Dr. Susan M. Domchek, M.D., of Abramson Cancer Center, Univ. of PA

Dr. Domchek is working diligently to change the future course of breast cancer treatment forever. Recent advances in genetic research have enabled scientists to identify certain weaknesses or mutations in the very cells which cause breast cancer. Targeted therapies such PARP inhibitors, attack the cancer by taking advantage of its weakness without the use of toxic chemicals or therapies. Already, patients with known mutations (BRCA1 or 2) have been successfully treated using this approach.

Other advances in fighting this disease include the use of cancer vaccines. These vaccines are different from the ones we give our children to prevent a specific virus. Instead, these vaccines are designed to enable a woman’s immune system to attack the cancer that already exists. Using the “memory” resident in our immune system, the vaccine should keep cancer from coming back. This advance will greatly increase both the quality of life and survivorship for those with more advanced cases of breast cancer.
Click here to view a 3-minute video highlighting some of Dr. Domchek’s recent achievements.

The Holmdel Community United Church of Christ (HCUCC)

HCUCC is a ‘community’ church, serving people of many different religious backgrounds. It, in turn, serves many in our wider community by staffing and supporting food pantries & soup kitchens (St Mark’s Soup Kitchen; Keyport Food Pantry), homeless services (Bridges program; Habitat for Humanity; Advocate for Affordable Housing), overseas development projects (One Great Hour of Sharing), children’s and youth ministries and more.

This church has deep roots in our community making its facility available to both its members and others within the area including Alcoholics Anonymous, various fledgling church groups, both Boy and Girl scout programs, and Newcomers and Neighbors of Colts Neck and Holmdel.

HCUCC’s facilities, which have been home to these and other fine causes date as far as 1705 and are in need of refurbishment. The goal is to upgrade the existing infrastructure and expand to better meet the needs of its burgeoning congregation, while preserving its historic beauty and character.