Sky Foundation announces $100K raised in 2010

BLOOMFIELD HILLS – Sky Foundation, Inc., a non-profit foundation dedicated to raising awareness and funding research for the early detection of pancreatic cancer, announced it has raised approximately $100,000 in 2010, bringing the total funds it has raised since its inception in June 2008 to nearly $200,000. 

Sheila Sky Kasselman, founder, Sky Foundation, made the announcement on Nov. 30, National Pancreatic Cancer Awareness Month.

“We continue to make great strides in raising awareness about this devastating disease and in funding important research. This year we launched the first phase of the research project, said Kasselman. I am very hopeful that soon we’ll have the test to detect this cancer at an early stage.”

Sky Foundation funds a scientific and physician partnership between the Barbara Ann Karmanos Cancer Institute, Henry Ford Health System and Wayne State University. The Foundation’s goal is to raise $500,000 to develop an advanced blood screening test identifying antibodies indicating a malignancy in the pancreas. The antibodies will be used as diagnostic biomarkers that aid in the early detection of pancreatic cancer.

Kasselman, founder of Sky Foundation, is a three-year survivor of pancreatic cancer. Medical professionals affiliated with this effort include:

• Michael Tainsky, Ph.D., the Barbara and Fred Erb Endowed Professor of Cancer Genetics and Professor of Pathology at the Barbara Ann Karmanos Cancer Institute and Wayne State University.
• Steven P. Dudas, Ph.D., the project leader for the research program to identify circulating biomarkers for pancreatic cancer at Karmanos Cancer Institute.
• Ann L. Silverman, MD FACG, Director of Gastroenterology Research at Henry Ford Hospital West Bloomfield.

Visit skyfoundationinc.org for more information. You can make a secure on-line tax-deductible donation via PayPal on the web site.