GW Hosts Successful Cancer Gala

From left to right Dr. Elmer E. Huerta, Michael Milken, Dr. John F. Williams, Dr. Harold P. Freeman and Carolyn R. Bennett

Tuxedoes, black ties and gowns filled the majestic Andrew Mellon Auditorium on April 8 for the Second Annual GW Cancer Institute Gala. More than 300 people turned out to celebrate the accomplishments from another year of hard work in fighting cancer in the nation's capital and to raise funds for future efforts.

"It is our mandate to better understand why certain cancers disproportionately affect the citizens of the District of Columbia ," said GW Provost and Vice President for Health Affairs Dr. John F. Williams in his opening remarks as people .

"Hosting these awards gives us a unique opportunity to honor those who have made a difference in the Cancer community," said Dr. Steven Patierno, executive director of the Cancer Institute.

The Distinguished Public Service Award went to Columbia University's Dr. Harold Freeman for his tireless focus on underserved communities; Prevencion Inc.'s Dr. Elmer Huerta received the Cancer Compassion Award for his strong advocacy on cancer prevention and treatment, especially in the Latino community; The Cancer Advocacy Achievement Award went to Cancer Research and Prevention Foundation President Carolyn "Bo" Aldige for her work on research, education and advocacy; and the Celebration of Life award was presented to philanthropist Michael Milken, himself a prostate cancer survivor whose Milken Family Foundation has been a lifeline for numerous efforts in the lab, in clinics and in communities to fight cancer.

Dr. Steven Patierno, Michael Milken and Dr. John F. Williams

Michael Milken spoke for all the honorees when he told of his hope that, instead of a fatal disease, cancer may soon become a chronic disease whose symptoms can be treated indefinitely.

"I am extremely optimistic that our generation will be defined as the generation that defeated cancer as a fatal disease," he said.