What Impact do Howell Scholars Have in Women's Health Research? Does BRCA-1 Sound Familiar?

                           Image courtesy of dream designs at FreeDigitalPhotos.net                                      

It is no secret that the Howell Foundation's core mission is to fund scholarships for students to conduct their research in women's health.  In participation with reknown educational Institutions such as UCSD, USD and SDSU, the Howell Foundation surpassed the half - a - million dollar mark in donations, helping almost 200 students complete the required research to pursue a career in the medical and biomedical fields.

Many have asked about the impact these scholars have in women's health research. We received news from one of our past scholars last year.   His news was definitely encouraging and validated more than ever the need to keep on funding brilliant scholars in their research.

Most of us were elated with the news of the gene discovery that led Angelina Jolie to be mentioned probably in every media outlet in the world.  But how is the Howell Foundation related to Angelina Jolie?  Here is the rest of the story.  From 2013, Dr. Hemmati writes:  

"My name is Dan Hemmati.  I am a past award recipient from the University of California, San Diego.  I am writing to let you know of an interesting development in the news this week.

As you have probably seen by now, the actress Angelina Jolie recently decided to undergo a full mastectomy after testing positive for a mutation of the BRCA1 gene.  Mutations of this gene have been known to result in a much higher rate of breast cancer among women.

What you may not know is that your assistance helped fund the research that led to the discovery of the molecular mechanism of cancer from the mutated gene.  I have attached my publication from over a decade ago which also defined how the mutations can be identified.  

Your Foundation does amazing work and I would be happy to help if you have any questions. Thank you again for everything.

Dan Hemmati"

As with all of our scholars, we are very proud for all of their research accomplishments!

Read about Dr. Hemmati's paper here.

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About the Doris A. Howell Foundation:

The Doris A. Howell Foundation for Women’s Health Research is committed to keeping the women we love healthy, advancing women’s health through research and educating women to be catalysts for improving family health in the community.

The organization does so by funding scholarships to scientists researching issues affecting women’s health;   providing a forum for medical experts, scientists, doctors, researchers, and authors to convey the timely information on topics relevant to women’s health and the health. of their families through its Lecture and Evening Series, and by funding research initiatives that will create women’s health awareness and advocacy in the community.    

For more information about the Doris A. Howell Foundation, please visit www.howellfoundation.org.