State and university officials will discuss the creation of the Florida Center for Brain Tumor Research
WHAT: State and university officials will discuss the creation of the Florida Center for Brain Tumor Research at the Evelyn F. and William L.
McKnight Brain Institute of the University of Florida. The new center will work with hospitals statewide to collect tissue and disseminate data on brain tumors, creating a powerful tool to facilitate clinical trials, funding opportunities and research collaborations. The ultimate goal is to find a cure for brain tumors. Among the participants:
* State Rep. Anne Gannon, Delray Beach, who authored the enabling legislation
* Dennis Steindler, Ph.D., executive director of UF’s McKnight Brain Institute
* William Friedman, M.D., chairman of the department of neurosurgery in the College of Medicine
WHERE: Room LG-110A of UF’s McKnight Brain Institute, 100 S. Newell Drive, Gainesville. The discussion will be followed by a tour of various facilities, including the new neurooncology research lab.
WHEN: 2 p.m. Monday, July 24
BACKGROUND: Gannon’s husband died of a brain tumor in 2005. During his illness, the family realized treatment options were limited. She shepherded a bill through the Florida Legislature in 2006 that provides $500,000 for the creation of the Florida Center for Brain Tumor Research to develop brain tumor treatments and cures. Gov. Jeb Bush signed the bill into law June 20.
New brain tumors arise in more than 200,000 Americans each year. They are the second most common cause of cancer-related death in people up to the age of 35, with a slight peak in occurrence among children between the ages of 6 and 9. Brain tumors are most common among middle-aged and older adults. People in their 60s face the highest risk – each year 1 of every 5,000 people in this age group develops a brain tumor.
CONTACT: Media representatives are encouraged to contact John Pastor, public relations coordinator for UF’s McKnight Brain Institute, at
352-273-5815 or jdpastor@ufl.edu to inquire about parking or technical needs.