The Patrick C. Walsh Prostate Cancer Research Fund:
The Winning Vision Continues

The Patrick C. Walsh Prostate Cancer Research Fund was created to ensure that a multidisciplinary approach to discovery in the field of prostate cancer flourishes at the Johns Hopkins Medical Institutions. The generosity of those listed makes groundbreaking research possible and supports the best and brightest minds working to eradicate prostate cancer.
  This list recognizes donors to The Patrick C. Walsh Prostate Cancer Research Fund from April 1, 2002 to October 30, 2004.
  We are especially grateful to the Brady Advisory Council for their vision and dedicated support which made this fund possible.

This first issue of Prostate Cancer Discovery marks the fruition of The Patrick C. Walsh Prostate Cancer Research Fund, spearheaded by the Brady Advisory Council, and made possible by many of Dr. Walsh’s patients, their families and friends. After three decades at the helm of the Brady Urological Institute, Dr. Walsh has stepped down from his administrative responsibilities as Director to devote more time to patient care, surgery and research.

In developing the fund that bears his name, the Council has made certain that his winning approach to the prevention, treatment and ultimate cure of prostate cancer will carry on. All of us waging this war against prostate cancer-working to end the havoc of the disease, and to prevent our sons and grandsons from ever developing it-believe that the cure for prostate cancer will be found soon, and it will be found here. The Advisory Council, and all who have given to the Fund, strongly embrace the concept behind the world-class research program that Dr. Walsh has created-one that is unique in its depth, scope, and multidisciplinary approach.

Dr. Walsh believes that victory in this war hinges on a many-sided assault- our version of the Army, Navy, Air Force and Marines. Soldiers fighting a battle don’t aim to win just a few isolated skirmishes; their goal is "defeat in detail"-winning on every front. With this in mind, Dr. Walsh has enlisted and supported basic scientists, medical and radiation oncologists, and pathologists to work with urologists in finding new pathways, and developing more sophisticated weaponry to penetrate prostate cancer’s defenses.

Continuing this vision, the Walsh Fund will make it possible to attract and recruit the brightest scientists from all disciplines at Johns Hopkins to focus their efforts on prostate cancer. Each year, a request for proposals will be sent to every Johns Hopkins scientist; we will cast the net widely, to secure fresh, innovative ideas. Applications will be reviewed by a scientific advisory board, led by Dr. Walsh and made up of Hopkins faculty and two laypeople-patients who are knowledgeable about the management and treatment of the disease, as well as the most current research. Grants, ranging from $50,000 to $100,000, will be awarded each year to the most promising research initiatives.

The Walsh Fund is off to a powerful start. More than $25 million has been rasied so far to provide critical support. The latest commitment came as a surpise when Founders’ Circle members, Beth and Ross Myers, doubled their previous contribution for a total gift of $2 million at a celebratory event honoring Peg and Pat Walsh. The first grants will be awarded in the Spring of 2005. We will report the latest news from the frontlines of the research supported by the Fund in future issues of Prostate Cancer Discovery. On the right side of this page are the names of the Founders’ Circle members, donors who have given $500,000 or more in their commitment to defeating prostate cancer. Scrolling down the list are the names of all of the people (as of press time, October 30, 2004) who have given so generously to help in this effort. If you are interested in becoming a part of this groundbreaking work, please call (410) 516-6160.