Buckeye Cruise for Cancer
The 12th annual Buckeye Cruise for Cancer sailed with great success at the end of February – raising a record $3.2 million dollars for the OSUCCC – James!
Former Buckeye athletes such as JT Barrett, Rex Kern and Katie Smith were among more than 3,000 Buckeyes who sailed on Royal Caribbean’s Independence of the Seas. Highlights of the week included a recognition of the more than 300 cancer survivors on board, Buckeye-themed fun at the pool, and presentations from OSUCCC – James leadership and researchers. The week was capped off by more than 1,000 cruisers and Bahamas residents participating in a walk/run throughout downtown Nassau, followed by a concert on board that featured country music star Jake Owen.
A critical method of fundraising on board is the Fund a Need auction, which helps purchase research equipment available for use by the OSUCCC – James’ more than 340 cancer researchers. The 2019 cruise raised $400,000 toward funding for a Cell Therapy Process Development Lab, including a trio of devices. Before a researcher’s idea can be used to treat a patient, the processes for manufacturing the cells must be scaled up, optimized and brought into compliance with FDA regulations. The addition of a second Cell Therapy Laboratory that is focused on this process development stage, along with a trio of clinical-grade manufacturing devices, will allow the cell therapy team to develop new processes without interrupting the clinical manufacturing of a rapidly growing number of patient cell therapy products.
The 2020 Buckeye Cruise will sail out of Miami, Fla., on Feb. 16 on Royal Caribbean’s Explorer of the Seas, returning Feb. 21. The 5-night cruise will feature a stop at the new “Perfect Day at CocoCay.” For sponsorship opportunities and up-to-date information, please visit buckeyecruise.com or call Travel Partners in Dublin at 614-792-6204. You can also reach out to Ashley Clark at Ashley.Clark2@osumc.edu to learn about other ways you can help support this cause.
Record total raised in 2019: $3.2 million
Total raised during Fund a Need auction: $400,000
Celebration for Life
More than 155 donors and friends gathered at Smith & Wollensky Restaurant at Easton Town Center on May 18 for the 18th annual Celebration for Life, chaired by Judy and Steve Tuckerman. The event benefits The James Fund for Life, an annual fund at Ohio State that is chaired by Abigail and Les Wexner and supports the purchase of leading-edge technology for studying and treating cancer.
This year’s Celebration for Life raised $1,261,948.91, bringing the total raised to more than $20.1 million since the fund was established in 2002.
A new $5 million commitment over the next five years was announced at the event to purchase technology for the new West Campus Ambulatory Facility.
Total raised in 2019: $1,261,948.91
Total raised since 2002: $20.1 million