CRI’s Wear White Luncheon Raises Over $30,000

By Rebecca Jensen

The Cancer Research Institute held its fourth annual Wear White Luncheon, hosted by Mary Jo Bramson and Pamela Bringsjord on Thursday June 22, 2023, at Sleepy Hollow Country Club in Briarcliff Manor, New York.

Despite the rain, over 44 attendees gathered in the historic Gold Room to enjoy an afternoon of informative discussion on the future of immunotherapy and the advances that are changing the cancer landscape.

Guests were asked to wear white to symbolize all the colors of the cancer ribbons combined and help demonstrate the power of immunotherapy to one day cure all cancers for good. The event raised a total of $30,415.

In between courses, guests heard from various speakers including co-host Mary Jo, CEO and Director of Scientific Affairs Jill O’Donnell -Tormey, PhD, and Director of Major Gifts Deanne Marbach.

CRI Immuno-Advocate, Adrienne Skinner shared her powerful story and cancer journey. Adrienne learned she had Lynch syndrome, an inherited genetic mutation that significantly increased her risk for several types of cancer. Eight years later, she was diagnosed with metastatic ampullary cancer. She underwent 13 months of chemotherapy, which did not work. When genetic testing of Adrienne’s tumor showed it was microsatellite instability-high (MSI-H), her oncologist recommended she enroll in a clinical trial for pembrolizumab (Keytruda®).

Determined to participate, Adrienne travelled from Baltimore to New York, every two weeks to receive treatment. Just over two months later, the cancer was gone and to this day, she remains free of metastatic ampullary cancer.

The event concluded with Dr. Amanda Lund, associate professor, NYU Langone Health taking questions from the audience in a Q & A, moderated by Dr. Arthur Brodsky, Associate Director of Scientific Content for CRI.

As an inaugural CRI Lloyd J. Old STAR, Dr. Lund helped the attendees gain a better understanding of her research and use of immunotherapy. Her research aims to develop a better understanding of how the lymphatic vessels influence immune responses against tumors as well as strategies that can exploit those insights to improve immunotherapy’s effectiveness.

Much appreciation goes to our co-hosts Mary Jo Bramson and Pamela Bringsjord, and all who attended for their support and dedication to a world immune to cancer.