The Doris A. Howell Foundation for Women’s Health Research to Support Komen’s Metastatic Breast Cancer Conference this Month

• Scientists to present emerging research in Metastatic Breast Cancer 
• Howell Foundation to be a part of the panel of judges for research proposals at the event  

The Doris A. Howell Foundation will be participating in the Komen Foundation’s conference ‘Concept to Cure: The Process from Research to Market and Living with Metastatic Breast Cancer’. The event will focus on the latest advances in metastatic breast cancer treatments, clinical trials, patient support and national issues for metastatic/stage IV breast cancer (MBC). The conference will host approximately 150 participants – including patients, families, supporters and the medical community, according to the organization’s information.

As a part of the program, one of the break-out sessions will include ‘research pitches’ to a panel of judges from scientists regarding their latest work in metastatic breast cancer for a chance to win a $1,000 award provided by the Howell Foundation.  Dr. Carole Banka, Ph.D., who has published research on breast cancer metastasis and has served on the Howell Foundation Board for over 12 years, will be the Foundation’s representative on the panel.

“It speaks volumes when the Susan G. Komen Foundation invites you to participate in a community event such as the Metastatic Breast Cancer Conference,” comments Kathleen Franklin, immediate past Co-Chair of the Howell Foundation and breast cancer survivor.   “As part of the Howell Foundation’s guiding principle, the Howell Foundation supports research efforts that benefit the community; especially when statistics from the Komen Foundation show that in San Diego County, one in six women are diagnosed with breast cancer per day, with one woman losing the battle to this devastating disease every day. We’ve been entrusted to provide our vision and experience in advancing women’s health through research, an item that clearly aligns with the Howell Foundation’s mission to advance women’s health. What an honor!”

It is not the first time that the Howell Foundation has directly supported women’s health research in the community.  Just last year, the organization held an outreach event that invited women to join ‘The WISDOM Study’; the largest clinical trial conducting research according to personalized standards of screening technologies for breast cancer.  The organization's participation in the Metastatic Breast Cancer Conference not only continues to bring the latest advances of breast cancer research in our community, but aligns with its mission to 'keep the women we love healthy'.

“What is very exciting to us at the Howell Foundation is the possibility of having these talented scientists use the research results and continue to bigger research projects that benefit women in the community”, comments Carolyn Northrup, Chair of the organization’s Communications Committee. “Our participation in the Susan G. Komen Foundation’s Metastatic Breast Cancer Conference is just an example of our efforts to advance women’s health. After all, this IS what the Doris A. Howell Foundation for Women’s Health Research is all about!” she concluded.

The event will take place March 5th 2019, from 7:30 AM to 1:30 PM at the Hilton San Diego Bayfront. For more information about the event, visit the Komen Foundation website at http://www.komensandiego.org

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About the Doris A. Howell Foundation: Since 1995, The Doris A. Howell Foundation for Women’s Health Research has been dedicated to making a long-term, positive impact on women’s health.  It is THE premier organization advancing women’s health research. The organization does so by funding undergraduate and postgraduate research scholarships and grants to scientists researching issues affecting women’s health; providing a forum for medical experts, scientists, doctors, and researchers to convey timely information on topics relevant to women’s health and the health of their families through our outreach events, funding and supporting research initiatives that improve the health of under-served women and increase awareness and advocacy in the community.

About the Susan G. Komen Foundation: Since early 1995, Susan G. Komen® San Diego has grown into the trusted organization in San Diego County providing breast cancer services from screening through treatment. Our mission is to save lives by meeting the most critical needs in our communities and investing in breakthrough research to prevent and cure breast cancer. Our bold goal is to cut the current number of breast cancer deaths in the U.S. in half by 2026. Seventy-five percent of the over $19 million raised to date has been invested here in San Diego County to provide services and support including free mammograms, diagnostic services, patient navigation, care-coordination, meal assistance, education and temporary financial assistance. The remaining twenty-five percent has funded international breast cancer research. Next to the U.S. government, Susan G. Komen is the largest non-profit funder of breast cancer research in the world.