SA Cancer Council Circle of Hope program supports pilot research projects
Mays Cancer Center Annual Report
The SA Cancer Council started the Circle of Hope Program in 2015 and it has proven to be highly successful over the past five years. We now have six active Circles that have funded 15 pilot research projects at the Mays Cancer Center, contributing a total of $375,000 to advance breakthroughs in cancer research.
Pilot research projects are the vital first steps in advancing innovative and leading-edge cancer research to the next level. This “seed money” provided by the Circle of Hope members to our scientists often leads to larger grants which can then propel these research studies to the next level with the ultimate goal of finding new cancer cures.
What is it?
A Circle of Hope is a group of 10 individuals (or couples) who join together to fund pilot research projects at the Mays Cancer Center.
How does it work?
Each individual (or couple) contributes $2,500 per year for two years. The Circle then has $25,000 to fund a pilot research project. Dr. Ruben Mesa, director of the Mays Cancer Center, provides a list of peer-reviewed and vetted projects for consideration. Once a Circle has selected the project they wish to fund, Dr. Mesa then matches each Circle’s contribution with cancer center funds to double the Circle’s donation to a total of $50,000.
Then what?
Within six to nine months, each Circle will meet with the researcher on the project they funded so the researcher can provide a personal update on his/her progress. At year’s end, the Circle members will receive a written report with the project outcomes. The cycle then starts over with the vote for the second year’s pilot project.
How can I find out more?
If you are interested, please contact Sheri Ortiz, Circle of Hope chair, at (210) 450-5512 or by email at ortizs8@uthscsa.edu.
