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- Posted Tuesday April 15, 2014
TGen honors Catherine Ivy and Craig Jackson with 'Leadership' and 'Collaborative Spirit' awards
Arizona philanthropists support TGen's cancer research and pursuit of precision medicine
PHOENIX, Ariz. - April 15, 2014 - The Translational
Genomics Research Institute (TGen) recently honored two
significant Arizona philanthropists at its annual Founders Dinner
for their support of TGen's research into brain, colon and prostate
cancer. The event took place March 28 in Scottsdale.
Catherine Ivy, Founder and President of The Ben & Catherine
Ivy Foundation, received TGen's John S. McCain Leadership Award,
named for U.S. Sen. John McCain of Arizona and annually presented
for leadership and dedication that have made a significant impact
in the fight against disease and helping patients worldwide.
Catherine Ivy (photo at left) receives TGen's John S. McCain Leadership Award from Dr. Jeffrey Trent, TGen President and Research Director. Craig Jackson (center in photo at right) receives TGen's Collaborative Spirit Award from Dr. John Carpten (left), TGen Deputy Director of Basic Science, and Bennett Dorrance (right), Chairman of the TGen Foundation.
Ivy established her foundation in memory of her late husband Ben,
who succumbed to glioblastoma. She has contributed tens of millions
of dollars to TGen and other institutions, and has been
instrumental in finding ways to bring major institutional
collaborators together to fight this devastating brain
cancer.
"I have had the opportunity to observe research institutions
across the nation and around the globe, and TGen stands out because
of its unique insights into the human genome and its impact on
human health," Ivy said. "The greatest thing I get from TGen is
hope, because they are actively and successfully pursuing answers
for patients."
Dr. Jeffrey Trent, TGen President and Research Director, said,
"Catherine Ivy's laser focus toward making a difference for
patients with glioblastoma has been a call to arms for TGen to come
along side her and work jointly across numerous projects over the
past several years."
Sen. McCain called Ivy "a truly great American" and praised the
"outstanding work" of the Ivy Foundation: "The effort she has made
through her Foundation and with Dr. Trent and TGen has been quite
remarkable," he said.
Jackson receives TGen's Collaborative Spirit
Award
Craig Jackson, Chairman and CEO of the Barrett-Jackson Auction
Company, received TGen's Collaborative Spirit Award, annually
presented to an individual or organization whose collaborative
spirit has helped to foster lasting relationships and partnerships
in the fight against diseases that plague humanity.
The Barrett-Jackson Cancer Research Fund at TGen, established in
2010, is a salute to Jackson's father, Russ, and brother, Brian,
whose lives were cut short by colon cancer. Craig Jackson has
raised nearly $1.5 million for TGen through the auction of classic
autos at his annual Barrett-Jackson Collector Car Auctions in
Scottsdale, Reno/Tahoe, Las Vegas, and Palm Beach, Fla.
"The success of our Cancer Research Fund is possible because of
the great customers and supporters who participate in our
auctions," Jackson said. "A lot of people do it because they knew
my father and my brother, but a lot of people have had cancer touch
them and see the wisdom in what we're attempting to achieve."
Jackson already has raised $380,000 this year, and expects to
raise more.
TGen Foundation President Michael Bassoff congratulated Ivy and
Jackson for their extraordinary commitment to TGen's cancer
research and their compassion for patients.
"Catherine and Craig represent the very best of Arizona in their
unrelenting concern for the pressing needs of patients who need our
help today," Bassoff said. "Their organizational and financial
contributions already are making a difference in the lives of
patients and their families, bringing hope to many who have had
none."
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About TGen
Translational Genomics Research Institute (TGen) is a Phoenix,
Arizona-based non-profit organization dedicated to conducting
groundbreaking research with life changing results. TGen is focused
on helping patients with cancer, neurological disorders and
diabetes, through cutting edge translational research (the process
of rapidly moving research towards patient benefit). TGen
physicians and scientists work to unravel the genetic components of
both common and rare complex diseases in adults and children.
Working with collaborators in the scientific and medical
communities literally worldwide, TGen makes a substantial
contribution to help our patients through efficiency and
effectiveness of the translational process. For more information,
visit:www.tgen.org.
Press Contact:
Steve Yozwiak
TGen Senior Science Writer
602-343-8704
[email protected]