On November 13, the 25th FERO Benefit Gala took place at the Rosewood Villa Magna Hotel in Madrid, an event that brought together over 300 people committed to oncology research.
Under the slogan #FEROHasLotsOfScience, this gala was a tribute to science and scientists, as evidenced by each of the winning projects and FERO’s hope in research as the only way to cure cancer.
Additionally, the event featured Kettal as the main sponsor, along with more than 10 corporate tables united for the cause, significantly contributing to fundraising efforts to continue supporting research projects that help us envision a more optimistic future, advancing daily towards a cure for cancer.
More than 50 proposals were received for the scholarship calls, of which the top three were awarded a Scholarship.
Emotion filled the room as the winners of the 25th FERO Scholarship, the 5th FERO-MANGO Project in Breast Cancer, and the 2nd FERO Dr. Baselga Scholarship were announced. Each scholarship represents an exceptional opportunity to advance translational oncology research projects and become part of the large family of “Feritos.” With their knowledge and research advancements, each “Ferito” ensures that FERO has a wealth of science.
During the gala, over €250,000 was raised, of which €86,000 was collected at the counter. These funds will be used to finance the FERO Dr. Baselga Scholarship, a tribute to FERO’s founder who passed away in 2021.
However, the gala was not only a fundraising event but also an opportunity to highlight the impact of each donor on oncology research. Every guest at the gala plays a relevant role in this journey towards a better future, demonstrating that the union of forces can change the course of history in the cure for cancer.
In this process towards ending the disease, research is our best ally.
After this gala, 3 new “Feritos” join the FERO family with their projects. We introduce you to the winners of the FERO Scholarships!
DR. MARTA ALONSO WINNER OF THE 2nd FERO DR. BASELGA SCHOLARSHIP
Dr. Alonso plays a crucial role as Co-Director of the Brain Tumor Group at the Cancer Center of Clínica Universidad de Navarra, as well as Group Leader in the Department of Pediatrics and Co-Director of the Solid Tumor Program at CIMA.
Her outstanding work has been recognized with one of the most important scholarships from the FERO Foundation, specifically for her project titled: “Overcoming resistance to viral therapies in the treatment of pediatric diffuse glioma”. This project has the ambitious goal of developing a safe and effective therapeutic virus to combat diffuse midline tumors, a particularly aggressive and lethal form of childhood cancer.
This project goes beyond conventional medicine; it is a fascinating scientific journey that promises to revolutionize the way we approach childhood cancer. Dr. Alonso, with her dedication and expertise, is at the forefront of this advancement, offering tangible hope to those affected by this disease.
We thank Dr. Alonso for her firm commitment to research, as well as the extraordinary progress that will undoubtedly contribute significantly to the well-being of society.
DR. ALEXANDRA AVGUSTINOVA WINNER OF THE 25th FERO SCHOLARSHIP
Dr. Alexandra Avgustinova, Head of the Pediatric Cancer Epigenetics Group at the Sant Joan de Déu Foundation and IRB Barcelona, has been awarded the 25th FERO Scholarship.
Her project, titled: “Genome editing as a therapeutic approach in malignant rhabdoid tumor”, focuses on the search for a highly precise therapy for pediatric patients affected by malignant rhabdoid tumors, an extremely lethal form of cancer that affects infants and young children.
The main objective is to use genome editing to reverse the genetic alteration underlying this type of cancer. This revolutionary approach involves deep scientific knowledge and represents a crucial advance in the search for more effective treatments. Thanks to Dr. Avgustinova for her contribution to the eradication of childhood cancer!
DR. MARCOS MALUMBRES WINNER OF THE 5th FERO-MANGO PROJECT IN BREAST CANCER, SPONSORED BY MANGO.
The winner of this edition’s 5th FERO-MANGO Project is Dr. Marcos Malumbres, distinguished ICREA professor and Head of the Cell Cycle Group at the Vall d’Hebron Institute of Oncology.
Through his project titled: “Discovering the cause of lack of efficacy in therapies against hormone-positive and metastatic breast cancer”, Dr. Malumbres and his team embark on the mission to identify the protein responsible for the limited efficacy of current therapies against metastatic breast cancer.
We fully trust that Dr. Malumbres’ work will bring us significantly closer to the ultimate goal of defeating breast cancer. His dedication, as well as the innovation that characterizes his project, are sufficient reasons to continue seeking more effective solutions to treat this disease.
From the FERO Foundation, we call for continued funding of the science behind each project, leading us to a near future without cancer.
Finally, we extend our most sincere gratitude to all attendees and collaborators of the gala. Thanks to everyone’s generosity and commitment, the 25th FERO Benefit Gala is one of the most important events for the Foundation and, above all, a firm step towards the eradication of cancer.
Thank you for being part of this life-changing cause that brings us closer to a cure for cancer!
