May 18, 2007

Cancer survivor's donation aids critical research

A generous donation by MGH patient and lymphoma survivor Cheryl Chagnon will be used to aid cancer research conducted by David Scadden, MD, director of the MGH Center for Regenerative Medicine. Chagnon raised funds for the purchase of a sophisticated piece of equipment that will allow MGH researchers to study the biological environment of abnormal cells, leading to a better understanding of the factors that cause them to develop into cancer cells.

The machine was formally unveiled at a special ceremony April 13. Guests included Scadden and Eyal Attar, MD, the MGH physician who treated Chagnon during her illness. During the event, Chagnon also presented a plaque she prepared in tribute to the nurses and physicians who cared for her during her stay on Ellison 14. Mary McNeice, RN, one of Chagnon's caregivers, accepted the plaque on behalf of the Ellison 14 staff.

Chagnon established the Cheryl Chagnon Lymphoma Research Fund, Inc. in 2002 to support and advance cancer research in the Boston area. To date, the organization has raised more than $100,000 for research at the MGH.

From left, McNeice, Scadden, Attar, Chagnon and Chagnon's son, Nathan, with the new machine