A few weeks ago, we would normally just be completing another Marcus Foundation Golf Tournament in perfect weather. It is an experience we have all shared for the past 30 years.
However, as you should all know by now, last year's tournament was the final one. It was a very difficult decision, but the right one for a myriad of reasons, some very personal. Although the tournament itself has ended, the causes for which we have gathered these many years remain. Accordingly, the Foundation will continue to support both brain tumor research being conducted at the Massachusetts General Hospital (“MGH”) and the Marcus Fund for Families, which was established by the Foundation to help defray the cost to families with children being treated at MGH for brain tumors and other neurological diseases.
Below are updates from MGH to highlight the progress made due to the support of the Marcus Foundation:
On the brain tumor research side:
The year’s support has advanced the work of Dr. Bryan Choi, whom some of you may remember from our 2021 tournament. Dr. Choi is an attending neurosurgeon in the Department of Neurosurgery at Mass General and specializes in surgical care for patients with benign and malignant brain tumors. Dr. Choi leads a research laboratory with the goal of developing the next generation of cell therapies (e.g., Chimeric Antigen Receptor T cells or CAR T cells), and translating these into new clinical trials for patients with brain tumors at MGH. Dr. Choi also has a special focus on investigating mechanisms of resistance to immune therapy for solid tumors like glioblastoma, such as antigen heterogeneity and the harsh associated immune-suppressive environment associated with these tumors. A recent feature of his work can be found here: https://advances.massgeneral.org/neuro/article.aspx?id=1486
On the Fund for Families:
The fund continues to provide critical support to families in need facing a brain tumor diagnosis and navigating the complexities of treatment. With the forthcoming retirement of Dr. Elizabeth Dooling, Marcus’ primary doctor more than 30 years ago, we are happy to share that Dr. Amy Armstrong-Javors will be assuming oversight of the Fund for Families. After graduating from the University of Connecticut School of Medicine, Dr. Armstrong-Javors completed her Pediatric Neurology Residency at Mass General, where she was recruited to remain on staff. Dr. Armstrong-Javors is now a specialist in Pediatric Neurology, serving as an Instructor in Neurology at Harvard Medical School, the Attending Physician of the Inpatient Pediatric Neurology Service and also as the Creator/Director of the Spaulding Rehabilitation Pediatric Rehabilitation Elective. In 2015, she ran the Boston Marathon for the Mass General Hospital Pediatric Cancer Team, raising critical funds for Mass General’s youngest cancer patients. Dr. Armstrong-Javors extends her sincere gratitude for the Marcus Foundation’s commitment to easing the financial burden of pediatric brain tumor patient’s families, which continues to make a positive impact in the lives of those receiving care at MGH.
I think you would agree that it's truly gratifying to see what your support has accomplished. However, the battle continues and so we are reaching out to you today to ask that you continue to support the Foundation so we can continue our efforts to provide these much needed grants.
You can make a contribution to the Foundation online at our recently redesigned website (www.marcus.foundation) or by check mailed to:
Marcus Foundation
c/o Mark Niziak
7 Cutler Street
Hopedale Ma 01747
While a contribution in any amount would be greatly appreciated, as an incentive, if you contribute a minimum of $100, you will receive a newly-designed Marcus Foundation golf hat and also be entered to win a foursome at the Franklin Country Club. Moreover, if you contribute more than $100, for each $100 increment, you will receive an additional chance to return to play at Franklin Country Club. The winner of the drawing will be announced on January 15, 2023 via email and on our Facebook page. If you are currently not receiving email updates from the Foundation, please go to our website and click on Join Our Mailing List at the footer of the website. You'll also want to be sure to follow our recently launched Marcus Foundation Facebook page, also accessible from the footer of our website. If you are on Facebook, we ask that you visit the page and both “like” and “share” it.
Click Here to Contribute & a Chance to Win a Foursome at Franklin Country Club
Thank you for your past support and hopefully you will be able to once again assist us in continuing the battle that Marcus so valiantly fought.
Sincerely,
Mark S. Niziak Sr.
President, The Marcus Foundation