UW Cancer Vaccine Institute

As we close the chapter on 2024, the Cancer Vaccine Institute is proud to share a year-in-review that underscores a journey of progress and promise. Our very own CVI Director Dr. Mary (Nora) Disis was named "Inventor of the Year" by UW Medicine, NBC's TODAY Show visited the lab, and we launched our rebranded website. With our goal of having a vaccine FDA-approved within the next 5 to 8 years closer, the CVI remains steadfast in its commitment to making a meaningful difference in the lives of patients and their families. To our patients, donors, collaborators, and research team, thank you for being an integral part of our mission to ignite the immune system to end cancer. Your support fuels innovation, hope, and the future of cancer vaccines. Take a look at the CVI's 2024 Year In Review Newsletter: https://lnkd.in/g3_WGufR To keep up to date on our latest research and clinical trials, subscribe to our newsletter: https://lnkd.in/gUKUDYGR

Our very own Dr. Mary (Nora) Disis was the inaugural Wayne Kuni Award for Cancer Innovation by the Kuni Foundation. In honor of its founder, Wayne Kuni, the $1 million award recognizes transformative, disruptive contributions to the field of cancer research. With her work on cancer vaccines, Dr. Disis is defining the next frontier of immunology and cancer research, revolutionizing how cancer is treated and prevented. “[Dr. Disis'] commitment to innovation centers people and community, and we need that now more than ever,"?said Greg Goodwin, Chair of the Kuni Foundation Board of Directors, at the award ceremony. "The world needs more [people like Dr. Disis], and her approach and impact are what inspired us to make this $1 million award to her and the Cancer Vaccine Institute in Wayne’s honor.” Join the celebration via our latest blog post: https://lnkd.in/gsVHBDc9

I am so proud to work with Kiran Dhillon on Cancer Vaccine Coalition. She is a researcher at University of Washington Cancer Vaccine Institute. OK .... let's be honest, she is doing the more complicated work of finding safe, effective cancer vaccines to treat, eliminate and someday hopefully prevent cancer. I am the one shouting from the rooftops about this promising research and raising funds to support it and build a coalition of researchers. We have several trials ready to go to prove cancer vaccines work. What is standing in the way? Money. That's why we are trying to take advantage of a $2 million dollar match from the Brian and Sheila Jellison Family Foundation right now to help fund these trials. Please donate on https://lnkd.in/ejayZWat or reach out if you or someone you know wants to make a major gift. And if you watch one thing today, take a moment to learn more about Dr Dhillon and the work she is doing. She is not just a brilliant scientist but a survivor. She knows the stakes AND what we can do to change this disease for all of us. Cancer vaccines are coming. What would you give to get them sooner?

One of the most rewarding projects I began and launched in 2024 was a #MeetTheTeam series for the UW Cancer Vaccine Institute. This initiative has been a joy to create and a chance to highlight the human stories behind our cancer vaccines, immunotherapy research, and clinical trials. A heartfelt thank you to David, Jina, and Madeline for sharing your personal and professional journeys and being the debut pieces of "On The Cancer Research Frontier". A special shoutout to Kiran Dhillon for your support and enthusiasm, which helped bring this blog to life. ? Please check out our first 3 stories of #OnTheCancerResearchFrontier, with more to come in this new year! ? ?? “I’m always questioning my confidence as a scientist. We don't truly know everything, so there's always a sense of doubt that I think pushes me to make sure I'm doing the best I can.” Meet David Johnson, PhD, invent scholar and DJ-in-training: https://lnkd.in/gxpPm4G6 ? ?? “I learned I love working with people. Being able to have visits and help someone during sometimes their most difficult experiences and create a space for them, that’s always special.” Meet Jina Taub, nurse practitioner and world traveler: https://lnkd.in/gXQwPEa8 ? ?? “I want my research to matter. After seeing my mom go through chemotherapy, I want to see us make cancer vaccines a reality.” Meet Madeline Dennis, Ph.D., postdoctoral researcher and inspired daughter: https://lnkd.in/gFpFydgs

Enjoy this heartfelt video message of gratitude from Dr. Nora Disis and members of team of UW Cancer Vaccine Institute, one of our amazing cancer fighting beneficiaries.?? Your support of our mission is advancing groundbreaking cancer vaccine research and development—bringing hope, lifesaving treatments, and cures closer to reality. From all of us at ICFC, thank you for making this impact possible! Click here to view: tinyurl.com/CVIUWMedicine

Thank you to In Concert for Cancer board members, volunteers, and donors for your support of CVI. “This year’s milestone donation of $50,000 to CVI, made possible by the collective generosity of our In Concert for Cancer supporters, means the world to me. Supporting the lifesaving work of Dr. Mary (Nora) Disis and her team is a true honor, and this gift marks a deeply personal milestone in my commitment to making a meaningful impact in the fight against cancer,” said Michele Abrams, Founder/ Executive Director of In Concert for Cancer.

Congratulations to our friend Nora Disis, MD, head of UW Cancer Vaccine Institute who was named Health Care Leader of the Year by the Puget Sound Business Journal. We're honored to support the vital work of Dr. Disis and her amazing team as they define the next frontier of cancer treatment. #Leadership #CancerResearch #Innovation #WomeninStem #Cancer #CancerVaccine #WomensLeadership #SupportScience #FundResearch

Dr. Disis, associate dean at the University of Washington - School of Medicine and director of the UW Cancer Vaccine Institute, was this year’s recipient of the Puget Sound Business Journal's Lifetime Achievement Award. The sixth annual Health Care Leadership Awards honors exceptional leaders who have shaped the health care landscape in the Puget Sound area. It recognizes the innovative and influential thinkers whose leadership has provided solutions to some of Washington’s most challenging health issues and made a lasting impact on communities around the region. Dr. Disis's work paved the way for a groundbreaking approach to treating one of the nation’s leading causes of death.

?? Exciting News Update! The only thing better than giving a $50,000 gift is giving two! ?? This week, In Concert for Cancer reached an incredible milestone—donating $100,000 to support cancer patient families and ground breaking research. We are thrilled to share that Seattle Children's Hospital and UW Cancer Vaccine Institute at UW Medicine each received $50,000 to further their life-saving work. ? Seattle Children's Hospital: Supporting cancer patient families in need of critical resources. ? Cancer Vaccine Institute: Advancing groundbreaking cancer vaccine research and development. These gifts reflect the heart and soul of In Concert for Cancer's mission, made possible by our generous supporters, dedicated musicians, and the power of music to unite and inspire. A heartfelt thank you to all of you who helped make this beautiful gift possible. Together, we are touching hearts and changing lives for the better!