We are grateful to the ACC patient community for the numerous ways they contribute, including (but not limited to) submitting names for the ACC Physicians List, participating in clinical trials, and donating their time, funds and tumor specimens. Listed below are a few ACC patients that we wish to highlight for their extensive contributions to ACCRF. We feel honored to have known, worked and befriended these amazing people.
Shawn Elizabeth George has never backed down from a challenge. So when she was diagnosed with ACC in 2017, she knew that a greater purpose could come from an incredibly difficult situation.
Shalil Giannone knows the importance of community. Transforming her own diagnosis into an opportunity to connect, Shalil works tirelessly to ensure that her fellow ACC patients have the support, care, and connection they need to thrive.
Irwin and Joan Jacobs have been cornerstones of ACCRF’s progress. Without their dedicated support and guidance, ACC research would not have grown into such a significant field that has provided countless patients with justifiable hope for better treatments.
It takes determination to become a world-class athlete. It takes determination to face an ACC diagnosis and manage the disease over a decade. And it takes determination to share your painful and glorious journey in a very public way. Amazingly, Gabe Grunewald mustered the determination to handle all three efforts at the same time.
A young mother diagnosed with ACC might be forgiven for blocking out the world and focusing on only her immediate family. Ella Pinney refused to shrink within her own world.
As one of the original members of ACCRF’s Board of Directors, Kara Gelb helped set the tone and direction of the foundation. She combined a keen, results-oriented mind with a velvety ability to put people at ease in coming to useful solutions.
Golf can be a good walk for a good cause. This is the lesson to be learned from the Doherty and Palus families, whose ACCRF Golf Tournaments have raised more than $75,000 for adenoid cystic carcinoma research in just two years.
Dan Dubé is remembered as the vibrant, committed and empathetic champion of the ACC patient community that, more than anyone, he helped build.