Jay Sigel (L) with friends at The Invitational.
"Our brilliant scientists at the Abramson Cancer Center are solving cancer 's most complex challenges, and Jay 's Sigel 's determination and commitment is vital to truly pushing the needle forward. The community and tradition he has created is changing the future of cancer research, and for that, I could not be more grateful."
– John Glick, MD, Leonard and Madlyn Abramson Professor of Clinical Oncology, President of the Abramson Family Cancer Research Institute
The Jay Sigel Invitational is celebrating its 26th anniversary as a charity golf tournament in support of cancer research at the Abramson Family Cancer Research Institute (AFCRI) at Penn 's Abramson Cancer Center. The AFCRI works to transform scientific breakthroughs into innovative cancer treatments through a collaborative team approach.
Over the years, this philanthropic support has had a tremendous impact on two cancers that affect thousands of people — ;breast and prostate cancer. Twenty-six years ago, when this tournament first started, people facing breast and prostate cancer had a very different prognosis from what they face today. Philanthropy has deepened our understanding of cancer 's molecular underpinnings, its keys to resistance and drivers of growth. We have become better at fighting these diseases, but there is still work to do.
Proceeds from The Jay Sigel Invitational help to advance research that aims to continue to improve outcomes — ;to help more people survive and thrive after cancer. In breast cancer, funds are supporting clinical trials involving novel therapies for advanced metastatic disease, as well as the exploration of lower dose radiation therapy and groundbreaking trials to determine prediction of recurrent disease. In prostate cancer, David Lee, MD, thanks to funding from the tournament, continues to refine the robotic surgical approach to prostate cancer to improve outcomes and reduce complication rates.
"Jay Sigel has been an unfailing friend, confidante, and advocate for over two decades. The Jay Sigel Invitational has provided important funding and awareness for prostate cancer research and care, including early funding for robotic surgery," Dr. Lee shared. "Because of this support, I have been able to continue to develop robotic surgery as a safe option that has quality of life benefits over other treatments. I look forward to the Invitational every year because it captures the resiliency and strength of so many loved ones who battled, or are still battling, prostate cancer."
The 2018 Jay Sigel Invitational on October 8th will take place at the prestigious Aronimink Golf Club in Newtown Square, Pennsylvania — the host of this year 's BMW Championship, among other premier events. The AFCRI is fortunate to have benefitted from decades of support from this tournament, and with the additional proceeds from this year 's event, The Jay Sigel Invitational hopes to bring their fundraising total to $4 million.
Join the host and founder of this philanthropic tournament, Jay Sigel, along with the event 's Steering Committee and dedicated champions who are committed to their fundraising mission. The Abramson Cancer Center is so fortunate to have partners in the community who truly care about giving back and advancing cancer research and care.
For more event information, visit www.jaysigel.com or contact Jackie Adamczyk at Jackie.Adamczyk@uphs.upenn.edu or 610-902-1790.