Jennifer Fuhrman

After several of Jennifer Fuhrman’s relatives were diagnosed with cancer, the medical student decided to make a sacrifice in the name of advancing cancer care: her hair. Jennifer began accepting donations encouraging her to either shave her head or keep her hair; her decision would rest on whichever side had amassed more funds by her March 26, 2010 deadline.

“About a year ago, I heard about someone who shaved their head to raise money for cancer research and care, and I decided that I wanted to do anything I could to make a difference,” says Jennifer. “I am also a nursing major, so I have experience working in a clinical setting and talking to people with cancer. These combined experiences have lead me to choose cancer research as the recipient of my fundraising efforts.”

In the end, the “Shave” side collected $431 , while the “Don’t Shave” side collected $610 , which meant she didn't shave. All $1041 went toward the Foundation’s efforts in research, patient information, physician education, and access to care.

Jennifer, a junior nursing major at MidAmerica Nazarene University, discovered the Foundation by researching cancer-related organizations’ backgrounds and financial information on the charity evaluator website Charity Navigator. She wanted to “ensure the money would go towards research and patient support and that it would be used to advance the cause and not to administration or publicity.” The Foundation would like to thank Jennifer for helping us make a world of difference in cancer care.

The Cott Family
Webster Elementary School, Malibu, California

After learning about the kidney cancer diagnosis of 20-year Webster Elementary School principal Phil Cott, students from the elementary and local high schools banded together in support. Volunteers – led by Mr. Cott’s 17-year-old daughter Rachel and 14-year-old son Daniel – began fundraising by selling bracelets to represent kidney cancer awareness. The group hoped to donate to a cancer-related organization focused on making progress with science and research; their search led them to The ASCO Cancer Foundation.

So far, the community has raised several thousands of dollars, as well as community-wide awareness of cancer information. To help his students overcome their fear of cancer, Mr. Cott has been honest and thoughtful in his approach, explaining his treatment and that he sometimes has to be away from school, and thanking them for their support. His family has also joined him in speaking to students and parents.

This community’s efforts are a great example of how any of us can make a world of difference in cancer care. The ASCO Cancer Foundation is grateful to be selected, and extends best wishes to Mr. Cott, his family, and the Malibu community.


Daniel, Phil, Rachel and Charlee Cott

Dr. Miodrag Kukrika and the late Ewa Maria Kukrika

Some of the Foundation’s grants and awards are provided through funds from individuals and family foundations. In 2008, the Ewa Maria Kukrika Fund for Pancreatic Cancer Research supported a Young Investigator Award in the area of pancreatic cancer. This fund was established by Dr. Miodrag Kukrika in honor of his wife who passed away in 2004. The recipient, Benjamin L. Musher, MD, received $50,000 for his project Combined Immunotherapy Targeting Mutated K-Ras in Adenocarcinoma of the Pancreas.