Patty Klein Ovarian Cancer Research Fund Giving Page's Fundraising Page

Patty succumbed to Ovarian Cancer in September 2018, but her legacy lives on in many ways, including her funding of vaccine research at Dana-Farber.

Here is the story of her wonderful experience at Dana-Farber

I am living proof that cancer research at Dana-Farber prolongs and saves lives. Innovative research relies on philanthropic support to seed projects and accelerate studies. Jay and I have established the, Patty Klein Ovarian Cancer Research Fund to support a leading-edge clinical trial. I hope you will join us in our quest to win and make a contribution to our Fund.

In 2010, while busy running a successful business, I found myself unable to ignore a gnawing pain in my abdomen, which turned out to be advanced ovarian cancer.

At that time the standard treatment plan started with surgery, chemotherapy and genetic testing. However, because the cancer was late stage at diagnosis, the odds were that the cancer would return. Between 2010 and 2013, I had two reoccurrences and 34 rounds of chemotherapy.
Little did I know, simultaneously, Dana-Farber's director of GynecologicOncology, Dr. Ursula Matulonis and her teams of clinician-researchers were working feverishly to bring a novel therapy to the clinic for ovarian cancer patients. Their significant contributions and leadership lead to the approval of two new treatment options, PARP inhibitors olaparib and niraparib, forovarian cancer.

After my third reoccurrence in 2013, my husband Jay and I vigorously searched the NIH website for a clinical trial. Thankfully we found our way to Dana-Farber. My amazing team worked with us over the winter holidays to enroll me in a combination PARP inhibitor study at the Institute's, Susan F. SmithCenter for Women's Cancers. This study gave me the longest period of disease control (1 ½ years).

Now in the throws of my 7th reoccurrence, this team again has a novel treatment option for me. We now entrust my care exclusively to Dana-Farber and commute from Miami for treatment in an immunotherapy combination clinical trial.

Tirelessly pushing for better outcomes, Dr. Matulonis and her team is leveraging Dana-Farber's robust research enterprise and clinical program todevelop a novel treatment option that combines immunotherapy with a vaccine personalized for a patient's specific tumor.
 
I am living proof that philanthropic gifts make a difference. With each recurrence, my team has been able to offer me new options. In fact, NONE of the medications offered to me today were available when I started this long journey in 2010. Progress is swift, when funding needs are met.

Click Here to view my 2017 SusanSmith Center Executive Council Breakfast speech.
 
Thank you for your consideration and investment.