Chase After a Cure gala raises $125k for research: 2/15

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Chase After a Cure gala raises $125k for research

More than 400 people attended the fifth annual Chase After a Cure gala Feb. 2. Proceeds totaled approximately $125,000, which surpassed the $72,000 raised in 2012.

More than 400 people attended the annual gala Feb. 2.

Donors stepped up to support the Fund the Need effort, giving $56,000 toward specific equipment for research at the MUSC Children's Hospital. Of that, $30,000 will be used to purchase a machine that will allow for real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) testing.

According to Jacqueline Kraveka, D.O., an MUSC pediatric oncologist, detection of gene expression by real-time PCR testing is one of the most valuable tools in biological research today.

Morgan Pierce, 9, of Florida, talks about her experience with cancer as Whitney Ringler, founder of Chase After a Cure, listens.

Real-time PCR is performed using a thermocycler. MUSC researchers will use the thermocycler to examine differences in gene expression in tumor samples, thereby identifying new targets for neuroblastoma treatment. They also will detect changes in gene expression in response to drug treatments, which allows for a better understanding of how the medicines are working and ultimately help develop better treatments.

Friday, Feb. 15, 2013

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