Researcher extends support to the community
November 23, 2016
Meet Mauricio
As recipient of a Teal Heart Scholarship,* Mauricio Medrano has dedicated a great deal of time to learning more about this disease. To date, his research focuses on high-grade serous ovarian cancer, which is the most common subtype. By identifying genes that enable tumours to survive, his work could help inform the development of more effective targeted treatments.
Together with a team of collaborators, Mauricio discovered that ovarian cancer cells have varying responses to the removal of a protein called CD151. In some cases, ovarian cancer cells survived. In other cases, they showed a substantial decrease in survival. Further investigation into why this happens shines a light on dissimilarities across cases of ovarian cancer, as it is known that this is not one disease, but a variety of diseases that respond differently to treatment.
“I was drawn to the study of ovarian cancer because progress in this area is urgently needed,” says Mauricio. “In addition to advancing knowledge about the disease, I’m very interested in getting involved with the community.”
To deepen his involvement, Mauricio joined a committee to help plan the Ovarian Cancer Canada Walk of Hope in his city.
“Being such a high-energy event, the Walk brings positivity to a time when people can feel isolated and alone,” says Mauricio. “When women and families living with ovarian cancer see so much support around them it lifts their spirits – it certainly lifted mine. I brought that feeling to my work at the lab and everything we were doing felt all the more important.”
With previous experience in triathlons and marathons, Mauricio ran in support of Ovarian Cancer Canada at the Scotiabank Charity Challenge. Leading up to run day, he led weekly workouts and training sessions for fellow participants.
“During the marathon, my feet started to blister at about 11 km. There were still more than 30 km to go,” recalls Mauricio. “Had it been any other day, I might have stopped. But knowing that I was running for this cause carried me through to the finish line.”
That day, he and his team raised $6,075 for Ovarian Cancer Canada.
Inspired by the community, Mauricio is taking steps to expand his career. With his sights set on providing care for women living with ovarian cancer, he looks forward to learning more about Bruce Galloway Trainee Grants, which were established by the Society of Gynecologic Oncology of Canada (GOC) and Ovarian Cancer Canada to increase the number of gynecologic oncologists throughout the country.
“In addition to continuing my research, it would mean so much to me to be able to provide care in the clinic,” says Mauricio. “The connection with those living with the disease is important, people are the whole reason I do what I do.”
There’s still time to support dedicated individuals, like Mauricio, who participated in the Ovarian Cancer Canada Walk of Hope. This year’s Walk is less than $150,000 away from the goal of raising $2.1 million for HER. Help make all the difference, donate at ovariancancerwalkofhope.ca. For a limited time, you’ll receive a holiday ornament when you give $100 or more.
* Teal Heart Scholarships were established by Darrin Bast and Ovarian Cancer Canada to encourage graduate students involved in ovarian cancer research.
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