Where the Money Goes

Funds raised by the Friends goes directly to support experimental work by creative young investigators, allowing them to start the kind of research projects that can yield new knowledge and new therapies.  Friends also provide crucial funding for technologically-advanced equipment, patient services programs and educational outreach efforts.

Dollars raised through the Friends support programs like these:

Named Initiatives

Application of funds through Prouty Named Initiatives is determined by the Cancer Research Committee and the Executive Committee of Norris Cotton Cancer Center:

  • Friends Scholars. In 2007, two Friends Scholars received funding to support their cancer research investigations: Dr. Mary Jo Turk in immunology, and Dr. Scott Gerber in proteomics.

  • Prouty Pilot Projects. Pilot Projects are awarded to researchers who wish to pursue an innovative, ground-breaking idea, but need the seed money to do so.

  • Friends Distinguished Lectureship. The lecture brings an outstanding scientist to Dartmouth to enrich dialogue in the basic cancer sciences.

  • Friends Research Fund. Awarded to two top investigators at Norris Cotton Cancer Center, one focused on breast cancer mechanisms and the other on skin cancer incidence in New Hampshire. In both cases, the scientist applied for funds to keep laboratory staff on board, and data development active, while new grant funding is sought from the National Cancer Institute. Both scientists have achieved outstanding scores on their applications for new funding, and those grants are expected to start in the fall. Thanks to the Friends, both of these labs can remain active over the summer and continue to accumulate scientific data.

Research

Research funding is allocated through a process of peer-review by the Cancer Research Committee and is applied to support innovative research projects in these areas of focus:

  • Research in cancer prevention to find ways to stop cancer before it starts. Examples: HPV vaccine, tobacco cessation, chemoprevention, screening and early detection.

  • Research in the basic sciences to understand cancer at the molecular and genetic level and apply those findings to create better cancer care. Examples: improved treatment approaches, new treatment technologies, and advances toward effective cancer vaccines and new strategies for better detection.

  • Clinical trials to produce more effective treatments, always seeking the highest impact with the lowest possible side effects.

  • Advanced research technologies to support leading-edge studies in genomics, proteomics, bioinformatics, nanotechnology, and the like.

Nursing

These funds are administered by a committee of oncology nurses.

  • Nursing education to help nurses who care for cancer patients maintain their specialized training on new methods and technologies.

Patient Support

Funding from the Friends for patient supportive services is allocated through the Executive Committee and implemented by the Patient Services Coordinator.

  • The Haelan Program of supportive services for patient services includes massage, reiki, and relaxation techniques offered to patients, and information on cancer provided through three patient/family libraries.

  • The Friends Cancer Shop, now being planned for 2008, will sell wigs, prostheses, and other supplies that are helpful to cancer patients in a private and convenient location. Money from Friends events will fund the construction and start-up of the Shop.