Over the past several years I have participated in an annual fundraiser for Ovarian Cancer. September is my birthday month, and this year I am raising funds and awareness for Li-Fraumeni Syndrome.
This cause has been near and dear to my heart for many years as I have 2 “sisters from another mother” afflicted with this inherited genetic condition. LFS greatly increases a person’s risk of developing multiple types of cancer. Among them are soft-tissue sarcomas, osteosarcoma (bone cancer), breast cancer, brain tumors, leukemia, prostate, ovarian, pancreatic and adrenal gland cancers. Ovarian Cancer is emerging in LFS female patients.
I had the honor of meeting Professor Arnie Levine, one of the pioneering scientists and co-founder of the TP53 gene associated with LFS. He has dedicated his career to understanding its role in cancer. Since 2018 Prof. Levine has dedicated much of his work to supporting LFS research and sits on their Scientific board. So, when you are supporting LFS research the silver lining is that you are supporting almost all cancers.
Professor Levine helped me through my own journey with ovarian cancer and has left a lasting impression on me through his genuine compassion, extraordinary intellect, and unwavering dedication to improving the lives of patients and families affected by LFS and cancer at large.
While I am not affected by LFS myself, people I love are. I have come to understand that although our diseases may be different, we share many of the same challenges, fears, and hopes.
Please consider donating to the Li-Fraumeni Syndrome Association in honor of my birthday.
Thanks so very much.
Jean Baldwin
