Breakthrough Research and Private Funding 

 

Anne Stirba was a reknowned Utah jurist and a highly respected Judge in the 3rd District Court. Known for her compassion and caring, she was praised by prosecutors and defense attorneys alike, yet few knew of Anne’s personal struggle while she was on the bench; a ten-year fight against breast cancer, one which ultimately claimed her life. Now, a decade later, the foundation bearing her name strives to make a difference in the fight against cancer, providing funding for cutting edge research.

 

 “Just today we made some amazing discoveries that I’m very excited about.”

 

Good news this day from the research laboratory of Dr. Brian Welm, PhD. with reports of a brand new discovery by researchers at Huntsman Cancer Institute. 

 

“We’ve identified a compound that kills breast cancer cells, that seems to be selective for cancer, not normal cells.“It appears to have a very specific mechanism of action and that mechanism of action we’ve determined today. So, it was fascinating.””   

 

Fascinating, indeed, and typical of the work being done at Huntsman; cutting-edge research, by top-notch scientists. Painstaking. Innovative. It not only takes time, but money. Every year millions of dollars are earmarked for cancer research, much of it from government sources, like the National Institutes of Health, but it often comes with rigid rules and guidelines. The money which really opens doors comes from private donations, money that allows researchers to push the limits.  

 

Dr. John Ward, Professor of Medicine and Chief of Oncology says aggressive, innovative research is they key to moving forward.  “There’s a phrase I like. If you always do what you’ve always done, you’ll always get what you’ve always gotten. Research can’t happen without funds to do it. Donors and private sources are critical to our work.”

 

It’s that critical understanding that drives the mission of The Anne Stirba Foundation. Spearheaded by Anne’s husband, defense attorney Peter Stirba, the foundation raises thousands every year, and every penny goes directly to Huntsman’s labs.

 

"Private funding is very, very significant in funding a different kind of research," says Stirba, "the less traditional kind of research, but probably, ultimately, the kind of research that is going to unlock something wonderful that’s going to be transformational.”

 

Linda May Hill is a thirty year cancer survivor. She equates research with hope and says she's alive today because of aggressive innovative research. “There’s amazing hope. When you see what they’re doing here and the facilities and the technology and how close they’re getting. My whole family. We’re all about donating to cancer research. Cause we know every penny goes to that. Sometime or another, sad as it is, someone you love will be affected by cancer and you’re going to want to be here. Everybody, regardless, even if it’s only five dollars, you should contribute to research.”

 

And what Anne Stirba say about the foundation’s efforts? Peter Stirba had to pause.

 

“She would say carry on  … good for you … This is still a little raw for me. Probably always will be. I imagine that Anne, wherever she is, is smiling and probably thinking this is the right thing for me to be doing.”

 

Susan Wood for the Salt TV Network

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