DTRF.

My mother-in-law is the kind of person that makes things happen. If you saw her ward choir in action, you'd really get it. Tonight is going to be a perfect example of her ability to draw people together to create something wonderful. We are lucky to be attending a fundraising gala for a foundation that Jeanne created. I'm excited to get dressed up & pretty, but more excited about what the night really represents.

While Mike was on his mission in Bolivia in 2001, Jeanne was diagnosed with a Desmoid tumor. I don't know a lot of details about the ensuing few years, but do know that the last few have included multiple surgeries, two full years of chemo & I'm sure a lot of not-so-fun days whose details we were spared. I don't think I've ever heard Jeanne complain, really, about anything. She has actually done the polar opposite in response to her diagnosis. By the time I entered the Whiting Family Scene around 2003/2004, she was busy working to make things happen. Given the lack of research on desmoid tumors, she decided to change that herself & established the Desmoid Tumor Research Foundation. Read this from its website:

The Desmoid Tumor Research Foundation (DTRF)* was founded in September, 2005, by Jeanne Whiting and Marlene Portnoy. Shortly thereafter, Charisse Litchman, MD, joined the executive committee and assumed the position of Chair of the Scientific Advisory Board. Each has a personal connection to this rare disease, either in themselves or a loved one, which motivates them to aggressively accelerate the search for a cure.

Through personal experience, they became acutely aware that there are few desmoid tumor treatments that are only sporadically effective. Desmoid tumors had been largely ignored in the cancer research field and there was a lack of information available to patients and their families about the disease. They were determined to change this situation by combining their backgrounds in medicine, law, fundraising and marketing. They have a deep sense of urgency in this cause and press forward to fund cutting-edge research that will develop new effective therapies for desmoid tumors, leading to the ultimate goal -- a cure!

The Desmoid Tumor Research Foundation (DTRF)

• is the only organization in the world dedicated to funding desmoid tumor research and finding a cure for this rare and devastating disease
• has jump started desmoid tumor research and has already awarded seven research grants, funding significant multi-year desmoid tumor research projects at four major cancer research institutions: Stanford University, MD Anderson Cancer Center, Huntsman Cancer Center and The Hospital for Sick Children
• has compiled a Scientific Advisory Board of the world's top desmoid tumor experts and is facilitating the collaboration of researchers in establishing research priorities
• has established an annual desmoid tumor symposium bringing patients, physicians and researchers together from around the world for education, support and collaboration
• DTRF.org, has become a clearinghouse of information on desmoid tumors and research, reaching physicians, researchers and patients around the world

It's just all inspiring, really, that one person {along with the help of good & brilliant people} could create such change & progress. If you read Jeanne's bio, you get why she has been successful. I really respect her, I'm really proud of her, & really happy that Mike & I get to go support her tonight.