Donor Stories
Our donors make every discovery possible. Below are a few stories from supporters sharing why they chose Damon Runyon as the recipient of their generosity.
Individuals who understand Damon Runyon’s unique ability to make an outsized impact:
After completing a Damon Runyon Fellowship in 1980, H. Michael Shepard, PhD, launched a research group at Genentech that would develop the now-standard breast cancer therapy trastuzumab (Herceptin). Dr. Shepard and his collaborators received the 2019 Lasker Prize in recognition of this work.
When asked why he chooses to give to Damon Runyon, Dr. Shepard has a simple answer. “Payback!” he says. “Damon Runyon helped me launch my career back in the 1970s, and I wanted to provide opportunities for the next generation of scientists to do something wonderful.”
A retired airline pilot and lover of the arts, D.G. “Mitch” Mitchell has supported young Damon Runyon scientists through direct donations, sponsored awards, and planned gifts for nearly 25 years.
“If people get a sudden windfall, they generally blow it in two years. But if they invested it in Damon Runyon, a researcher may come up with an idea that helps many people for a long time. So I think giving your money to something like cancer research is pretty smart. It can pay real dividends.”
For David G. Schwartz, supporting Damon Runyon through the Broadway Tickets service is a family tradition. Begun by his grandfather and now carried on by his daughter Stefanie, the tradition combines their love of theater and faith in the lifesaving promise of cancer research.
“Meeting Damon Runyon scientists is a true learning experience,” he says. “Their enthusiasm and commitment to working day and night to discover potential causes and cures for cancer would inspire anyone.”
Every Memorial Day Weekend for over a decade, professor, game master, and TwitchTV host Gregory A. Wilson has organized a livestream gaming fundraiser known as ArvCon to benefit Damon Runyon. His efforts have raised over $40,000 for cancer research.
“I want to encourage people to consider how they can make a difference even if they can’t host or attend a fancy event,” says Dr. Wilson. “I guess I’m trying to get people to think outside the box, the way Damon Runyon scientists do.”
Biotech and pharma companies that understand how crucial our scientists’ work is in building the next generation of therapies
“Together, we are accelerating the pace of innovation and making strides towards a world where cancer is truly curable.”
“Amid reductions in government research support, private foundations like Damon Runyon are stepping up to ensure the most promising young scientists can keep pushing the boundaries of cancer research.”
"The Timmerman Traverse was far more than just an adventure. It was a purpose-driven journey, one that pushed us physically, mentally, and emotionally, all in service of raising funds for cancer research.”
Public and private foundations who know how much potential our scientists have to make game-changing discoveries:
Since 1937, the National Mah Jongg League has been the arbiter of all things Mah Jongg in America. With over 350,000 members nationwide, the League is also a generous supporter of Damon Runyon’s mission.
“We are continually impressed by the young scientists that Damon Runyon identifies,” says Larry Unger, Co-Director of the League. “They offer fresh ideas and vitality, engaging with some of the thorniest medical problems facing us today. Their enthusiasm for their work gives us renewed hope for future cures.”
The Sol and Margaret Berger Foundation was founded the early 1960s to raise money for cancer research and other health-related causes. Since Sol and Margaret’s daughters, Sandye and Reneé, took over as trustees in the mid-1990s, they have been steadfast supporters of Damon Runyon scientists through our Broadway Ticket program.
“To all prospective donors—just do it!” says Sandye Berger, “Everyone benefits.”
Since 2015, the William Raveis Charitable Fund has held an annual Ride & Walk in Connecticut to raise money for cancer research. In that time, the WRCF has supported XX Damon Runyon scientists studying dozens of types of cancer with the William Raveis Charitable Fund Fellowship.
