Hoosier Cancer Research Network (HCRN) recently marked its 30th anniversary with a dinner and presentation of awards.

The event featured comments by HCRN co-founder Patrick J. Loehrer, Sr., MD and chairman of the board Christopher A. Fausel, PharmD, MHA, BCOP. HCRN honored five individuals during the June 19 event in Indianapolis.

HCRN Awards - June 2014

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Award winners included:

• Deneise Francis, RN, BSN, OCN
  Memorial Healthcare Breast Cancer Center (Hollywood, Fla.)
  2014 Sandra Turner Excellence in Clinical Research Award
• Gladys Pierce, RN, OCN
  Nebraska Methodist Health System (Omaha, Neb.)
  2014 Sandra Turner Excellence in Clinical Research Award
• Daniela Matei, MD
  Associate Professor, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology
  Indiana University School of Medicine
  Indiana University Melvin and Bren Simon Cancer Center
  2014 George and Sarah Jane Fisher Young Investigator Award
• Donald C. “Danny” Danielson
  2013 Terry Hoeppner Patient Advocacy Award
• Matthew Galsky, MD
  Director of Genitourinary Medical Oncology
  Tisch Cancer Institute, Mount Sinai Hospital (New York)
  2014 Danny Danielson Translational Innovation Award

Visit the HCRN website over the next few weeks to read stories highlighting each award winner.

About the awards:

Dr. William B. Fisher established the Sandra Turner Excellence in Clinical Research Award in 2002 in memory of Sandra Turner, the first executive director of Hoosier Cancer Research Network. Each year the organization selects individuals for the award who exemplify the qualities Sandra possessed and respected in others, such as sustained professional commitment, contribution to the progress of oncology care, and the unflinching touch of compassion.

Established in 2011 by Dr. William B. Fisher, the George and Sarah Jane Fisher Young Investigator Award honors Indiana University oncology fellows and faculty members who have made significant contributions to clinical or basic science research in collaboration with Hoosier Cancer Research Network.

Terry Hoeppner, beloved Indiana University football coach, lost his battle with brain cancer in 2007. Coach Hep was known for his “never quit” attitude and determination to face challenges head-on. To honor his memory, his wife, Jane Hoeppner, created the Terry Hoeppner Patient Advocacy Award. The award honors individuals who embody Coach Hep’s spirit and determination to champion their cause.

In 2013, Donald C. “Danny” Danielson established the Danny Danielson Translational Innovation Award, granted by the Walther Cancer Foundation. The award, given twice each year, is given to investigators working in partnership with Hoosier Cancer Research Network to support the correlative components of clinical trial protocols when financial support is not otherwise available.

About Hoosier Cancer Research Network:

Hoosier Cancer Research Network (formerly known as Hoosier Oncology Group) conducts innovative cancer research in collaboration with academic and community physicians and scientists across the United States. The organization provides comprehensive clinical trial management and support, from conception through publication. Created in 1984 as a program of the Walther Cancer Institute, Hoosier Cancer Research Network became an independent nonprofit clinical research organization in 2007. Since its founding, Hoosier Cancer Research Network has initiated more than 150 trials in a variety of cancer types and supportive care, resulting in more than 300 publications. More than 4,400 patients have participated in Hoosier Cancer Research Network clinical trials.