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From Susan Wojcicki and Rachael Lillis dying of cancer to the President Biden announcing that Cancer Moonshot initiative received $150 million, here’s what’s happening in the oncology space.
The former YouTube CEO died of lung cancer.
Susan Wojcicki, the former CEO of YouTube, died of lung cancer.
Susan Wojcicki, the former CEO of YouTube, died of non-small cell lung cancer at the age of 56.
Her husband, Dennis Troper, posted on Facebook announcing her death “after two years of living with non-small cell lung cancer.”
“I took on each challenge that came my way because it had a mission that benefited so many people’s lives around the world: finding information, telling stories and supporting creators, artists, and small businesses. I’m so proud of everything we’ve achieved. It’s been exhilarating, meaningful, and all-consuming,” Wojcicki wrote in a blog post in 2023 and noted that she would step down as YouTube CEO to focus on family, herself and her health.
The Cancer Moonshot initiative received $150 million in research grants.
This week, President Joe Biden announced that the Cancer Moonshot initiative will receive $150 million from the Advanced Research Projects Agency for Health. The money, according to the Associated Press, will fund eight research teams that are investigating how to successfully remove tumors from people with cancer by helping clinicians visualize tumors in real time.
The Cancer Moonshot is an initiative established by Biden in 2017 and then revitalized by the president in 2022. The goal is to bring together federal agencies, private companies, health care providers, patient groups and philanthropies to reduce the death rate from cancer by 50% over a 25-year period.
About Kisqali (ribociclib):
“I’m a congenital optimist about what Americans can do,” Biden said. “There’s so much that we’re doing. It matters.”
A “Saturday Night Live” alum announced that her cancer is inoperable.
Victoria Jackson, an actress known for her stint on “Saturday Night Live” in the 80s, as well as “The Weird Al Show” and other comedies, recently announced that her breast cancer has returned and cannot be operated on. In an Instagram video, the 65-year-old said that her oncology team “cannot operate and cut out the marble in my chest that is laying on my windpipe, and eventually would suffocate me to death.” The actress was initially diagnosed with cancer in 2016.
Jackson mentioned that she has been prescribed Kisqali (ribociclib), a CDK4/6 inhibitor that will, “shrink the marble, hopefully.” She explained that her life expectancy is “32.6 months… something like that,” and went on to say that she has had a good life.
MLB Hall-of-Famer from Chicago Cubs is cancer-free.
Ryne Sandberg, 64, the second baseman of the Chicago Cubs, announced that he is cancer-free. In January, he revealed that he received a diagnosis of metastatic prostate cancer. Through a May Instagram post, he shared that PET and MRI scans showed no evidence of disease.
“Rang the Bell this morning,” Sandberg wrote in a recent Instagram post. “WE did it, WE won! What a dream team, family, doctors, friends, nurses, fans who supported myself and Margaret through the last eight months! We feel so blessed from all the love, prayers and thoughts and positive words that have come our way!”
A ‘Pokemon’ voice actress died of breast cancer.
Rachael Lillis, an English-language voice actress for the TV and movie adaptations of “Pokemon,” died at 55 of breast cancer.
“It is with a very heavy heart that I share the news of the passing of Rachael Lillis on Saturday evening…” said Veronica Taylor, a co-voice actress on the show, in a social media post. “Rachael was an extraordinary talent, a bright light that shone through her voice whether speaking or singing. She will be forever remembered for the many animated roles she played, with her iconic performances as ‘Pokemon’s’ Misty and Jessie being the most beloved.
“Rachel was so thankful for all the generous love and support that was given to her as she [experienced] cancer. It truly made a positive difference.”
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