Bonnie J. Addario Lung Cancer Foundation Simply the Best 6th Annual Dinner Gala

"Just Call Me HERO (Hiro)" Honoree Press Release

SAN FRANCISCO, Nov. 11, 2011 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The Bonnie J. Addario Lung Cancer Foundation (BJALCF) hosted its 6th annual Simply the Best Dinner Gala on November 5th at the Westin St. Francis Hotel in San Francisco. Showcasing BJALCF's work on behalf of Lung Cancer patients worldwide (WATCH THE VIDEO at http://vimeo.com/31583600), the gala toasted the contributions of extraordinary participation in the fight to end Lung Cancer and raised $700,000 for Lung Cancer Research.

(Photo:  http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20111111/DC05024)

(Logo:  http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20110630/DC28681LOGO-b)

Highlights of the evening included the Dr. David Jablons "Asclepios Award" honoring a pioneer in research whose dedication to healing exemplifies the spirit of Asclepios–Greek God of Medicine and healing,  accepted by Hiroyuki Mano, MD, PhD, from the Jichi Medical University in Japan.

"Just call me 'HERO'," said Dr. Mano, to an audience of over 400, "I am honored and I promise to find other biomarkers to make a difference in Lung Cancer." Dr. Mano brought HOPE and PROGRESS to a riveted audience of hope-filled families with an acceptance speech that ended in a standing ovation. Dr. Mano was awarded by BJALCF for identifying the transformative EML4-ALK fusion gene for non-small-cell Lung Cancer (NSCLC). Dr. Mano explained the thrill and insider-revelation he felt identifying what has literally revolutionized the standard of care for Lung Cancer patients. "I saw what the drug Gleevac was doing and I thought…these individuals were distinct from those harboring mutations in the epidermal growth factor receptor gene (EGFR). Our data demonstrated that a subset of NSCLC patients may express a transforming fusion kinase that is a promising candidate for a therapeutic target as well as for a diagnostic molecular marker in NSCLC." An identified biomarker matched with an existing drug called Crizotinib/XALKORI equals SURVIVAL of Lung Cancer with quality of life!!!

Dr. Mano was awarded by BJALCF founder David Jablons, MD, because clinical outcomes...a.k.a. BREAKTHROUGHS such as Mano's discovery are events that truly take down Lung Cancer and all cancers, for that matter.

Other awardees included Vincent Miller, MD, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, now at Foundation Medicine, recipient of the Dr. Thierry Jahan "A Breath Away from the Cure" award honoring individuals for excellence in oncology. Wells Whitney, a BJALCF founder and 14-year Lung Cancer Survivor received the Dr. Fred Marcus "Simply the Best Award" for outstanding performance in the fight to end Lung Cancer.  Annie Barry, from Maryland, received the Caregiver Award for raising national awareness and almost $100,000 in honor of her father.

The most important messages resonating and resounding throughout the evening were that "ANYONE CAN GET LUNG CANCER" and "SURVIVING LUNG CANCER IS IMPERATIVE." These are things the world needs to embrace. Lung Cancer is not just a smoker's disease. It needs our attention and care. It is the Number One Cancer Killer. Anyone can get it. Nobody deserves it. Everyone deserves to survive.

Click here to view photographs from Simply the Best VI. http://jameshallphotography.zenfolio.com/2011-bjalcf-gala

About the Bonnie J. Addario Lung Cancer Foundation (BJALCF)

BJALCF is one of the largest philanthropies (patient-founded, patient-focused, patient-driven) and recognized force devoted exclusively to eradicating Lung Cancer through research, early detection, education, and treatment. The Foundation works with a diverse group of physicians, organizations, industry partners, individuals, survivors, and their families to identify solutions and make timely and meaningful change. BJALCF was established in 2006 as a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization and has raised over six million dollars for Lung Cancer research. Contact: Sheila Von Driska, Executive Director, [email protected] /415.357.1278/ www.lungcancerfoundation.org

Upcoming BJALCF Events

Please join us on November 12th by day in Orange County at El Toro Great Field Park for BJALCF's YOUR NEXT STEP IS THE CURE™ walk/run and by night: MASQUERADE: UNMASKING THE FACE OF LUNG CANCER at the London Hotel West Hollywood.

Phoenix in December? Join us for the "save the best for last" 5k walk/run of the 2011 series. Sign up today!

SOURCE Bonnie J. Addario Lung Cancer Foundation