Sanford Burnham Prebys Medical Discovery Institute’s (SBP) NCI-designated Cancer Center held an open house the evening of Thursday, June 9. The event was co-sponsored by the Center’s Community Advisory Board (CAB), a committee of twelve dedicated cancer research advocates.
“I got involved with SBP’s CAB because I’m a survivor,” said Helen Eckmann, Ed.D., who has gone through treatment for breast cancer three times. “Instead of sitting passively and waiting for others to take action, I wanted to do something. I wanted to put all that I have into helping find ways to bring relief and remission.”
Ruth Claire Black, JD, also a breast cancer survivor, echoed this drive to make a difference: “I feel that I have a responsibility to support research and young scientists. I don’t think we’ll find cures without advocacy.”
The open house fulfills a key part of the CAB’s mission—to enhance awareness of the cancer research being done at SBP and to create dialog between its scientists and the community. The event, which was free to the public, included laboratory tours and a reception where scientists were on hand to answer questions.
“We try to help the scientists at the Cancer Center communicate their research to laypeople,” Black explained. “We want to make sure that their interactions with the public at events like the open house are positive and meaningful.”
“Those who attended the open house surely found hope and comfort that so many smart, hard-working people are working towards better cancer treatments,” said Eckmann.
“This event also benefits the researchers,” Black added. “They get to see how much the community cares about their work, and hear personal stories from patients and their family members.”