Muffie Potter Aston is President of The Society of MSK.
The Society of Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center (MSK), an organization of dedicated volunteers, raised an extraordinary $6.6 million in their 2022–2023 season, fueling innovations in cancer care, research, and education.
“The Society’s impact extends across MSK, supporting research and clinical efforts that improve both the physical and mental well-being of people with cancer,” says The Society President Muffie Potter Aston. “I am proud to lead and work alongside such a dedicated group of philanthropists, who are committed to progressing and upholding The Society’s extensive legacy of giving.”
Gilles Salles, MD, PhD, received funding for his work studying lymphoma.
The Society is making good progress toward its 2023–2024 fundraising campaign, with a $1 million effort to support lymphoma research conducted by Gilles Salles, MD, PhD, Chief of MSK’s Lymphoma Service and Steven A. Greenberg Chair. In addition, The Society’s research grant program allocated $1 million to MSK’s social services, assisting patients with essentials such as transportation and food. The group also distributed stipends for childcare assistance and dedicated resources to enhance patient care, investing in art and music programs, virtual reality headsets, and technology charging stations.
The Society hosted seven events in its season, including its 16th annual Spring Ball, which raised over $2 million; and the Associates Fall Party, which raised more than $619,000. Nearly $700,000 raised at the Spring Ball was allocated to MSK’s Global Cancer Disparities Initiatives (GCDI) to improve outcomes for people with cancer in low- and middle-income countries. GCDI’s work is coordinated through the African Research Group for Oncology, a partnership between MSK researchers and collaborators in Nigeria.
The Society supported the research into stem cell transplants by Andrew Harris, MD.
Society funding also supported stem cell transplant research led by pediatric hematologist-oncologist Andrew Harris, MD, and MSK’s Pediatric Transplant and Cellular Therapy Service. The Society actively participated in Cycle for Survival® in 2023, and its members look forward to sponsoring rides in New York City and Palm Beach, Florida, in 2024.
Through these efforts and more, The Society continues to fulfill a legacy of giving that it has upheld for more than 75 years.
“The Society of MSK is woven into the fabric of our institution, providing significant support and advocacy for people with a wide range of cancers,” says Lisa DeAngelis, MD, MSK’s Chief Physician Executive and Scott M. and Lisa G. Stuart Chair. “A vibrant, dynamic, and highly effective partner of MSK, The Society impacts countless people while helping to further our mission of ending cancer for life.”