A message from our Founder, Joanne Weidhaas:
Dear Friends of MiraKind:
In 2006, I co-discovered a genetic marker called the KRAS-variant, that predicts an increased risk of breast, ovarian and lung cancer, and multiple cancers in the same individual. In association with this work, I recently founded MiraKind, a research organization created to allow individuals to directly participate in studies that will help advance our understanding of this genetic marker, and others like it. Our mission is to partner with patients to translate cutting edge genetic discoveries into applications that enhance health and prevent disease.
In a recent web survey, we asked you to provide input regarding our next research topic. We are so grateful for your feedback! Over 70% of respondents asked us to investigate the relationship between breast cancer therapies and second breast cancer risk. As many of you know, our most recent published study confirms that women with the KRAS-variant are significantly more likely to present with and/or develop a second, independent breast cancer.
We are embarking on a study to explore how breast cancer management strategies (e.g., chemotherapy, surgery, hormones) that are used to treat breast cancer, impact breast cancer risk for women with the KRAS-variant. (Note: a second, independent breast cancer is not the same as a recurrence of the first breast cancer.)
Now, we need your help! Please consider getting involved in the following ways:
Spread the word!
Please help us reach friends who may be eligible to participate or able to support the study! Share our campaign page with them.
Support the study!
If you would like to donate to MiraKind programs, such as our registry for KRAS-variant family members, please visit our donate page.
Sign up to participate (and invite others, too)!
If you would like to participate in a MiraKind study, please take our eligibility survey. You may also invite your friends to do the same! We will notify you when a study for which you are eligible opens.
I look forward to partnering with you to advance this important research. Thank you for your continued support!
Joanne Weidhaas, MD, PhD
Founder, MiraKind
Professor and Section Chief of Translational Radiation Oncology, UCLA
@JoanneWeidhaas
