HudsonAlpha hosted the 12th annual Tie the Ribbons event on October 15 online. Attendees heard an update on HudsonAlpha’s breast and ovarian cancer research and the Information is Power genetic cancer risk screening initiative. 

Tie the Ribbons supports HudsonAlpha’s breast and ovarian cancer programs. The program’s goal is to leverage genomic science and HudsonAlpha’s state-of-the-art technology to make new discoveries in breast and ovarian cancers. 

“COVID has changed a lot of things, but it hasn’t stopped the research that we need to be doing on important diseases and other problems that affect humanity,” said Rick Myers, PhD, HudsonAlpha President and Science Director and M. A. Loya Chair in Genomics. “We remain committed to using our scientific expertise to help find solutions to problems that face people in our community, our state and around the world. This is a mission at HudsonAlpha and we remain committed to it every day.”

K-T Varley, PhD, an Associate Professor in the Department of Oncological Sciences at the University of Utah School of Medicine and an investigator at the Huntsman Cancer Institute, was the special guest speaker at Tie the Ribbons. Varley discussed how her lab is working to improve cancer detection, identify factors that drive tumor growth, and personalize treatment decisions. Prior to her current positions, Varley conducted her postdoctoral studies in the Myers lab at HudsonAlpha. 

“I want to specially thank you – the patients, the patient advocates and community supporters,” said Varley. “Your engagement and support helps researchers around the world improve the lives of the people in your community. Thank you to the HudsonAlpha community.”

Sara Cooper, PhD, HudsonAlpha faculty investigator and leader of the Information is Power initiative shared about an update on HudsonAlpha’s breast and ovarian cancer program and how Information is Power  is translating scientific discovery into community impact. Since the initiative began five years ago, more than 5,000 people have taken the Information is Power test. From that, 193 individuals were determined to have an increased risk of developing cancer at some point in their lifetime. With this information, participants can make informed choices about their medical decisions. 

For more details on the Information is Power initiative, please visit information-is-power.org. The initiative is made possible by generous support from the Russell Hill Cancer Foundation, Jane K. Lowe Charitable Foundation, Madison County Commission, the City of Huntsville and the City of Decatur.

The 2020 Virtual Tie the Ribbons also included a new opportunity to support HudsonAlpha’s breast and ovarian cancer program called Shopping for a Cause. Purchase a $50 gift card to Personal Couture in Huntsville for only $20. Personal Couture is a southern dress boutique offering clothing and jewelry for all occasions. Get your holiday shopping done early and help HudsonAlpha make advancements in breast and ovarian cancer. Gift cards can be purchased through early December by clicking here. 

Thank you again to our generous sponsors and supporters, the event was a success. A special thank you to Rosie’s Cantina for again being our presenter sponsor.

To support HudsonAlpha’s breast and ovarian cancer program, visit hudsonalpha.org/ttr-give.

To watch the 2020 Virtual Tie the Ribbons event hudsonalpha.org/ttr-event