Victor Elias

Research Grant
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A never-smoker, Victor Elias was enjoying life as a new father when he was stunned with a Stage IV lung cancer diagnosis at 40 years old. His battle ended three short years later on May 27, 2016, but his legacy lives on.

Victor was an undeniable force, he lived life boldly and loved the outdoors. He was happiest riding motorcycles and quads, playing golf, or scuba diving with the sharks. His love of animals and nature was matched only by the tremendous love he had for his family and friends. Victor lived life to the fullest, pushing every boundary, and he would want nothing more than to continue to challenge the status quo in research and treatment of lung cancer, which takes more lives every day than the next five cancers combined.

Help us to honor Victor’s memory and that of all those who came before, and hopefully far fewer to come after.

Grant Proposals

Grant proposals will be received from researchers beginning November 1st in recognition of Lung Cancer Awareness Month and accepted through December 31st. Grant selections will be announced by the last Monday in January of each year. Award recognition will take place at the Houston Lone Star Huddle Up in Houston, Texas every February.
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Funded Research

2024

Funded by —
Victor Elias Grant

Investigating Clinical Outcomes in Young Adults with Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer

Researchers:
Eric K. Singhi, MD - Department of Thoracic/Head and Neck Medical Oncology, Department of General Oncology, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center | Mara B. Antonoff, MD - Department of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center

The insights gained from this project have direct implications for patient care. By better understanding the unique challenges and characteristics of NSCLC in young adults, we can improve treatment tolerability, enhance survival rates, and ultimately improve the quality of life for individuals affected by this disease. Moreover, establishment of a comprehensive clinical database made possible through this funding will serve as a valuable resource for future investigators, allowing for the exploration of additional specific clinical research questions centered around young adult patients with NSCLC. Furthermore, the knowledge generated from this study may extend beyond NSCLC to inform research and treatment strategies in other cancer types, thus illustrating the broader impact of our findings on patient care across oncologic disease spaces.
1st Annual

Pamela Henicke Grant

2020 Recipients
Primary Investigator:
Dr. Monique Nilsson
Dr. Le
Dr. John Heymach

The total grant of $50,000 will be focused on developing new strategies for enhancing anti-tumor immunity in EGFR-mutant non-small cell lung cancer. The identification of new and effective therapies for EGFR-mutant, TKI resistant tumors is currently a critical unmet need.
Pictured from left to right: Lisa Spain (Executive Director of Rexanna's Foundation), Dr. Le, Kenedy Henicke (Pamela's daughter), Greg Henicke (Pamela Henicke's spouse), Lawson Henicke (Pamela Henicke's son), Dr. John Heymach.