AACR Donors and Partners
Rodney and Erika McLeod Continue to Support the AACR
Education, advocacy, and awareness are at the core of the mission of the American Association for Cancer Research® (AACR). They are also at the heart of Change Our Future, the nonprofit youth development organization founded by NFL Super Bowl champion and former Philadelphia Eagles player Rodney McLeod Jr. and his wife, Erika McLeod. The partnership between the two organizations is a natural one.
Longtime AACR supporters, both the McLeods and Change our Future have supported initiatives that aim to foster the next generation of cancer researchers. Their generous contributions support the AACR Special Program for High School Students and the AACR Minority Scholar in Cancer Research Travel Awards. Both programs give grantees unparalleled opportunities for learning and networking with leaders in cancer research at the AACR Annual Meeting.
Like many others, the McLeods have been impacted by cancer. Rodney’s grandmother passed away from pancreatic cancer, while Erika’s mother is a two-time breast cancer survivor. Witnessing their loved ones’ cancer experiences motivates their commitment to giving back and raising awareness about the importance of cancer research.
One way the McLeods help raise awareness and funds for cancer research is through the Change Our Future Sneaker Ball. The gala event is upscale with a twist—a black-tie dress code paired with the latest and most fashionable athletic footwear. In addition to live entertainment, auctions, and other exciting features, the event also recognizes professionals whose innovation, accomplishments, and impact have had an undeniable impact on their communities. At the 4th Annual Sneaker Ball in June 2024, Mitch Stoller, AACR Foundation chief philanthropic officer and vice president of development, was one of five leaders recognized with the Change Our Future Game Changer Award.
“I am honored to receive this prestigious award from this great foundation,” said Stoller. “My colleagues and I at AACR look forward to continuing our work with Rodney, Erika, and Change Our Future to support students and early-career scientists who represent the future of cancer research so that we can make more progress against all forms of cancer.”
The AACR congratulates Stoller on receiving this award for his efforts to advance research-driven progress against cancer and are honored to have strong and generous partners like Change Our Future and the McLeods, who have committed to continued support for the AACR and early-career cancer researchers.
Beatrice Mintz, PhD: Leaving a Generous Legacy Through Her Will
Beatrice Mintz, PhD (1921-2022), did many remarkable things over the course of her seven decades as a cancer scientist. She was also a trailblazing pioneer in multiple fields of cancer biology and made discoveries that have been leveraged by countless researchers to advance progress in cancer science and medicine. Among the numerous awards and recognitions she received, Dr. Mintz was a Fellow of the American Association for Cancer Research (FAACR).
“Dr. Mintz made foundational discoveries and revolutionized many tools and techniques of molecular biology that paved the way for tremendous progress in our understanding of cancer,” said Margaret Foti, PhD, MD (hc), CEO of the American Association for Cancer Research® (AACR).
Dr. Mintz was unique in both her personality and scientific style. She had a way of identifying what she considered the most fundamental questions and then determining the most direct and convincing way to answer them. Before her death on January 3, 2022, she had one more question for the AACR: How could she make research-driven progress against cancer her legacy? As she had numerous times before, Dr. Mintz provided a clear and compelling answer: a gift of more than $600,000 left to the AACR in her will.
The AACR is incredibly grateful for all that Dr. Mintz contributed to the field of cancer research during her distinguished career. The generous funds so thoughtfully entrusted to our care will be used to continue advancing our mission to prevent and cure cancer.
A legacy commitment to the AACR ensures a lasting impact on scientific discovery and innovation in the treatment and prevention of cancer for generations to come. By including the AACR in your legacy gift planning, you can achieve the goals that are important to you and your family, while sustaining the mission and future of an organization that you value and believe in.
Visit AACR.org/Legacy or contact us at legacy@aacr.org to learn more about including the AACR in your estate plans.
Supporting Cancer Research Is a Family Affair
In January 2024, a lesion appeared on Phet Siphengphone’s nose that prompted a visit to the doctor. What he and his family thought would be a simple infection turned out to be much worse. It was cancer. By the time the lesion appeared, the cancer had spread throughout much of his body, but its primary origin site was unknown. Three months later, its origin was still not known, but treatment had begun. The family rallied around him to form a strong network of support—he was not alone. But the family wanted to do more, to make a difference for others going through similar circumstances. “It hits home when people you love get that diagnosis,” said Nicole Concepcion, his future daughter-in-law. “We wanted to support the cause and bring awareness to this type of ailment.”
Concepcion and Kandace Siphengphone, Phet’s sister-in-law, decided to organize an event to bring the whole family together to show their support and make a difference. They found out about the 2024 AACR Runners for Research 5K Run/Walk held on April 6, 2024, in San Diego. After researching the organization’s mission and programs, the family agreed to raise funds for the AACR and participate in the event as Team Papa, Su Su!, Laotian for Dad, Fight Fight! The team collected donations by sharing the event page on their networks, communicating about fundraising but also sharing how Phet was doing and his treatment status.
By the day of the event, Team Papa, Su Su! was 60 members strong and had raised nearly $5,000 for lifesaving cancer research. With matching team shirts emblazoned with Phet’s image, an incredible amount of love and support, and varying athletic paces, every member completed the race, cheering for each other along the way. In a beautiful setting with perfect weather, the family extended the early morning race to an all-day family reunion. Most of the family members are local to the San Diego area, but some had flown in from as far as Illinois.
The family supported Phet through his cancer journey with biweekly chemotherapy treatments. As the medication treated Phet’s cancer, the family did what they could to support him holistically. They made sure he got proper nutrition and stayed active. They gathered to share old memories and make new ones to keep their spirits up. Concepcion even taught her meditation practice to Phet to help him process the feelings and emotions that come with cancer treatment.
The AACR was deeply saddened to hear of Phet’s passing in late 2024. “He fought a good fight,” said Nicole. “May he rest in peace and love.” Still, Phet’s family hopes to make their reunion and support for cancer research an annual event. Though the AACR won’t return to San Diego until Annual Meeting 2026, Team Papa, Su Su! plans to be there.
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