was the quintessential “girl dad.” After raising two sons during his first marriage, he was overjoyed to welcome a baby girl with his second wife. He attended all of Rachel’s dance rehearsals and recitals, concerts, and soccer games, and despite her parents’ separation when she was a preschooler, Ross remained fully involved in her life and spent as much quality time with her as possible. “Being my dad’s daughter was magic; he never gave less than 100% to me,” Rachel lovingly remembers. 

When Rachel was in elementary school, Ross started experiencing intermittent low-grade fevers, lower back pain, stomach aches, side pain, and later, trouble breathing. After several years of suffering, in 1999 Ross became determined to figure out the cause of these symptoms. He consulted nearly 20 doctors and tried a variety of treatments, but nothing worked. In September 2000, Ross, 58, received the most unimaginable news: he was diagnosed with stage 4 pancreatic cancer, at a time when the five-year survival rate was abysmally low in the single digits. Rachel was only 12.  

Given her age, Rachel was the last family member to learn of her dad’s diagnosis. In September, Rachel found an email on her dad’s computer from her Uncle Harvey, telling Ross he was praying for him always and that he found the Lustgarten Foundation online and knew the organization would be a tremendous help. Confused and overwhelmed by fear, Rachel researched what the Lustgarten Foundation was, and terrified, she started interviewing her dad about his symptoms. He insisted he just had an abscess, and Rachel was too frightened to admit she had seen her uncle’s email. Shortly after, Ross fell into a wall in front of Rachel—an accident brought on by an incredibly low blood count caused by his cancer. After calming Rachel down, Ross broke the devastating news of his diagnosis but assured her he would fight as hard as possible to beat this disease, and Rachel knew he would. Rachel was heartbroken; her dad was relatively young, an otherwise healthy and athletic person, and the center of her world, so how could he possibly have a life-threatening disease? Weren’t dads like hers supposed to be invincible? 

Ross underwent chemotherapy treatment throughout October and November 2000 and relied on the Lustgarten Foundation to help him through his diagnosis. “The Lustgarten Foundation was my dad’s source of hope and his lifeline the entire time he was sick,” Rachel shared. She recalled how Ross’ whole blended, extended family gathered for his final Thanksgiving, a beautiful yet bittersweet moment. After Thanksgiving, he was admitted to the hospital and returned home in January for hospice care. He passed away shortly after, just six weeks before Rachel’s Bat Mitzvah. It was surreal to Rachel to experience such a critical life milestone without her dad. “My dad was the best dad I could’ve asked for, and it was traumatic to lose him when I was only 12, at such a pivotal time in my life. I felt tremendous guilt when Dad died, and I worried he didn’t know how much I loved him,” Rachel said. “It took me until the last couple of years to even process the trauma of it all.” 

It’s been more than two decades since Ross passed away, and Rachel has never stopped missing him. She earned her graduate degree and lived in several cities across the country working for multiple corporations, which she knows would have made her father very proud. “I never make an important decision without talking to my favorite picture of Dad; I never want to leave him out, and I just wish we had the chance to know each other as adults and for him to teach me so many more life lessons,” Rachel said. To keep him close, she wears a bracelet with the saying “Be happy” because when Rachel’s mom asked Ross what he wanted her to do for Rachel after his passing, he answered that all he wanted was for her to be happy. 

Happiness eluded Rachel for a long time and was replaced with pain and anxiety that led to an alcohol addiction. Her drinking reached a dangerous level in 2022, but with the help of her family and an addiction therapist, she will celebrate two years of sobriety this spring. As part of her sobriety journey, she made the conscious choice to channel her energy into confronting her loss, rather than feeling victimized and defined by it. “My whole life just stopped before I even had the chance to take off. I constantly think about the ‘would’ve been life’ I would have lived if my father hadn’t passed away,” Rachel shared. 

Rachel also took other steps toward fulfillment after facing her addiction, while reflecting on lessons about strength and bravery that she learned from her dad. She trained to become a volunteer grief facilitator to help family members cope when a parent or a child passes away at home like her father did. As she worked to get sober, running became her solace, her joy, her chance to work through challenges, and her time to think about her dad. She started a running club focused on sobriety to help her build a community around a shared interest. “I want people to know that while I suffered the unbearable loss of my dad, I’ve now developed a beautiful and meaningful life for myself going forward.” 

Becoming involved with the Lustgarten Foundation has been cathartic and integral to Rachel’s healing process as well. Because of the significant impact the Foundation had on her dad, she has participated in a couple of the Foundation’s Walks for Research. “I’m so grateful that Lustgarten allocates 100% of every donation to research, and I’m committed to doing whatever I can to help increase pancreatic cancer awareness and research funding.”   

This year, she’s stepping up her support by joining Team Lustgarten for the United Airlines New York City Half Marathon on Sunday, March 17. Rachel is fulfilling her father’s dream of running a marathon through his hometown of New York City, while family members and friends encourage and cheer her on from the sidelines. She follows a strict training regimen consisting of running outdoors, practicing Pilates, running on a treadmill, and performing other exercises to build her strength and stamina for the race. She has raised nearly $2,000 for the Lustgarten Foundation, and that’s with a few weeks left to go before the race!  

“From the bottom of my heart, from little 12-year-old Rachel who had her world turned upside down by my dad’s pancreatic cancer diagnosis—I have so much gratitude for everyone who supports the Lustgarten Foundation through donating, participating in events, volunteering, and spreading awareness, and I know my dad would have greatly appreciated the support too. To everyone in the Lustgarten community, thank you for changing lives.” 

Learn more about Rachel’s participation in the United Airlines New York City Half Marathon.