People Making a Difference

"Our entire family is forever grateful to the top-notch researchers and physicians at the Hutchinson Center who dedicate their lives to finding better ways to treat cancer. We encourage people everywhere to join us in supporting the work of the Hutchinson Center."

"After two bouts with cancer and chemotherapy, I consider myself cured for today. I want to celebrate survivorship with everyone who has faced the disease. Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center has afforded me the opportunity to fight the battle from different pins on the map by participating in a study of breast cancer in women, volunteering annually for the Shore Run and Walk, attending fundraising events, and making contributions to help patients find comfort and solace during treatment. Giving back is a part of the healing process. With research in all phases, particularly prevention and early detection, the control of cancer is within reach."

"The Avon Foundation is proud to continue our support of the breast-cancer program at the Hutchinson Center, a relationship initiated in 2001. The Seattle medical and scientific community, which includes the Seattle Cancer Care Alliance and the University of Washington, shares our mission to provide access to care and to find a cure for breast cancer, with a special focus on supporting the medically underserved, and to move boldly in the search for new ways to prevent and cure breast cancer. We are especially proud to fund the unique Hutchinson Center?Johns Hopkins vaccine collaboration, and novel immune based therapies. We view this as a perfect example of the partnerships the Avon Foundation seeks to facilitate to one day eradicate breast cancer."

"Twelve years ago, after a diag-nosis of leukemia, we evaluated all the treatment options available and chose to come to the Hutchinson Center for a bone-marrow transplant. During our four months at the Center, the caring and expertise of the entire staff inspired confidence and hope and provided comfort, which took us through the most difficult time of our lives. We consider it our blessing to be able to continue to support Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center."

"Twelve years ago, after a diag-nosis of leukemia, we evaluated all the treatment options available and chose to come to the Hutchinson Center for a bone-marrow transplant. During our four months at the Center, the caring and expertise of the entire staff inspired confidence and hope and provided comfort, which took us through the most difficult time of our lives. We consider it our blessing to be able to continue to support Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center."

"Our family is very proud of Carol's late mother, Ruth Raught, who dedicated years of annual gifts and a bequest in her will to advancing the Hutchinson Center's research. Ruth wanted to help make the world a better place for everyone — including her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren — by helping to prevent and cure cancer. Her admiration for her friend and surgeon, Dr. William Hutchinson, founder of the Hutchinson Center, sparked her interest in supporting the Center, a tradition she continued until she passed away in 2003. A plaque commemorating Ruth's bequest hangs outside the pathology lab at the Center, an inspiring reminder that she left a legacy for future generations. Visiting the lab and learning about the cutting-edge research under way, our family felt proud to know we are all a part of the advancements the Center is making to save lives."

"Over the past 15 years, I've had the pleasure of being involved with the Hutchinson Center as a volunteer, financial supporter and employee. I have been inspired by my co-workers' dedication to research and impressed by their accomplishments in the fight against cancer. It is an easy choice to contribute financially to the world-class, lifesaving work at the Center, and I gladly encourage others to join in."

"Each year for 36 years, our extended family and friends have gathered on the Fourth of July for a fundraising auction of our 'junk,' with the proceeds benefiting health-care organizations. The Hutchinson Center was one of the first charities we decided to support, as we have lost family members to cancer and we want to help find cures. We believe the Hutchinson Center is the answer. Thanks to the Center's research, thousands of people have been spared the pain and sadness of losing loved ones to cancer."

"The fight against cancer is important to us, as it has taken parents, family and friends, and has touched so many others in our lifetimes. Researchers at the Hutchinson Center are increasing the chances of prevention and survival, and we are glad to support their efforts. We like to contribute continuously throughout the year, and automatic monthly donations are a simple and convenient way to fulfill this desire."

"If you are going to contribute money to cancer research, it might as well go to the best. We believe Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center is the Mecca for treatment and studies of cancer. There is nothing more important to us than cancer research, and we will always contribute in any way we can to the Hutchinson Center."

"Having lost a family member to leukemia after a nine-year fight, I have witnessed both the amazing progress made in cancer treatment and the long road still ahead of us to make cancer a manageable condition instead of a life-threatening illness. I chose the Hutchinson Center because it is a first-rate research institution with a proven track record of delivering world-class research. I believe my contribution is a wise investment for a worthy cause."

"My introduction to the Hutchinson Center occurred in the mid-1970s. My teenage cousin was awaiting a bone-marrow transplant. During a visit to Seattle from my hometown of Chicago, my husband and I toured the Center with the staff, who were very professional and forthright about my cousin's illness and treatment. He was a very early bone-marrow transplant patient, so little could be promised regarding his outcome, but we were full of hope. Although he didn't survive, I was very impressed with the doctors and the institution and have been a supporter ever since."