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.
Thomas G. Roberts, Jr., MD, FASCO, remembers his cousin, Grant R. Merryman, as a kind, generous, and witty person who cared deeply about helping others.
When Mr. Merryman passed away suddenly in 2016, Dr. Roberts—who was then leading Conquer Cancer’s Board of Directors—wanted to honor his cousin’s memory in a meaningful way. Even though Mr. Merryman didn't die from cancer, Dr. Roberts felt that creating an endowed award would be the best tribute to his life and the difference he made. In 2018, Dr. Roberts and his wife, Susan DaSilva, PhD, made a lasting gift to Conquer Cancer by funding the Endowed YIA in honor of Grant R. and Victoria A. Merryman.
Endowments, Dr. Roberts explained, create lasting effects; donors want to see their contributions grow and make a bigger difference over time. The best way to achieve that, he believes, is by investing in people. Supporting one physician-scientist can lead to them mentoring many more young researchers, expanding the impact of the original award and boosting efforts in cancer research.
“When your main program, like Conquer Cancer's YIA, is endowed, it provides a sense of security each year because a significant portion of those important grants are already funded,” Dr. Roberts said.
This stability, he said, is crucial for Conquer Cancer as it works towards its goal of preventing or curing cancer and ensuring every survivor stays healthy. “I couldn't think of a better organization to keep doing great things with this gift year after year. I believe Grant would be proud to know his life is being recognized in this way,” Dr. Roberts said.
Dr. Roberts emphasized that sustained funding can set researchers on a lifelong journey of discovery, providing them with the opportunity to make breakthroughs for patients. He and Dr. DaSilva hope their endowed YIA will encourage future recipients to think creatively and take risks in their work.
