SLAYING CANCER WITH DATA

Written By Candy Hammeras

In 2017 I produced my first cancer concert in Los Angeles, California. Through a connection with Cancer Moonshot, I met Dr. Jay Storm, Chief of Neurosurgery at Children's Hospital Philadelphia, and Amanda Haddock, Founder of Dragon Master Foundation. I invited both to attend and participate in the opening remarks of the concert to share their mission for open data brain tumor tissue collaboration. Amanda lost her son at age 16 to DIPG, and her dedication to him and her passion for curing brain cancer is remarkable. Amanda has recently been appointed to the NCI Brain Malignancies Steering Committee, which addresses the design, prioritization, and evaluation of concepts for large phase 2 and phase 3 clinical trials in adult brain cancers and all pediatric brain cancer trials. Amanda openly shares the patient community's concerns in this trial development stage and sits on the NCI Patient Advocate Steering Committee.

Amanda's Foundation is focused on utilizing big data and technology to speed up research and democratize access to research information. Lately, she is working on how existing datasets can be leveraged for use as a control arm in clinical trials, especially for terminal patients.

I turn to Amanda for assistance and trial recommendations, and she refers patients to me who require urgent assistance. I could not let my 2023 dedication to Go Gray In May occur without honoring Amanda and her brilliant work for all brain tumors - a promise she made to her son, David. I am one of her true fans and am honored to call her my friend.

Sincerely,

Candy Hammeras, CTR Founder

Candy Hammeras

Candy Hammeras is the founder of Cancer Teamwork Response and The Hammeras Group, LLC. These patient advocacy groups have helped over 4,000 patients across the United States for the past 12 years. A respected healthcare leader with varied high-level hospital experience, her focus is on patient navigation for the most complex cancers in patients of all ages. Candy has become known for her compassion for patients with cancer and her connections to physicians and top-notch facilities in the U.S. She is a sought-after speaker, educator and advocate. You can find more information about Candy on the provided link.

https://www.hammerasgroup.com/
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