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ST. CLAIRSVILLE -- Ohio Cancer Research is making ready for the 27th Grand Illusions Saute to raise funds for the fight against cancer, and this year's guests of honor are Roy and Martha Hershberger, founders of Joe's Tire.
The "saute," a lighter and more family-friendly version of a comedic roast, aims to raise funds for new experimental research.
The Hershbergers said they were honored to participate, adding that the cause hits close to home.
"My dad (Nathaniel) is actually facing cancer now," Roy Hershberger said. "It's good to be a part of this, to raise money for cancer research."
"Knowing how many lives it's touching and the importance of it, I'm happy to be a participant," Martha Hershberger said.
Bill Bogges, executive director, introduced the Hershbergers during a luncheon and planning session of board members and past honorees.
"This is about cancer. I don't really need to tell anybody in this room how prevalent it is in the valley, throughout the state of Ohio and throughout the country," he said. "The advances we're making are incremental but steady and incredible. This event, that's why we're here."
He said the saute has become beloved and anticipated.
"It's become a community event," Bogges said. "It's a special evening."
John Yocum, director of research, described how the funding is put to use.
The two-year grants have recently been increased from $60,000 to $80,000 to help researchers set up their labs and pursue new research projects. The goal of the fundraiser is $50,000. Yocum said recipients are typically young researchers within six years of starting their labs and have not yet built up credibility for larger grants.
"They're doing amazing things with the treatment and prevention," he said. "We are finding the very best."
Ohio Cancer Research is an independent statewide nonprofit organization aimed at raising "seed money" for researchers. Bogges noted since their inception, the sautes have raised $7,711,381.13, which has in turn generated a total of $787,247,446. Yocum noted this is close to a 1/100 ratio. Individual researchers have been or are being funded at numerous universities across the state.
"All of that is happening here in Ohio," he said. "This year we have 24 applicants. ... They're really all high-caliber."
Among the success stories is a gene screening for more colon cancer risks.
Yocum shared the personal losses he had to cancer, which motivated him to help the effort against this disease.
"When I was in high school, I lost my dad to cancer," he said. "From 16 to the time I graduated, I lost both my cross country coaches, (and) my dad's best friend."
He added that the area's generosity is impressive.
Current researchers being funded are Priya Dedhia, assistant professor of surgery in the College of Medicine at Ohio State University, who is studying disease progression using novel models of adrenocortical carcinoma developed in the labs; Liangqi Xi, assistant staff in Cancer Biology in the Lerner Research Institute at the Cleveland Clinic, who is researching targeting DNA in colon cancer; Amanda Panfil, assistant professor in Veterinary Biosciences in the College of Veterinary Medicine at Ohio State University, is researching the effects of RNA modifications; Amar Desai, assistant professor in the Immune Oncology Program in the Comprehensive Cancer Center at Case Western Reserve University, is exploring novel approaches to better understand and treat blood disorders.
The saute will be held at 6 p.m. June 22 at Undo's West, 51130 National Road East, St. Clairsville. For more information, visit ohiocancer.org.