CHICAGO (July 29, 2021) — For over half a century, the Cancer Research Foundation (CRF) has been funding cutting-edge cancer research at the University of Chicago.  Since its founding, it has grown to support other Comprehensive Cancer Centers.  Now, it is expanding its Chicago operation and strengthening its long-time relationship with UChicago.  In June, the CRF welcomed the Breakthrough Board as a critical part of its Chicago chapter.  With this integration, the Cancer Research Foundation will more than double its annual funding for innovative cancer research at the University of Chicago, and it will bring together two groups with nearly identical missions. 

“We are extremely excited to welcome the Breakthrough Board to our organization,” said Zanna Nikitas, CRF’s Board Chair.  “This group is comprised of passionate, dedicated, experienced, and generous civic leaders who have raised millions for cancer research.  Together, we believe we can have an even greater impact on cancer research at the University of Chicago, and beyond.”

Formerly known as the University of Chicago Cancer Research Foundation Women’s Board, the Breakthrough Board’s efforts will continue to solely benefit the University of Chicago Medicine’s Comprehensive Cancer Center.  This group of committed volunteers has raised over $7.5 million in just the last 5 years, and their investments in specific cancer research programs have generated nearly 20 times the board’s initial investment in additional earned grants.

“This new partnership with the CRF provides the board with new energy, new ideas, and new resources to expand our mission of advancing cancer research discovery at UChicago Medicine,” said Linda Burns Coleman, President of the Breakthrough Board.

The Breakthrough Board’s signature annual event, the Breakthrough Ball, will continue to be a “must attend” gala in Chicago each year and is scheduled as a combination live and virtual event on Thursday, November 4^th, 2021.  The Board looks forward to a fully in-person gala in 2022.  For more information about The Breakthrough Board and this year’s event, go to www.thebreakthroughboard.org.