We were delighted to see Dr Martina Angi in the CureOM newsletter this month, following the 4th scientific meeting in Seattle. Excerpt below.

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CURE OM Science Update

CURE OM is supporting research to advance effective treatments, and ultimately a cure for ocular melanoma. CURE OM held its 4th scientific meeting at the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center in Seattle in May. Like other CURE OM scientific meetings, this meeting brought together an international and interdisciplinary group of researchers to present and discuss the latest research and clinical trials in the field. More than fifteen institutions participated.

A highlight of the meeting included a new collaborative focus on understanding and targeting mutations in OM. Discussions focused on advancing clinical trials, developing treatment guidelines, and continuing to foster collaborations between different academic centers, the National Institutes of Health, and industry. For the first time, research currently funded by the MRF's CURE OM grants was presented - work from the laboratories of Dr. Levi Garraway and Dr. John Sondek was spotlighted for the meeting attendees. 

In addition, CURE OM awarded the first-ever Gregg Stracks Award for Emerging Leaders in Ocular Melanoma during the meeting. The two recipients were Dr. Martina Angi and Dr. Mizue Terai. Dr. Angi works at University of Liverpool with Drs. Bertil Damato and Sarah Coupland, and Dr. Terai works at Thomas Jefferson University with Dr. Takamo Sato. Both physician-researchers show tremendous promise for significantly advancing the field of OM. Congratulations to Dr. Angi and Dr. Terai!

The Liverpool Ocular Oncology Research Group is delighted to hear that LOOC supporter- ‘See the Future’, is on track for another fantastic fundraising event later this year...their second charity ball to raise money for research into eye conditions which can lead to devastating sight loss.

Following a successful event in 2012 which raised £2,660, Leanne Greengrass is currently making preparations for the second ‘See the Future’ charity ball on Friday 20th September 2013.

Leanne, founder of See the Future, was inspired to set up the cause after her mother Jacqueline was diagnosed with eye cancer following a routine eye exam.

The event, which is to be held at Woodbury Park Hotel 2013, will feature a champagne reception and three course meal. East Devon Dance Crew will also be returning to entertain guests on the night.

There will be a live and silent auction – at last year’s event prizes were donated by Sir Cliff Richard and Dame Judy Dench.

For more information or for tickets please call Leanne 07934690466. For updates and the latest news on the event, visit See the Future’s Facebook page:

https://www.facebook.com/pages/See-the-future/283954875008380?group_id=0

Amazingly, See the Future recently became a charitable trust, with the aim to raise money for research into eye conditions which can lead to devastating sight loss.

Congratulations from everyone at LOORG!!

TOWERGATE PRESS RELEASE

The Towergate Charitable Foundation is pleased to have made donations to OcuMel UK and the Liverpool Ocular Oncology Research Group ‘LOORG’.

Towergate act as broker to OcuMel UK, but it was Senior Account Executive at Towergate Insurance Steve Munday who first enlightened the Towergate Foundation to the extent of the incredible work undertaken by these two organisations.

Since 2005 the Towergate Charitable Foundation has raised £7 million for good causes. Steve said “Charitable giving is a core value of Towergate’s business, so supporting one of our clients and this specific area of cancer research seemed appropriate and in line with our company ‘ethos’ ”.

Kieran McGuirk, Chair of Trustees for OcuMel UK, said “Not only have Towergate advised on and arranged our insurance requirements, the support from the Towergate Charitable Foundation meant a great deal especially as OcuMel UK is a small charity supporting a rare cancer.”

Professor Sarah Coupland from the LOORG added “Thanks to benefactors such as the Towergate Charitable Foundation, we are able to continue our research and teaching activities into ocular melanoma.  This has profoundly improved patient care and clinical techniques which are being emulated all around the world.”

Kieran McGuirk and Professor Sarah Coupland were both in London in April 2013 to participate in an Ocular Cancer Workshop of the Sight Loss and Vision Priority Setting Partnership – an initiative led by the James Lind Alliance hosted by Fight for Sight at their offices at Fenchurch Buildings off Fenchurch Street. Being literally ‘around the corner’, Kieran and Sarah were both able to make a special visit to Towergate’s Leadenhall Street office to thank Steve in person.

Pictured (left to right) Kieran McGuirk (OcuMel UK Chair of Trustees), Professor Sarah Coupland   (Liverpool Ocular Oncology Research Group), Steve Munday (Senior Account Executive, Towergate Insurance)

Links

http://fightforsight.org.uk

http://www.lindalliance.org

http://www.loorg.org

http://www.ocumeluk.org