Published Dec. 19, 2019
The Louisiana Cancer Foundation has a 14-year tradition of supporting breast cancer research at the University of
Louisiana Monroe, helping to fund the work of Paul W. Sylvester, Ph.D., associate dean of research in the College of Pharmacy.
Photo: The Louisiana Cancer Foundation presented a check for $10,000 to support ongoing
breast cancer research at the University of Louisiana Monroe. Pictured, from left,
are Mary Linda McCann, president of the Cancer Foundation League, Paul W. Sylvester,
Ph.D., associate dean of research in the College of Pharmacy, James Adams, LCF executive
director, Donna Jackson, LCF assistant director and Nell Seegers, chairman of the
LCF Board of Directors.
Emerald McIntyre/ULM Photo Services
LCF Executive Director James Adams, joined by Assistant Director Donna Jackson, Louisiana
Cancer Foundation League President Mary Linda McCann and Board Chairman Nell Seegers,
met with Sylvester Monday, Dec. 16, 2019, to present him with a check for $10,000.
“Part of our mission is to support research,” said Adams. “Several years ago, we were
looking for a good opportunity, something that we could get behind as far as funding,
and that’s when we heard about Dr. Paul Sylvester. We found out about his research
with tocotrienols and breast cancer and we were very impressed with him and his work.”
“It is a good fit for us because we are local 501(c)(3). We raise money locally and
put that money back into our community. We are proud to be able to fund research that
is coming from our university. We are happy to be here today to be able to add an
additional $10,000,” Adams said.
Sylvester thanked the LCF for its financial support and for the relationship which
has developed through the years.
“It’s around $130,000 now that they have donated to our research,” Sylvester said.
“It’s not only helped us out tremendously, but it’s been a way to connect with the
community. We’ve done a lot of events together such as cancer patient support groups
and fundraising activities.”
“We’ve really had a good exchange and a good friendship. When you do cancer research,
you worry about molecules. These guys put a human face on it and remind you that you
are doing it for the patients,” he said.
Sylvester is the B.J. Robinson/Pfizer Endowed Professor of Pharmacology at ULM.
In addition to research funding, the LCF supports the Theresa Marsala Memorial Nursing
Fund in the Kitty DeGree School of Nursing. This year, the LCF established a $50,000 endowed scholarship at ULM for cancer survivors, those undergoing treatment or with cancer in their immediate family, which has led
to financial hardship.
The LCF was founded in 1999 for several purposes, as stated on lacancerfoundation.org,
“ … to increase public awareness, early detection, treatment and research throughout
Northeast Louisiana.” Over the last 20 years, Adams said almost 10,000 people had
received free screenings. Annually, the LCF hosts four free cancer screenings in the
community for breast and cervical cancer, prostate cancer, skin cancer and colon/rectal
cancer. It also funds a mobile mammography unit to reach underserved areas in the
region.
The fundraising arm of LCF, the Cancer Foundation League, has provided almost $2 million in financial assistance to people with cancer in
Northeast Louisiana.
