2022 Fishman Fund Awards honor postdoctoral researchers

The Fishman Fund Awards were presented at the Sanford Consortium, marking the first in-person awards presentation for the scholarships since 2019. The Fishman Fund honors the legacy of the Institute’s founders, Dr. William and Mrs. Lillian Fishman, and its purpose is to support the next generation of scientific leaders.

“These awards are important to our community and to the future of science,” said President and CEO David Brenner, M.D., during his comments at the ceremony. “The Fishmans understood that supporting our young scientists is a critical investment in the future of research, and that postdocs are the lifeblood of a scientific enterprise and crucial to the process of discovery.”

Congratulations to all the winners!

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Research unlocks the circuitry of diabetes

Research led by Pamela Itkin-Ansari, Ph.D., and Randal Kaufman Ph.D., has mapped out a network of biochemical interactions that help special cells in the pancreas called islet cells create insulin. The study, recently published in the journal JCEM, sheds light on the origins of diabetes and reveals new targets for future treatments.

“100 years ago, diabetes was untreatable,” says Itkin-Ansari, an adjunct associate professor at Sanford Burnham Prebys and co-senior author of the study, “Since then, we’ve learned a lot about the effects of diabetes on the body, but there’s so much we don’t know about what actually goes wrong to cause it. These findings open up a new world of potential targets to treat and possibly even cure diabetes."

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How community collaboration shapes leukemia research at Sanford Burnham Prebys

It all started with their son Luke. He had a very rare subtype of acute myeloid leukemia, one of the most difficult-to-treat cancers, and, sadly, he passed away from the disease in 2016. This inspired Todd and Rena Johnson to become involved with fundraising and advocacy for cancer research.

Today, the Johnsons, founders of the Luke Tatsu Johnson Foundation, help fund the research of Associate Professor Ani Deshpande, Ph.D.

“We couldn’t do what we do without the Johnsons’ support,” says Deshpande. “We are so grateful to have them in our corner, and we’re confident that our work will help improve outcomes for kids like Luke down the line.”

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Brain cancer researcher Jia Zack Shen wins 2022 Eric Dudl scholarship

In 2005, Eric Dudl, Ph.D., had just begun his postdoctoral research at Sanford Burnham Prebys, where he was known as kind, helpful and a fast learner. Then, at age 32, he was diagnosed with non-small cell lung cancer which soon took his life.

Eric cherished our Institute so dearly that he left his life's savings to help other postdocs continue the work he loved.

In 2007, Eric's parents established the annual Dudl Scholarship to support young cancer researchers like their son.

Jia Zack Shen, Ph.D. will carry on for Eric, studying glioblastoma, one of the most devastating brain cancers.

“I am working hard to leverage the immune system to fight glioblastoma and save thousands of lives,” says Shen.

Congratulations to Jia Zack Shen!

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Benefit concert for cancer research in San Diego

Curebound is thrilled to present this spectacular collaboration between 15-time GRAMMY Award winner Alicia Keys and the San Diego Symphony Orchestra. Join us on Friday, November 4th for an unforgettable night of music, inspiration and hope as we raise awareness and funds for critical cancer research in San Diego.

Not only is Ms. Keys a global superstar, New York Times best-selling author, successful entrepreneur and business leader, she is also an advocate for cancer research and a powerful force for good in the world. Curebound is thrilled to welcome this once-in-a generation artist to The Rady Shell stage in a celebration of life-saving cancer cures. Funds raised from the concert will benefit Curebound’s mission to award first-in-class collaborative research grants to San Diego’s top institutions--including Sanford Burnham Prebys.

Sanford Burnham Prebys families, friends and staff can SAVE 20% with the special promo code CUREBOUND.

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Why do I need a will?

Everyone should have an estate plan to support their future and protect the people, things and causes they love. A legal will is the best way to:

• Protect the people, pets and communities you love
• Save your family stress and complications by giving instructions on how to handle your estate
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FreeWill is a free, quick and intuitive online tool that guides you through the process of creating your legal will. For more complex estates, FreeWill can be used to document your wishes before seeing an attorney.

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