For a quarter-century, Conquer Cancer has strived to help early-career investigators and the brightest minds in cancer research turn promising ideas into lifesaving realities.
Riccardo Braglia's life has been deeply touched by cancer on three occasions.
The first was in 2007 when his close friend, an esteemed architect, passed away from multiple myeloma shortly after undergoing tough chemotherapy. The treatment brought about many harsh side effects, such as fatigue, nausea, and chronic pain.
The second time cancer struck was in 2015 when his mother, Anna Braglia, lost her battle with ovarian cancer. She was diagnosed at 81 with no prior health issues, but sadly, by the time the cancer was found, it was too late. Within 6 months, she passed away.
“My mother’s journey was different. She declined rapidly, which is unusual for ovarian cancer patients, even at her age,” Mr. Braglia remembered.
In 2021, Mr. Braglia faced his own cancer diagnosis: leukemia. Unlike his mother's situation, his cancer was caught early enough for successful treatment with stem cell transplantation, thanks to advancements in screening and risk assessment.
The doctor who oversaw Mr. Braglia's treatment had gained valuable experience in the U.S., which directly influenced his care. But none of this would have been possible without long-term investments in cancer research.
“If my cancer had been found just 6 months later, I may not be here today,” Mr. Braglia acknowledged. “Investing in tools to detect cancer early is crucial. I was fortunate to have this opportunity.”
These experiences fueled Mr. Braglia's commitment to supporting cancer research and care. By the time of his diagnosis, Mr. Braglia and his company, HELSINN, had redirected much of their philanthropy towards raising awareness and funds for cancer research to improve patient quality of life, ensure earlier detection, and speed up the development of new treatments.
“Having been both a patient and a survivor, I truly understand the value of cancer research. Just 20 years ago, my diagnosis might have been a death sentence,” Mr. Braglia reflected.
In 2017, HELSINN established the Anna Braglia Endowed YIA in Cancer Supportive Care through Conquer Cancer.
“With ongoing research support, we can create new treatments that not only treat but potentially cure patients,” Mr. Braglia hopes.
