Oct 8, 2024

Cancer Foundation of Santa Barbara marks 75th Anniversary Presenting, with UCSB Arts & Lectures, Nobel Prize-Winning Biochemist and CRISPR Technology Co-Inventor Dr. Jennifer Doudna

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE, Santa Barbara, CA – The Cancer Foundation of Santa Barbara proudly celebrates its 75th Anniversary, marking a significant milestone in the organization’s commitment to providing funding for superior cancer care to all residents of Santa Barbara County. Since its founding in 1949, the Cancer Foundation has emerged as the foremost fundraising organization for cancer care in the area. In celebration of this achievement, the Cancer Foundation is honored to partner with UCSB Arts & Lectures to co-sponsor Nobel prize-winning biochemist Dr. Jennifer Doudna, to discuss “CRISPR Gene Editing and the Future of Human Health,” on Tuesday, October 22 at the Granada Theater.

Biochemist Jennifer Doudna’s co-discovery of CRISPR-Cas9 with collaborator Emmanuelle Charpentier changed human and agricultural genomics research forever. A novel weapon in the fight against cancer and genetic diseases, the simple yet high-precision practice of editing an organism’s DNA using an RNA-guided protein found in bacteria has become one of the most revolutionary advancements in modern biology. In addition to her scientific achievements, Doudna is a leader in public discussion of the ethical implications of genome editing for human biology and societies, and advocates for thoughtful approaches to the development of policies around the safe use of CRISPR technology. She co-authored A Crack in Creation and is the subject of Walter Isaacson’s bestseller The Code Breaker.

“Hosting Dr. Doudna, whose groundbreaking work has profound implications for cancer patients, aligns strongly with the Cancer Foundation’s commitment to supporting pioneering technologies, research, and programs that aid in cancer prevention, diagnosis, and treatment,” said Lori Willis, Executive Director of the Cancer Foundation.

The Cancer Foundation of Santa Barbara has remained steadfast in its decades-long commitment to ensuring exceptional cancer care is available to all local residents regardless of where they receive treatment. The Cancer Foundation is the leading non-profit fundraising and grant making institution dedicated to cancer care in Santa Barbara County.

Origins of the Cancer Foundation

The inception of the Cancer Foundation of Santa Barbara traces back to Lillian Converse, who battled terminal cancer in 1948 and faced difficulties accessing treatment in Los Angeles. Motivated to help others facing similar challenges, her physician, Dr. Henry Ullmann, envisioned bringing a state-of-the-art one-million-volt x-ray machine to Santa Barbara. Lillian’s husband, Elisha Converse, made this vision a reality with a generous donation in her memory, founding what is now known as the Cancer Foundation of Santa Barbara.

A Legacy of Cancer Care

Elisha Converse’s forward-thinking vision for advanced cancer care in Santa Barbara has grown into a vital community institution dedicated to improving cancer diagnosis, treatment, prevention, and cure for patients throughout our community. While its name has evolved over the years – from the Memorial Cancer Foundation to the Cancer Center of Santa Barbara to the Cancer Foundation of Santa Barbara, its commitment to quality cancer care has never wavered.

New Comprehensive Cancer Center

In partnership with Sansum Clinic, the Cancer Foundation conducted the Campaign for the New Cancer Center which marked a significant milestone in the Cancer Foundation’s journey. In 2017 the establishment of a comprehensive cancer center united three locations into one. This transformative development was made possible by the generous support of hundreds of community donors and the late philanthropist, Lady Leslie Ridley-Tree, whose extraordinary contribution earned her the privilege of having the facility named Ridley-Tree Cancer Center in her honor. Each year, the Cancer Foundation raises and allocates millions of dollars to Ridley-Tree Cancer Center, to enable high-quality cancer care that rivals renowned cancer centers across the United States.

“The Cancer Foundation of Santa Barbara takes great pride in its 75-year legacy of unwavering commitment to advancing cancer care and support for all,” said Kristen Blabey, Board Chair. “We could not have achieved this milestone without the generous support of our donors, volunteers, and partners who have helped us advance our mission over the years.”

Tickets to the lecture are available through UCSB Arts & Lectures, by calling (805) 893-3535 or visiting https://artsandlectures.ucsb.edu, or by calling the Granada Theater box office (805)899-2222 or online at granadasb.org.