'Tumor Busters' Raise Money for Miles for Moffitt
The Moffitt Postdoctoral Association’s Miles for Moffitt team, the Tumor Busters, has more than just a catchy name. With more than 60 members, many of whom are Moffitt PhD students, Postdoctoral Fellows, and Research Scientists representing diverse areas of cancer research, they are committed to preventing, finding, challenging and ultimately defeating the tumors that affect countless lives.
Led by team captain Dr. Estefania Julia, a postdoctoral fellow in Dr. Patrick Hwu’s lab, and co-captain Dr. Angimar Uriepero Palma, a postdoctoral fellow in Dr. Javier Pinilla’s lab, the team had a record number of members and raised over $4,000, all of which will go toward Moffitt research in the form of grants to faculty and postdoc researchers.
“Remarkably, we have extended our reach beyond the Moffitt community, inspiring our family, friends, and the broader local community to join us in the Miles for Moffitt event. We also extended our invitation to former Moffitt researchers, encouraging them to donate to our team,” said Dr. Julia on the team’s accomplishments this year.
In addition to collecting donations, the team hosted a fundraising Bingo Night at Black Sheep American Pub in Lutz. The event was attended by more than 40 Moffitt scientists, their friends and family members and members of the community. It raised $400. In addition to bringing the team together, the event provided a platform to raise awareness about the pivotal role Miles for Moffitt plays in facilitating new discoveries in cancer research.
“Our recent Bingo Night event served as an exceptional opportunity to raise funds for cancer research while having a great time,” Dr. Julia added. “We are thrilled that a portion of the funds raised are dedicated to supporting young scientists through grants tailored specifically for postdoctoral researchers.”
The Tumor Busters team was created by the Moffitt Postdoctoral Association (MPDA), the mission of which is to advocate for junior scientists at Moffitt and foster their academic, professional and social lives. While the organization is led by a committee of postdoctoral fellows, most events are open to any Moffitt researchers and provide a forum for professional networking across departments and career positions.
Current MPDA Chair Dr. Miguel Gomez Fontela, a postdoctoral fellow in Dr. Daniel Abate Daga’s lab, commented on the importance of the MPDA, “I am proud to be surrounded by a diverse group of people that care about their peers and dedicate their free time to create a collaborative and friendly environment for young scientists.”