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Statewide law firm supports cancer research The law firm of Haynsworth Sinkler Boyd, P.A., has contributed $25,000 to support a five-year distinguished lectureship in cancer research at Hollings Cancer Center.  Named the Haynsworth Sinkler Boyd Distinguished Lectureship in Cancer Research, the firm’s gift will enable Hollings Cancer Center to attract a world-renowned figure in cancer research to share the latest discoveries and innovations with scientists and physicians at Hollings Cancer Center.  Unlike many lectureships, the Haynsworth Sinkler Boyd lectures will be open to the public.  Center director Carolyn Reed, M.D., said lectureships often play an important role in facilitating medical discoveries.  “We create an optimal environment for discovery when we can bring the best minds in cancer research around the same table.  Obviously, geography sometimes prevents us from doing that,” said Reed.  “That’s why these lectureships are so important because they allow us to get a more complete view of cancer, and the cure for this disease is going to be found through that fuller  understanding.”  In announcing the contribution, Joseph J. Blake, co-managing director located in the firm’s Greenville office, said the firm’s decision to support the lectureship was based on a desire to end a disease that has had a devastating impact on South Carolina’s population.  Cancer claims the lives of nearly 8,000 South Carolinians each year, and more than 17,000 new cancer cases are diagnosed every year in the state.   “We know firsthand the debilitation of this illness, as no one is immune to this disease,” said  Blake.  “Our firm has had personal experience with attorneys and staff being diagnosed, and this opportunity to assist bench to bedside research is another step in our fight against cancer, the second leading cause of death in South Carolina.  We want to continue to help in the mission of improving the health of all South Carolinians.”  “We are grateful for the generosity of Haynsworth Sinkler Boyd, P.A. in establishing this distinguished lectureship for the Hollings Cancer Center,” said Steven Rosenzweig, Ph.D., HCC associate director for basic science research. “This annual presentation will recognize a leading international or national cancer researcher who will come to Charleston to deliver a keynote lecture and collaborate with the multidisciplinary team of MUSC’s Hollings Cancer Center. This underwriting provides us with a source to initiate a stimulating lecture series that will in turn increase the prestige and visibility of the Hollings Cancer Center.  It is our belief that this will become a coveted lectureship by the cancer research community.”      Catalyst Online is published weekly, updated as needed and improved from time to time by the MUSC Office of Public Relations for the faculty, employees and students of the Medical University of South Carolina. Catalyst Online editor, Kim Draughn, can be reached at 792-4107 or by email, catalyst@musc.edu. Editorial copy can be submitted to Catalyst Online and to The Catalyst in print by fax, 792-6723, or by email to petersnd@musc.edu or catalyst@musc.edu. To place an ad in The Catalyst hardcopy, call Community Press at 849-1778.