Good News at Fred Hutch
Dr. Oliver Press receives inaugural Research Visionary Champion Award from Washington/Alaska chapter of the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society
On May 2, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center's Dr. Oliver Press received the inaugural Research Visionary Champion Award from the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society’s Washington/Alaska chapter at its second annual Champions of Hope Gala.
“We felt like Dr. Press was the first person we wanted to honor” with this award, said Anne Gillingham, executive director of the local chapter. She cited his research leadership, excellent patient care, and mentorship of early-career investigators as key reasons for his selection by the award committee.
“He is really dialed in with cutting-edge research and able to work with patients in the moment they’re sick,” she said. “We also chose him because he’s mentored so many great young researchers, and we see that as incredibly valuable also.”
Press is the acting senior vice president and interim director of Fred Hutch’s Clinical Research Division and a professor of medicine and adjunct professor of bioengineering at the University of Washington. He is an internationally recognized expert in the field of immunotherapy, particularly targeted antibody therapy, and he investigates novel treatments for lymphoma, leukemia and myeloma.
A statement from one of Press’s patients, Lynette Johnson, was read during the award presentation. Johnson wrote, in part, “There is comfort in seeing an oncologist with a warm laugh combined with straightforward honesty, obvious dedication and a brilliant mind. I sometimes prefer to face cancer treatment in costumes or masks, but with my doctor I want reality. Dr. Press combines a gentle nature with a strong presence, giving me hope without masking the truth.”
Press also gave the gala's keynote address, in which he highlighted the advances in blood cancer in the past decade, the challenges of research in the current funding environment and the importance of private support through the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society for advancing new discoveries against these diseases.
Space Needle, in partnership with Fred Hutch, opens registration for first public stair climb in the landmark's history
The Space Needle announced yesterday that it will partner with Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center to host Base 2 Space: Seattle’s Most Iconic Climb. The first-ever public opportunity to climb the Space Needle’s stairs all the way to the Observation Deck will take place on Saturday, Oct. 3.
All donations raised from the event will benefit Fred Hutch. Proceeds from the registration fees will go to the Space Needle Foundation.
At the launch event Fred Hutch President and Director Dr. Gary Gilliland commented, “We’re honored to partner with the Space Needle for this fun and historic event. It’s a great opportunity for people from all walks of life to celebrate our city and to support innovative approaches to developing cures for cancer.”
“Fred Hutch exemplifies much of what we love about Seattle: our ability to use science, technology and innovation to keep our community engaged and involved in the world around us,” said Space Needle President and CEO Ron Sevart. “We hope Base 2 Space becomes an annual, city-wide celebration through which we continue teaming up with local organizations that are changing the world.”
Base 2 Space is open to the first 3,000 runners and walkers over the age of 14.
Registration opens online today at www.Base2SpaceSeattle.com To sign up, each participant will pay a $100 registration fee and then raise a minimum of $250 in donations. For more information, email base2space@spaceneedle.com.
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