UAB Cancer Center’s Fiesta Ball helps fund young cancer researchers

The May 4 UAB Comprehensive Cancer Center Fiesta Ball will support the work of young cancer research scientists and cancer outreach efforts.

fiesta ball 2018The Young Supporters Board of the UAB Comprehensive Cancer Center will present Fiesta Ball 2018, an evening with live music, delicious food by Happy Catering and a silent auction Friday, May 4, 7-11 p.m. at Haven, 2515 Sixth Ave. South.

The annual, fun-filled event will benefit young cancer researchers at UAB by jump-starting their research, with the goal of leveraging their research findings to compete for additional federal grants. The silent auction portion of the evening will benefit cancer outreach efforts focused on eliminating cancer disparities throughout the state of Alabama.

“It is critical we support the next generation of scientists. Young cancer researchers are at the beginning of their careers and must compete for funding with more established scientists,” said Michael Birrer, M.D., Ph.D., director of the UAB Comprehensive Cancer Center. “They often lack the necessary body of research data to be competitive. If their work is not funded, many of these bright young minds will leave research for more lucrative fields, taking the next potential breakthrough discovery with them.”

The Young Supporters Board of the UAB Cancer Center was established in 2006 to introduce the next generation of Alabamians to the importance of cancer research and awareness. The board is composed of young professionals who have been touched by cancer in some way. 

Tickets can be purchased for Fiesta Ball in advance for $35 by clicking here; the cost at the door will be $40. Valet and self-parking will be available. Ride sharing is encouraged.

The title sponsor for this year’s event is Alabama Power. The grand sponsors are AutoTec and the StoneRiver Company. Other event sponsors include ARD Contracting, Capstone Real Estate Investments, Jemison Investment Co., and Warren Averett CPAs and Advisors.   

To donate directly to the UAB Comprehensive Cancer Center Young Investigator Grant Fund, visit uab.edu/giveysb.

For more information, visit www.uab.edu/fiestaball or contact Alex Huffman at 205-934-1603 or ahuffman@uab.edu.