PHILADELPHIA, Nov. 10 /PRNewswire/ -- Gwen Darien, former publisher and editor-in-chief of MAMM magazine, has joined the American Association for Cancer Research as director of the first stand-alone department in a cancer research organization dedicated to fostering mutually beneficial and enduring partnerships among leaders of the cancer survivor, patient advocacy and scientific communities. By strengthening communications and developing collaborations among these key constituencies, AACR’s department of Survivor and Patient Advocacy will enhance efforts to accelerate progress against cancer.
The new department will build on the organization’s existing efforts in this area, which include the Scientist<-->Survivor Program(R), that was established more than six years ago to build bridges and unity among scientists and cancer survivors and advocates throughout the world. The Public Forum is also presented annually by AACR to promote public awareness of the progress in cancer research and to increase public understanding of the exciting new discoveries in the field.
“The vast group of people now surviving cancer, more than 10 million in the United States alone, continues to grow as a result of new advances in research and treatment,” said Darien.
“Advocates and scientists working together to increase funding for cancer research, to further participation in clinical trials and improve clinical trial design, and to facilitate access to cancer information for the general public is critical to advancing the prevention and cure of cancer.”
“AACR’s new department of Survivor and Patient Advocacy will strengthen and support these synergistic collaborations.”
Added AACR’s Chief Executive Officer Margaret Foti, Ph.D., M.D. (h.c.): “Needless to say, we are very pleased that Gwen Darien has joined the staff of the AACR. She brings the vital perspective of a cancer survivor and the expertise of a committed advocate to AACR’s efforts to broaden its collaboration with a wider audience of patients, survivors and advocates.”
“Gwen’s leadership of our survivor and patient advocacy program will contribute greatly to the AACR’s mission.”
Darien brings a wealth of personal and professional experience to her advocacy work. At its launch in 1997, Darien became editor-in-chief of MAMM, the country’s only consumer magazine dedicated to women with breast and reproductive cancer.
Under Darien’s stewardship, MAMM magazine won international acclaim from health advocates, health care professionals and cancer survivors alike. Her editor’s letter was one of the most widely read columns in the magazine and addressed a variety of issues such as survivorship, health disparities, controversies in women’s cancer and health care policy. A sought-after public speaker, Darien has addressed cancer survivors and scientists across the country and in Europe at panels, workshops and conferences. For her advocacy work, Darien has received honors including: Avon Foundation Media Leadership Award; LYMPHAdvocate Award from the Cure for Lymphoma Foundation; and Sisters’ Network Media Leadership Award.
Darien brings more than 20 years of experience in non profit organizational management. Before joining MAMM, based in New York City, Darien worked as a planning and management consultant. From 1991-1995, she was executive director of Los Angeles Contemporary Exhibitions (LACE). Darien was also deputy director of P.S. 1 Contemporary Art Center in Long Island City, New York from 1984-1990.
Founded in 1907, the American Association for Cancer Research is a professional society of more than 22,000 laboratory, translational, and clinical scientists engaged in all areas of cancer research in the United States and in more than 60 other countries. AACR’s mission is to accelerate the prevention and cure of cancer through research, education, communication, and advocacy. Its principal activities include the publication of five major peer-reviewed scientific journals: Cancer Research; Clinical Cancer Research; Molecular Cancer Therapeutics; Molecular Cancer Research; and Cancer Epidemiology, Biomarkers & Prevention. AACR’s Annual Meetings attract more than 15,000 participants who share new and significant discoveries in the cancer field. Specialty meetings, held throughout the year, focus on the latest developments in all areas of cancer research.
American Association for Cancer Research
CONTACT: Warren R. Froelich, AACR, +1-215-440-9300, Ext. 198,froelich@aacr.org
Web site: http://www.aacr.org/