The Breakthrough Board

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The Breakthrough Board

The Breakthrough Board (Formerly the University of Chicago Cancer Research Foundation Women's Board)

Founded in 1947, the University of Chicago Cancer Research Foundation Women's Board raises funds through its Grand Auction, annual appeal, Dream Home Preview party and other events to support basic cancer biology research at the University of Chicago Cancer Research Center. Through its efforts every year, the 70-plus board members make significant contributions to this comprehensive cancer center. Specifically, their funds have helped make it possible to bring new scientists to the University and to support their research activities until they have been able to obtain research grant funding.

04/09/2026

is thrilled to announce our 2026 Breakthrough Board Scholar!

Kaloyan Tsanov, PhD is an Assistant Professor of Medicine, Ben May Department for Cancer Research, who is focused on Pancreatic Ductal Carcinoma and how it commonly spreads to both the liver and lungs.

Dr. Tsanov’s research has discovered that a particular gene which is linked to metastatic progression and poor outcomes has a different effect on metastatic tumors, depending on their location. By better understanding the inactivation of this gene, Dr. Tsanov is seeking to provide new therapeutic targets for patients and also to shift how oncologists consider the metastatic site when interpreting and treating specific tumors.

The Breakthrough Board is proud to support Dr. Tsanov’s work!

03/16/2026

A huge round of applause for member Margarita Chavez-Tatro who represented the Board at Friday’s 20th Anniversary event! Margarita glittered on the dance floor with her professional partner and was a top fundraiser for the event, which supports advancements in breast cancer research and treatment.

Thank you, Margarita for sharing your talents!

03/09/2026

Members of were privileged to attend the Organ Preservation and Survival in Head and Neck Cancer Symposium at on Friday. Following lunch with a number of Board-funded researchers, they took in the New Approaches Session, led by Dr. Alexander Pearson.

As the Board prepares to make its allocation in April, this was a unique opportunity to learn about the latest discoveries in cancer research.

02/11/2026

Thank you to Dr. Han Cun of who shared her research on the microbiome’s impact on gynecological cancer treatment at the Board’s February meeting! The Board was pleased to invest in Dr. Cun’s project as part of the 2025 allocation and enjoyed learning about her collaborations and advancements.

12/16/2025

Thank you to the sparkling and for their beautiful feature of the 2025 Breakthrough Ball!

🔗 in bio to read the full article.

12/08/2025

is thrilled to share this year’s inspirational film from our incredible creative partners ! These stories of discovery, wonder, and brilliance are moving reminders of the Board’s mission and the incredible resilience of the human spirit.

View the film at the link in bio.

12/03/2025

Just a few amazing members at the 2025 Breakthrough Ball! We are grateful for all they did to make the evening such a success!

Photo credit

12/01/2025

Guests at the 2025 were immersed in a galaxy of wonder thanks to our partners .tech

Their creativity and support brought to life the gorgeous graphics from and highlighted the critical path to breakthroughs that we are navigating together!

Phot credit:

11/25/2025

extends its immense gratitude to the sponsors, donors, and guests who made the sold-out 2025 Breakthrough Ball a stellar success!

Watch this space for photos and updates in the coming weeks!

11/13/2025

Thank you to Board Member Molly Curley and who captured the wonder and brilliance of this year’s theme with their generous donation of this handcrafted necklace! The charm necklace is the perfect base for the winner to add other baubles from the Barbara Parker collection over time!

🔗 in bio for the full details.

11/12/2025

Thank you to for their generous donation to the Live Auction! Four guests will embark on a luxury adventure in Montana. Enjoy a variety of activities surrounded by gorgeous vistas, all with unparalleled service and world-class dining.

🔗 in bio for full details

11/11/2025

Immerse yourself in modern astronomy with this incredible tour of PlaneWave, where you’ll explore how the best telescopes in the world are crafted and enjoy stargazing with a professional astronomer. Learn more at the link in bio and get ready to bid!

Special thanks to Alexa Hawkinson and Anne Champlain

Address

5841 South Maryland Avenue H212
Chicago, IL
60637

Telephone

+17737026180

Website

https://www.cancerresearchfdn.org/thebreakthroughboard/

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