Champions for Cures is proud to announce a $45,000 donation to sponsor the Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center at Northwestern Medicine. This contribution is dedicated to advancing melanoma research in honor of our 2024 Champion, Kelly Monti, whose powerful legacy continues to motivate our mission in the fight against cancer.
At Northwestern Medicine, physicians and scientists are collaborating across disciplines to address cancer from all angles. By combining innovative research with cutting-edge medical expertise, the Lurie Cancer Center is at the forefront of providing exceptional care to patients while pursuing groundbreaking discoveries.
This donation will support research led by two distinguished experts in the field:
-
Dr. Bin Zhang: As a leading expert in cancer immunology and immunotherapy, the Zhang Laboratory operates as an integrated translational research program aimed at designing and developing new immunotherapies and immunologic strategies for cancer treatment. His ongoing projects focus on dissecting the molecular mechanisms of tumor immune evasion, leveraging cutting-edge technical platforms to advance cancer care.
-
Dr. Timothy M. Kuzel: Dr. Kuzel has an esteemed career spanning over 25 years at Northwestern University, where he directed the GU and Cutaneous Oncology Programs at the Lurie Cancer Center. He has a longstanding interest in novel immunotherapy approaches for diseases such as malignant melanoma, Merkel cell carcinomas, cutaneous lymphomas, renal cell cancer, and prostate cancer. As the former Director of the Driskill Immunotherapy Research Program, Dr. Kuzel led philanthropic efforts to develop immunology-based treatments for melanoma and prostate cancer. With over 250 publications, numerous awards, and leadership roles in professional societies, Dr. Kuzel’s contributions have significantly advanced cancer research and care.
We believe that philanthropy makes an incredible difference in the fight against cancer. Our sponsorship will help improve diagnostic, treatment, and survivorship outcomes for melanoma patients—today, tomorrow, and into the future.
As we begin this new chapter in 2025, the power of community shines bright thanks to your efforts. Kelly Monti’s memory drives us to support transformative research and care, and we are honored to partner with Northwestern Medicine in this vital work. Together, we can make meaningful strides toward eradicating melanoma and improving the lives of those impacted by cancer.
