The Li-Fraumeni Syndrome Association (LFSA) is honored to announce the establishment of the Katherine M. Howley Endowment Fund for Li-Fraumeni Syndrome Research. This generous gift will allow the LFSA to award biennial research grants of up to $50,000 to the best and brightest minds in science who are working to discover and implement accessible methods of early diagnosis, treatment, and eventually a cure for Li-Fraumeni syndrome.
Kate passed away on March 22, 2025, after a second battle against breast cancer. Kate had Li-Fraumeni syndrome (LFS) which is a rare, inherited genetic disorder caused by a mutation in the TP53 tumor suppressor gene. It significantly increases the lifetime risk of developing multiple cancers, often starting at a young age. Kate and many members of her immediate family have been diagnosed with LFS, and like many others with this gene mutation, have died from various cancers.
Kate lived life to the fullest and her greatest joy came from the many people she knew and spent time with, from her beloved family and her many diverse groups of friends to those she met through community engagement and the colleagues she worked with over decades. She cared deeply about others and she was frequently involved in organizations and initiatives to improve the quality of life for all human beings. She was a dedicated teacher, librarian, and community advocate. She was also a daughter, sister, aunt, athlete, world traveler, art aficionado, gardener, and loyal friend. If you were fortunate enough to be in one of Kate’s circles, you had the gift of her friendship for life.
Kate’s gift of caring for others will now continue in perpetuity through her donation establishing the Katherine M. Howley Endowment Fund for Li-Fraumeni Syndrome Research.
As a former researcher and grant writer, Kate understood the importance of scientific research. In keeping with the spirit of how she lived, one of her last wishes was to support the latest advancements in medicine and science that will benefit and improve the quality of life for those like herself who faced and succumbed to LFS related cancers.
Medical and scientific research has always been at the core of LFSA’s mission. It is the reason the organization was founded 15 years ago, and we are deeply grateful for Kate’s generous contribution. It will enable us to continue to fulfill our goal to end LFS-related cancers.
The first biennial Katherine M. Howley Endowment Fund for Li-Fraumeni Syndrome Research grant will be announced at the LFSA Symposium in October 2026 in Houston, Texas. The LFSA is committed to selecting the most innovative, cutting-edge scientific researcher and project for the cure of LFS. Applications will be reviewed by a medical and scientific grant panel with final approval by the LFSA Board of Directors. More information on the application process will be available in the spring of 2026.
