The Christina Renna Foundation presented $35,000 to Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory (CSHL) at its 9th annual Angel’s Wish Gala held on January 16, 2016. These funds will be used to support the Sarcoma Research Project that is looking into a rare and often fatal cancer, Rhabdomyosarcoma (RMS).
CSHL Associate Professor Christopher Vakoc, M.D., Ph.D., is leading the research. Accepting the donation on behalf of the Laboratory, Dr. Vakoc said: “For the past year, my laboratory has made a major effort to study and understand rhabdomyosarcoma using a new screening technique called CRISPR, with the objective of identifying next-generation drug targets. It is truly an honor to be the scientist who is carrying out this research, due in large part to funding from the Christina Renna Foundation.”
CSHL and Dr. Vakoc are collaborating with Dr. Charles Keller, Scientific Director at Children’s Cancer Therapy Development Institute. Dr. Keller is one of the world leaders in RMS research.
“During treatment of our daughter, Christina, and through her passing, we felt helpless,” said Philip Renna, Director of the Christina Renna Foundation and Director of Operations in Public Affairs at CSHL. “By funding this exciting research we have new-found hope that someday soon there will be a better understanding of what drives this cancer and ultimately a cure.”
For more about the CSHL Sarcoma Research Project, visit www.cshl.edu/giving/disease-funding-initiatives/rhabdomyosarcoma/
Written by: Communications Department | publicaffairs@cshl.edu | 516-367-8455
About The Christina Renna Foundation
The Christina Renna Foundation is a 501(c)(3) public charity supporting children’s cancer research and furthering awareness and education through the support of cancer groups and outreach programs for the direct support of those in need. For more information, please visit: www.crf4acure.org