Making an Impact: Boosting the Immune System to Fight Ovarian Cancer | | Every year, the money raised from the Vince Lombardi Cancer Foundation’s events and other initiatives is awarded to programs making a difference in cancer research, treatment, and prevention. In November 2025, over $300,000 was granted to eight programs, and throughout 2026, this monthly Impact Update e-newsletter will showcase our awardees and their incredible work. | |
This month, we are proud to highlight a groundbreaking research project at Mayo Clinic titled "Boosting the Immune System to Fight Ovarian Cancer." With support from VLCF, this research team is exploring how an existing FDA-approved drug—originally developed for lung cancer—can be repurposed to help the immune system better detect and destroy ovarian tumors.
Ovarian cancer is one of the deadliest cancers among women, with a five-year survival rate of just 51%. The most common and aggressive form has a unique ability to “hide” from the immune system by producing proteins that act like a protective shield for the cancer cells, preventing the body from recognizing and attacking them. This makes it particularly difficult to treat, even with newer therapies like immunotherapy.
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In preclinical studies, this team of researchers discovered that a lung cancer drug could lower the levels of these “shielding” proteins in ovarian cancer cells, enabling immune cells to recognize and rapidly kill the cancer cells. Now, the team is building on that discovery, with the goal of identifying the most effective way to combine this drug with existing immunotherapies to create a powerful, targeted treatment approach.
The Vince Lombardi Cancer Foundation is providing the “seed funding” needed to produce the preliminary data that will allow this work to move forward to clinical trials – often called a high-risk, high-reward project. If successful, this research could introduce a completely new immunotherapy strategy for ovarian cancer.
Thanks to your partnership, the Vince Lombardi Cancer Foundation can support bold, innovative research like this, work that has the potential to transform how we treat cancer and improve outcomes for patients facing these devastating diagnoses.
| | Driving the Impact: Thank You to our Volunteers | | |
This National Volunteer Month, we’re proud to recognize the individuals who power the mission of the Vince Lombardi Cancer Foundation. Founded in 1971 by a dedicated group of volunteers, the organization has remained volunteer-driven from the very beginning. The time, skills, and resources shared by committed volunteers over the past 55 years has raised over $25 million to advance cancer research and improve care for patients.
We are grateful for the continued dedication of our volunteers – our Board of Directors, Medical Advisory Committee, event committee members, and the many individuals who give their time to support our work each year. Their commitment allows more funds to directly support families facing cancer and the research driving progress in the battle against the disease.
To all of our volunteers: thank you for being such an essential part of our team in our mission to prevent cancer, provide superior patient care, and find a cure.
| | Ways to Make an Impact: New 2026 Tax Rules! | | |
Since 1971, the Vince Lombardi Cancer Foundation has been committed to our mission, working to prevent cancer, provide superior patient care, and find a cure. Now, federal tax laws provide a tax benefit when you support the fight against cancer with a donation to VLCF.
2026 represents the largest restructuring of charitable giving incentives in nearly a decade. For the first time, nearly all taxpayers—whether they itemize or not—can receive a federal tax benefit for charitable giving, with tighter deduction mechanics that reward thoughtful planning for higher‑income donors.
What to know:
- Individuals who take the standard deduction may deduct up to $1,000 in addition to the standard deduction.
- Married couples filing jointly may deduct up to $2,000 in addition to the standard deduction.
- Applies to cash gifts made directly to nonprofits like the Vince Lombardi Cancer Foundation; donations to donor advised funds are not eligible.
- If you itemize, charitable deductions apply to gifts exceeding 0.5% of adjusted gross income (AGI) in 2026.
As Coach Vince Lombardi famously believed, greatness is achieved through commitment, discipline, and teamwork. Thank you for being part of our team.
The Vince Lombardi Cancer Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit. Please consult a tax advisor regarding your personal tax situation.
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Celebrate 55 years of impact at the Lombardi Golf Classic! Since its founding in 1971, the Vince Lombardi Cancer Foundation has been advancing critical cancer research and patient care. On June 5-6, we’re proud to mark this milestone anniversary with our premier two-day event, bringing together supporters and sports celebrities in the continued search for a cure.
Kick off the weekend with a practice round at Wisconsin Country Club and an evening Golf Gala at The Pfister Hotel, then hit the course alongside current and former sports celebrities for an unforgettable day of golf – all in support of a life-saving mission to prevent cancer, provide superior patient care, and find a cure.
Foursomes and sponsorships are limited. Secure your spot today.
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Vince Lombardi Birthday Celebration: June 11, 2026
Join us for a reception-style happy hour celebrating Vince Lombardi’s birthday from 5:00-7:00pm at Lombardi Brewing Company (2200 W Mt Vernon Ave, Milwaukee).
RSVP using the button below – we hope to see you there!
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Food & Wine Experience: November 6, 2026
Mark your calendars for the return of the tastiest night of the year! Relive highlights from our 2025 event on our website.
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Thank you to everyone who joined us on April 18 in Scottsdale! It was a day of beautiful weather and great golf, before concluding with an evening under the stars at the Kick Cancer’s TAILgate Bash.
Together, we raised over $185,000 in support of life-saving cancer research and treatment programs – it was truly a weekend to remember.
| | More Ways to Make an Impact | |
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IRA Distributions: If you are 73 or older, you can donate any or all of your IRA Required Minimum Distribution to the Vince Lombardi Cancer Foundation without paying income tax on the amount transferred.
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Donor-Advised Funds: Direct a grant to the Vince Lombardi Cancer Foundation through your Donor-Advised Fund.
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Bequests: You can help fund innovative cancer research for years to come by including the Vince Lombardi Cancer Foundation in your will or trust.
| | Join Lombardi's League with a recurring monthly donation and receive exclusive discounts to the 2026 Food & Wine Tasting Gala, and other benefits. | | | | | |
