The beneficiary of Leslie's Fund is the Translational Genomics Research Institute (TGen). TGen is a nonprofit biomedical research institute based in Phoenix, Ariz. whose mission is to help translate scientific discoveries into diagnostics, treatments and cures for diseases—including melanoma. One hundred percent of Leslie's Fund contributions go toward TGen's melanoma research initiatives.
The TGen Foundation, where "Leslie's Fund" is established, is the fundraising arm of the institute. TGen has a dedicated staff of research investigators who focus their work entirely on detection, treatment and the search for a cure for melanoma.
Dr. Jeffrey Trent, PhD., is TGen's President and Scientific Director. Previously, Dr. Trent was Scientific Director of the National Human Genome Research Institute at the National Institutes of Health. An Arizona native, Dr. Trent has dedicated much of his scientific career to pioneering work in defining the molecular pathology of malignant melanoma, and showing how the development of molecular fingerprints can be used to predict response to treatment.
The vision of TGen is to create a world in which genomic discoveries, utilizing the DNA mapping developed by the National Institute of Health, are translated rapidly into the diagnosis and treatment of disease in a manner tailored to the individual. In other words, the scientists at TGen:
TGen's governing board comprises individuals from the academic, scientific, corporate and philanthropic communities locally and nationally, including Gov. Janet Napolitano and all three presidents from the state's universities. Arizona Sen. John McCain serves as chairman of the National Advisory Council to the TGen Foundation.
The incidence of melanoma is rising faster than any other cancer, and it is the deadliest of skin cancers. Melanoma is the leading cause of cancer death among women ages 20-29, and the second most deadly cancer for women ages 30-34.
The cancer does not discriminate by race or gender; men and women are affected in equal proportions, and the cancer affects people worldwide. One person dies every hour from melanoma. Get more facts about melanoma.
TGen is covering the administrative costs of the Fund. This means that every dollar of your contribution goes directly to research. All contributions are fully tax-deductible. TGen welcomes and offers enthusiastic support for the Leslie Ann Ballard Melanoma Research Fund.
