HEADstrong’s 1st Quarter Disbursements

HEADstrong’s 1st Quarter Disbursements $50K Donation to Research and Supports 39 Families

Holmes, PA – The HEADstrong Foundation™ is committed to providing resources and assistance to those affected by blood cancer and those working towards eliminating the disease. On Monday April 8th the organization proudly announced a donation of $50,000 to the Nicholas E. Colleluori Lymphoma Research Fund at the Abramson Cancer Center at the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania. Additionally, the organization reported their first quarter disbursements which assisted over 39 families throughout the country with direct financial assistance.

The Nicholas E. Colleluori Lymphoma Research Fund provides financial support to lymphoma research at the Abramson Cancer Center performed by the Director of the Lymphoma Program, Stephen J. Schuster, M.D.. The Nicholas E. Colleluori Lymphoma Research Fund plays a integral role in helping Dr. Schuster and his team continue their search for a cure for lymphoma by providing funding necessary to investigate new avenues of treatment for lymphoma patients, including immunotherapy, the cutting-edge avenue to cancer care. Dr. Schuster’s research includes harnessing a patient’s own immune system to fight their disease, which will lead to more effective treatment while being less toxic for the patient.

Most notably under the Nicholas E. Colleluori Lymphoma Research Fund is the groundbreaking advancements of Carl H. June, M.D., Director of the Translational Research Program and the Dream Cart 19 Team at the Abramson Cancer Center. The team was recently presented with the HEADstrong Achievement Award at the 3rd Annual Lime Light Gala.

Dr. June along with David Porter, M.D., Bruce Levine, Ph.D., Michael Kalos, Ph.D. and Adam Bagg, M.D. were honored for their groundbreaking advancements in gene therapy aimed at treating HIV and cancer, specifically chronic lymphocytic leukemia and acute lymphoblastic leukemia.

Having personally experienced the hardships of blood cancer the Colleluori family knows all too well the financial implications and strain that the disease can have. The HEADstrong Foundation prides itself on their ability to be a direct financial resource to families. In 2012, the organization expanded their giving range and most recently received an endorsement from the American Cancer Society which has increased the demand for financial assistance. Thus far in 2013, the organization has disbursed over $50,000 in direct financial assistance.

“On behalf of the HEADstrong Foundation and our Founder Nicholas “HEAD” Colleluori we are pleased to announce our first quarter disbursements. We are striving to make a significant improvement in the lives of those affected by the disease throughout the country. The research being conducted at Abramson Cancer Center is transforming the way physicians are looking at treating blood cancers and we are fortunate to be working alongside of these physicians and researchers who are dedicated to finding a cure. Understanding all too well the financial toll that cancer can have on a family we are proud to be a resource to those in need. Financial assistance and innovative research are just two of the ways HEADstrong Foundation is changing the game for those affected by the disease. The demand for our services has never been greater and we cannot do this without the generosity of our supporters.” – Cheryl Colleluori, HEADstrong President and Nick’s Mom

Learn more about the HEADstrong at www.HEADstrongfoundation.org

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