Cold Spring Harbor, NY — On October 14th, The Friends of TJ Foundation presented a check for $50,000 to CSHL Associate Professor Chris Vakoc. Dr. Vakoc is heading the RMS research initiative at Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory. The Friends of TJ Foundation is one of a group of local funders dedicated to find better treatments and ultimately a cure for RMS and other sarcomas as part of CSHL’s Sarcoma Research Project.
Using cutting-edge molecular biology, Vakoc’s team will pinpoint genetic weaknesses within RMS cells. His strategy has already been successful in developing a new drug candidate for AML (acute myeloid leukemia), now in clinical trials. Vakoc was honored in June of 2015 with the 35th annual AACR Outstanding Achievement in Cancer Research Award. Vakoc is being recognized for his groundbreaking discoveries in the areas of epigenetics and cancer biology.
The Friends of T.J. Foundation was founded by T.J. Arcati and his friends in 2009 when TJ received his diagnosis. T.J. tragically lost his battle with RMS in 2013. The Friends of TJ Foundation continues to support increase sarcoma research, improve treatment, and aid in the goal of finding a cure. For more information, visit friendsoftj.org.
Written by: Communications Department | publicaffairs@cshl.edu | 516-367-8455