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- Posted Wednesday September 25, 2013
Anne Rita Monahan Foundation awards three scholarships at 5th annual 'Tea for Teal'
TGen's Pilar Ramos earns ARM Foundation scholarship for 2nd year
PHOENIX, Ariz. - Sept. 25, 2013 - The Anne Rita Monahan (ARM) Foundation will award three scholarships to Arizona university science students at its 5th annual Tea for Teal, an annual fundraising event supporting ovarian cancer research at the Translational Genomics Research Institute (TGen).
Pilar Ramos, Paul Akhenblit and Diana Paola Alarcon Esteban -
all specializing in cancer research - will be honored at the
traditional high English tea from 2-5 p.m. Sept. 28 at Scottsdale's
DoubleTree Resort by Hilton, 5401 N. Scottsdale Road.
Ramos joined TGen's Breast and Ovarian Cancer Research Unit as a
Research Associate in May of 2007. She is fourth year doctoral
student in the Molecular and Cellular Biology graduate program at
Arizona State University (ASU). Her research is focused on
identifying the molecular basis of small cell carcinoma of the
ovary (SCCO), a very aggressive type of ovarian cancer that affects
adolescent girls and young women, with the goal of developing
effective treatment strategies for these patients. There is an
urgent need to investigate this type of cancer, as currently there
are few therapeutic options for these patients, whose typical life
expectancy is 1-2 years after diagnosis.
"I would like to express my sincere gratitude to the ARM
Foundation for selecting me again as a one of the recipients of the
ARM Foundation Scholarship. This award will help me tremendously in
continuing to pursue a career in ovarian cancer research," said
Ramos, a Research Associate II at TGen.
Ramos received her Associates Degree in Biotechnology from
Glendale Community College in 2005. She earned her Bachelor of
Science degree from ASU in 2007, majoring in Molecular Biosciences
and Biotechnology. While at ASU, she trained as an intern at TGen
with financial support through the ASU School of Life Sciences
Undergraduate Research (SOLUR) program.
"I had the pleasure of meeting Anne Rita Monahan on several
occasions," Ramos said. "I am humbled by the opportunity I have to
find better treatments for ovarian cancer patients like
Anne."
Paul Akhenblit is a graduate of Arizona State University. While at
ASU, he studied Biochemistry, where he gained experience studying
the secondary structure of proteins, molecular diagnostics and gene
mutations. After graduating in 2011, Akhenblit went on to apply his
interdisciplinary skillset in the Cancer Biology Graduate Program
at the University of Arizona Cancer Center. Today, he continues to
use his expertise to develop tools for predicting tumor
chemotherapeutic responsiveness through applying novel MRI methods
in junction with existing therapies.
As a student in the cell, genetics and developmental biology
program at Arizona State University, Diana Paola Alarcon Esteban
has excelled in her coursework and shown genuine enthusiasm for
studying the field of medicine. Throughout her time as a student,
Alarcon has demonstrated leadership skills in the class room and as
a volunteer at the Center for Thoracic Disease research laboratory
at St. Joseph's Hospital and Medical Center. Originally from Mexico
City, Alarcon has overcome many obstacles in being a first
generation student, a Latina studying in a field of STEM, and
working two jobs throughout her undergraduate career.
Esteban expects to graduate this spring, after which she plans on
applying to medical school in 2015 and do cancer research, focusing
on understanding the role of the LKB1 tumor suppressor and
gynecological cancers. What she loves the most about the fields of
medicine and research is that learning and knowledge are infinite
and never cease.
Guests at the tea will encounter a lively champagne reception and
have the opportunity to participate a silent auction, raffle, and
hat contest. The traditional English Tea will treat guests to an
assortment of finger sandwiches, fresh baked scones and petite
desserts.The ARM foundation also recognizes an ovarian cancer
crusader who has made contributions for cancer awareness and has
displayed determination and perseverance in their journey.
All proceeds from the Tea for Teal (the color representing the
fight against ovarian cancer) will benefit research led by TGen,
whose team of scientists seeks to develop reliable tests in three
areas of unmet needs:
• Screening for earlier detection, when ovarian cancer is most
curable.
• Rapid identification of patients whose disease is predicted to
resist standard-of-care therapy at the time of diagnosis so that
alternative interventions are considered early.
• Identifying new vulnerabilities in all drug-resistant forms of
ovarian cancer that can be exploited with targeted therapy.
Individual tickets for the tea are $70; a table for 8 is $500. To
register, please visit anneritamonahan.org.
# # #
About the Anne Rita Monahan Foundation
The Anne Rita Monahan (ARM) Foundation is dedicated to educating
and raising awareness of the signs and symptoms of ovarian cancer
so that early detection will increase and instances of misdiagnosis
will decrease. The Foundation also raises finances to help fund the
discovery of an effective, reliable screening tool that will help
detect this type of cancer early and give women the best
opportunity for full remission. The ARM Foundation marches towards
its mission to eradicate ovarian cancer through outreach and
educational programs to both the public and the medical community.
For more information on the Anne Rita Monahan Foundation please
visit: anneritamonahan.org.
Press Contact:
Rachel Brockway
ARM Foundation board member
602-561-1707
[email protected]
*
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]