December 6 , 2002

The Lance Armstrong Foundation (LAF) recently awarded a $50,000 research grant to Diane Wright, PhD, director of the MGH Vincent Embryology In Vitro Fertilization Laboratory.

Wright submitted the winning proposal, which focuses on methods to preserve the reproductive capacity of women undergoing treatment for cancer. Her work is part of an innovative new area of reproductive medicine commonly known as egg freezing, which helps women who face toxic anticancer treatments – such as chemotherapy – keep their reproductive potential. Wright's study, "Microinjection of Sugars: A Novel System for Long-Term Preservation of Human Oocytes," evaluates how the eggs survive during the process of freezing.

The grant comes from the foundation that was created by Lance Armstrong, who survived testicular cancer, became a father of three children through in vitro fertilization and went on to four consecutive victories in the Tour de France bicycle race.

Founded in 1997, the LAF seeks to enhance the quality of survival of those diagnosed with cancer. The grant program helps promote the optimal physical, psychological and social recovery and care of cancer survivors and their loved ones. The foundation awards grants to research programs to help aid cancer survivors and provides funding for scientific and clinical research aimed at achieving a better understanding of cancer and survivorship. Since its inception, the LAF has awarded more than $3 million in grants for programs and research.