Laps for Laura: Cornell Dots to Beat Cancer

Hello everyone,

We are deeply saddened to share that our beloved wife, mother, world-traveler and equestrian Laura passed away on Saturday, June 26th 2021 from an extremely aggressive and refractory form of Metastatic Breast Cancer that did not respond to an extensive list of standard and emerging (non-FDA approved) treatments. Even armed with an amazing set of world-class doctors, it seems that today’s cancer treatment is no match for this type of aggressive cancer. 

We want to do our part to ensure that treatments of the future are able to cure such aggressive cancers. Along these lines we are taking the following steps:

                Donating Laura’s cancer cells to the Harvard / MGH Cancer Research Team

                Supporting promising research that can lead to better prevention, detention,
                treatment and cure of these extremely aggressive cancers

Ten years ago, well before Laura's cancer diagnosis, our family learned of the work  of Cornell University's Professor Ulrich B Wiesner , who pioneered “Cornell Prime Dots” ("C' Dots"). C' Dots are ultra-small nanoparticles that have shown great promise as a platform for life-changing cancer therapeutics improving patience care.  They can greatly improve early detection/tracking, revolutionize highly-potent cancer drug delivery without toxic side effects and also contain the potential to kill cancer cells  themselves without involving any cytotoxic drugs. C' Dots can also be used to track cancer cells, helping surgeons and oncologists make more informed decisions about which therapeutic regimen should follow surgery. This work to commercialize C' Dots into various clinical therapies is vital and could ultimately help early detection and effective treatment of the more aggressive cancers. 

To support this innovative work, Ryan continues to run races and donate all fundraising to “Cornell Prime Dot” research in Laura's name. Through your continued support and my Laura's inspiration, Ryan qualified for the 2021 New York City Marathon in November. In lieu of/or in addition to donating, feel free to join him for a race! 

Thank you for your donations and participation as we honor her memory, raise awareness, and support ongoing efforts to cure this disease. 

With a Heavy but Hopeful Heart,
Dave and Ryan