Congressman Cohen Announces $800,000 in Federal Grants for St. Jude

Congressman Cohen said, “I am very pleased that the Department of Health and Human Services continues to recognize the invaluable research being conducted at St. Jude Hospital. Since I took office last year, ensuring unabated support for St. Jude has been one of my top priorities in Congress.”

“I’m thrilled because this allows us to continue our research,” said Dr. Douglas Green, PhD, Chair of the Department of Immunology at St. Jude, who received one of the grants for $375,063. “Every grant we receive is a real vote of confidence for us as scientists. These days, funding for health and science research is a little strapped.”

Dr. Green and his team of scientists have been studying the basic biological mechanisms for cell life and death for the past ten years since he made a breakthrough discovery that explains the role of mitochondria in cell life.

Dr. Guillermo Oliver, PhD, a Member of the Department of Genetics at St. Jude, explained, “For me, it seems that in order to cure cancer, you need to understand the fundamental biology of the cell and genes, which we’re still learning.” Dr. Oliver was awarded the second grant for $415,626 to continue his study of a gene he identified nine years ago which plays a vital role in the development of the forebrain and visual system.

Congressman Cohen continued, “I was very glad to learn that Drs. Green and Oliver would be able to continue their important biological research with these funds. These are just the first of many, many grants that I hope to see awarded to St. Jude during my tenure in the Congress.”

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Marilyn Dillihay, Press Secretary, (202) 225-3265/ (202) 368-9275 (mobile)
Charlie Gerber, Communications Assistant, (202) 225-3265 / (202) 320-2817 (mobile)