College of Medicine – Phoenix Students Host 13th Annual Charity Gala

First-year medical students at the University of Arizona College of Medicine – Phoenix raised about $11,000 at the 13th annual charity gala benefiting Students Supporting Brain Tumor Research (SSBTR) on Feb. 8.

According to SSBTR, within the next 12 months, more than 200,000 people in the U.S. will be diagnosed with a primary or metastatic brain tumor. Because of their location at the control center for thought, emotion and physical function, brain tumors are difficult to treat and often severely compromise the quality of life.

“This event is special because it's a College of Medicine – Phoenix tradition for students to organize it, and the proceeds go to various organizations in the Valley,” said first-year student Abigail Cantwell. “It meant the world to me to see so many students support our event, and it was an honor to work with the Students Supporting Brain Tumor Research.”

This year’s theme was “Mardi Gras,” and Michael Berens, PhD, delivered an inspiring speech about his ongoing research on cancers that originate in the brain and cancers that metastasize to the brain. Dr. Berens directs the Cancer and Cell Biology Division and the Glioma Research Lab at the Translational Genomics Research Institute (TGen).

The evening also included a presentation from Andy Ptacek, a brain tumor survivor.

Attendees mingled at the Virginia G. Piper Auditorium, and enjoyed a dinner and silent auction.

Proceeds went to SSBTR, a non-profit whose beneficiaries are Barrow Neurological Institute, National Brain Tumor Society, Phoenix Children's Hospital, Translational Genomics Research Institute and the University of Arizona.