The V Foundation for Cancer Research, a top-rated cancer research charity, is excited to announce a $50,000 donation from UNICO National in memory of former member Toni Alongi. The check was presented to Sherrie Mazur, Senior Vice President of Communications at the V Foundation, at UNICO National’s annual convention in Nashville, TN, on July 26.
“UNICO National, the largest Italian American service organization in the U.S., is proud to partner with the V Foundation in the fight against cancer,” said Frank N. DeFrank, M.D., Executive Vice President of UNICO National. “With this current grant, UNICO has donated $700,000 to cancer research through the V Foundation. Our membership is enthusiastically committed to continue this funding and has already started fundraising for our next grant.”
UNICO National has been an exceptional supporter of cancer research. Since 2000, UNICO has helped fund 15 grants through the V Foundation to leading cancer centers in the U.S. All grants presented by UNICO are given in memory of members or their family members who have passed away from cancer. The most recent grant was given in memory of Alongi, who battled breast cancer. Alongi passed away in 2013. The grant in Alongi’s memory will help fund the work of Kevin Krull, Ph.D., at St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. Krull’s research focuses on survivors of childhood leukemia with less-developed cognitive skills (e.g., attention, speed of thinking, reasoning) post-chemotherapy and explores which survivors are at higher risk of reduced cognitive functions.
“UNICO National is a generous supporter of cancer research. The work they are funding through the V Foundation is making advances in the scientific community and changing the lives of those diagnosed with cancer,” said Susan Braun, CEO of the V Foundation. “We are proud to partner with UNICO to push back against this terrible disease.”
Founded in 1922, UNICO National is the largest Italian American service organization in the U.S. The non-profit, whose name means “unique, one of a kind,” engages members in charitable works, supports higher education and performs patriotic deeds.
The V Foundation has proudly awarded more than $225 million for cutting-edge cancer research. The V Foundation holds a 4-star (highest) rating from Charity Navigator, America’s largest evaluator of charities, and is among the top 3% of cancer charities evaluated. The foundation is a GuideStar platinum-rated charity.
