Golfers Against Cancer Funds help in moving forward

Phase I Clinical Trial in Pancreatic Cancer Research

February 15, 2009

Dear Ms. Roberts:

I wanted to take a moment to thank the Golfers Against Cancer once again for their generous support of our research and update the group on the progress of our work in the last year.  As you may recall, this research involves a modified herpes virus that specifically targets tor cells with activated Ras, such as pancreatic cancer cells.  We are very excited about this line of research due to some convincing preliminary data from cell culture and animal work which we shared with you last.  The focus on the last fiscal year was to prepare to transfer this work into Phase I clinical trial for patients with pancreatic cancer.  We worked with Dr. Malcolm Brenner in the Center of Cell and Gene Therapy to create GMP grade virus, which is now available for use in preclinical testing.  With further input from the FDA staff, we have revised our study design for comprehensive toxicology studies that will be sufficient for filing an IND.  Unfortunatately, we did not have sufficient funding to complete all of the toxicology studies that the FDA is requiring.

In addition to the above efforts, we have taken the research one step further in the lab and begun to examine the ability of Fus-On-H2 to kill tunor stem cells, a sub-population of tumor cells that are usually resistant to treatment.  We have shown that the virus does attack these turmor stem cells, which is yet another reason why we are seeing such impressive results with this new strategy.

We remain focused on this very promising project and greatly appreciate the assistance we receive from the Golfers Against Cancer, which has been important in moving this work forward.  Attached is a more detailed, four-page report.  If you have any questions or would like to hear more about this work, please do not hesitate to call my office or Dr. Zhang's office.

Sincerely,
William E. Fisher, M.D.

 MDAnderson Cancer Center

SPORE Grant Renewal for Ovarian Cancer Research with help from

Golfers Against Cancer Funds

March 10, 2009

Dear Sally,

Just a brief note to thank you and the Golfers Against Cancer once again for your continued support of our ovarian cancer screening program.  This has really made a difference.  Clearly we are in a marathon and not a sprint, but we are making progress.

Your generosity will permit our work to progress even further.  Please know that we will never give up until we eliminate this terrible diease.

 As I mentioned at the luncheon, with competing priorities in Washington, your contribution is extremely important to our research endeavors and certainly will aid in the renewal of our SPORE grant.

 With my sincere thanks and highest regards.

Sincerely,
Robert C. Bast, Jr., M.D.
www.mdanderson.org

Golfers Against Cancer Contributions have

Profound Impact at Baylor College of Medicine

March 28, 2008

Dear Ms. Roberts:

     On behalf of Baylor College of Medicine, thank you for the recent gifts totaling $55,000 from Golfers Against Cancer to support programs under the direction of Carolyn Smith, M.D., and William Fisher, M.D., in the Department of Medicine.  I am sure that I speak for Dr. Smith and Dr. Fisher, when I tell you how grateful we are to have your support of our leadidng research initiatives.

     This generous gift and Golfers Against Cancer's previous contributions have had a profound impact on our institution by helping to make BCM a leader in research, education, and patient care.  We are honored to have your organization's loyal support as we face the challenges and opportunities that arise as our leading investigators dedicate their time and errorts to understanding, treating, and preventing cancer through therapies and studies.

     Once again thank you for Golfers Against Cancer's dedication and dsupport of Baylor College of Medicine.

Sincerely,
Peter G. Traber, M.D.

The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center

Continued Support from GAC is

Greatly Appreciated

March 20, 2009

Dear Mrs. Roberts,

Thank you so much for your gift to The University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center in support of mesothelioma and ovarian cancer research.  Your generosity encourages me to believe that you share our passion for finding the solutions to the problem of cancer.  Please rest assured that your trust is well placed.

Researchers and medical professionals at M.D. Anderson Cancer Center are working tirelessl to ensure the best cancer-fighting environment for patients.  Our research program is considered one of the world's most productive efforts aimed solely at cancer, and our scientists rapidly translate scientific knowledge gained in the laboratory into clinical care.  Moreover, in 2008, M.D. Anderson was named the nation's top hospital for cancer care--earining the No. 1 ranking in U.S. News & World Report's "America's Best Hospitals" survey for the fifth time in seven years.

As M.D. Anderson continues to make progress against cancer, the possibilities are vast and so is hope.  With your generous act, you have joined us i our quest for making the possible into a reality.  I thank you wholeheartedly for your support.

Sincerely,
Susan Nutt
Senior Associate Director of Development