(August 23, 2009) - On Wednesday August, 19th fourteen girls toured the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center (the “Hutch”) to learn more about cancer research and how the monies raised by WPFC are being utilized to find a Cure. The day started at 11am with an introduction to the campus and the layout where the scientists and doctors work. After the initial discussion the girls broke into 2 groups and went on their way, both groups making stops at two separate laboratories.
Caitlin Plese (92 Black) said, “I thought the tour was very cool and informative. The researchers explained their projects and also explained what they hope to achieve in the future. They allowed us into the labs so we could see what actually goes on while they work. We saw many of the steps of how they examine a biopsy and how they are able to make specific recommendations for that patient based on their findings. ldquo;The best part of the tour for me was being able to see, hold and feel a wax liver sample. We got to meet the people that do the work and see the equipment they utilize in their research.
The Hutch is a very interesting place.” Said Erika Torr (95 White). During the VIP luncheon, the President of Fred Hutchinson and Nobel Prize winner, Dr. Lee Hartwell, stopped by to meet and greet the athletes. It was during this time that the lone senior on the tour, Dani Streuli (91 White) presented Dr. Hartwell with the check from WPFC. Dani summarized her day by saying, “This was one of the coolest things I’ve ever done! Getting a chance to see the “behind the scenes” stuff most people never see was amazing. I had no idea now much goes into this type of research and the staff was very friendly and accommodating. Presenting the check to Dr. Hartwell was a real honor and made the day that much more special to me.
The day concluded with pictures of the girls with Dr. Hartwell and Dr. Muneesh Tewari(the doctor who actually is receiving the monies donated from the Club). Dr. Tewari came back from vacation to meet with these girls and recognize the importance of the donation to his work. He stated, “You’re always welcome to come by my lab and see what we’re doing. The environment is ever changing and you’ll always see something new.
The girls summed up the day with the following: Erika stated, “The whole experience was great! I’m so glad I got to go and see what happens behind the scenes. If we get another chance to go, I will surely be there!” Caitlin chipped in, “Overall the experience was great. I really enjoyed it and I would recommend the athletes in our club read up on what the Hutch is doing and donate their time and money to a great cause.” Madison Adams (95 White) said, “I was already interested in the sciences. This tour just showed me how many different ways there are to fulfill that interest. The fact that they do internships was also cool. I’m going to look into that. Will a two hour tour of the Hutch for 14 of our athletes create the next great scientist? Maybe. Did this event create awareness in these girls of the importance of the efforts taking place at Fred Hutchinson and the need for our Club to support such a worthy cause? You bet.
Want to know more? Ask the girls about their experience the next time you run into one of them. I’m sure they’ll have lots to say. The attendee’s were Catilen Plese, Madison Adams, Jenna Sloan, Megan Shagren, Kathryn Miccile, Ashleigh Cade, Erika Torr, Kelly Plese, Dani Streuli, Alexandra Winne, Madison Theiss, Lauren Crimi and Brittney Martin. WPFC will continue to offer opportunities for our members to learn and support our year long initiative of cancer research. Stay tuned! We have some good things planned for Cancer Awareness Month in October.
Glenn Adams VP of Community Development
