A Major $2 Million Donation to Accelerate Breast Cancer Vaccine Research

Transforming Breast Cancer Vaccine Research with Philanthropy

In a ground-breaking move to enhance breast cancer vaccine research, the Brian and Sheila Jellison Family Foundation has stepped up as the first major donor to the newly established Cancer Vaccine Coalition (CVC). With a generous contribution of $2 million in matching funds, the foundation aims to not only advance scientific progress but also to inspire others to join in this crucial battle against cancer.

"We hope that our $2 million matching gift brings awareness to the need for philanthropic funding and inspires other donors to join us in CVC's crucial battle against cancer," stated Hilary Jellison Simonds, who is steering the efforts of the Florida-based philanthropic organization alongside her family.

CVC, founded by cancer survivors and dedicated advocates, including former NBC correspondent Kristen Dahlgren, focuses on accelerating the development of breast cancer vaccines. The foundation aims to eliminate barriers and increase awareness while funding pivotal clinical trials that could drastically shorten the time frame for developing effective vaccines.

Currently, breast cancer vaccines are in various stages of clinical trials across the country, with aspirations to eliminate the disease, prevent recurrence, and even avert the onset of cancer altogether. Collaborating with renowned institutions, CVC is uniting some of the top researchers in the field, including those from Cleveland Clinic, Dana-Farber, MD Anderson, Memorial Sloan Kettering, Penn Medicine, Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, and the University of Washington’s Cancer Vaccine Institute.

"The reality that vaccines are being developed for breast cancer is astonishing, but funding shortages have brought many projects to a standstill," shared Dahlgren. Referring to the staggering statistics from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, she pointed out that approximately $29 billion is spent annually in the U.S. on breast cancer treatments. "For a fraction of that cost, we can expedite research and make these life-saving cancer vaccines readily available to patients within a decade, especially when faced with the tragic fact that an average of 114 individuals succumb to breast cancer each day."

Dr. Nora Disis, a leading vaccine researcher and member of the CVC Scientific Advisory Board, underpins the organization’s mission, stating, "Breast cancer vaccines are already in the pipeline. What CVC aims to do is facilitate trial funding more rapidly and bridge gaps among premier scientists across institutions, thus accelerating the potential for therapeutic vaccines to become standard care for all breast cancer patients."

The vision is personal for the Jellison Family, who are no strangers to the trials of cancer. After losing a beloved family member to breast cancer, the urgency to drive innovative solutions has only intensified. "My mother, Sheila, often says that we must nurture hope—it's the most vital element in combating cancer," shared Jellison Simonds. "Through our partnership with CVC, we aspire to create a future where cancer is not merely managed but eradicated completely."

Established in 2024, the Cancer Vaccine Coalition is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit public charity that works to align survivors, researchers, and industry stakeholders affected by breast cancer. The organization is dedicated not only to funding clinical trials but also to raising awareness of the critical research being conducted in this space.

The Jellison Family Foundation, established in 2018, has made significant strides in supporting health initiatives, focusing on enhancing educational opportunities and assisting individuals facing challenges linked to cancer. Their previous contributions, including a monumental $25 million investment in the development of the Brian D. Jellison Cancer Institute at Sarasota Memorial Hospital, spotlight their commitment to effecting positive change in cancer care.

For more information about the Cancer Vaccine Coalition or to contribute to this mission, visit www.cancervaccinecoalition.org or reach out via email at [email protected]