The HERO Program

Helping to Enhance Research in Oncology (The HERO Program)

NMCCA’s HERO Program provides access to the latest information on cancer research for the public and medical professionals. Through our HERO Education Outreach Program, we bring nationally-known speakers to Albuquerque and local experts to inform people about the latest developments in cancer research and treatment.

2016 HERO Recognition Event

NMCCA’s HERO educational program educates the community, raises awareness about the role of clinical trials in cancer care, and helps publicize the health disparities in New Mexico caused by the barriers to participation in clinical trials. As part of this program, we regularly honor and thank cancer clinical trial participants at our HERO Recognition Events.

The latest HERO Recognition Event was on October 15, 2016 at the Hotel Albuquerque at Old Town.  This year the program was expanded to include educational sessions, which were free and open to the public.  The topics were:

• Breast Cancer and the Links to Other Cancers: What’s Up?  What’s New? Melanie Royce, MD, Lori Ballinger, Shawnia Ryan – UNM Comprehensive Cancer Center
• What’s New in Melanoma Research?
  Calvin Ridgeway, MD – Loveless Women’s Hospital
• Immune Therapy and Targeted Therapies in Cancer Treatment
  Olivier Rixe, MD, PhD – UNM Comprehensive Cancer Center
• Excitement and Breakthroughs in Radiation Oncology
  Amish Shah, MD – New Mexico Cancer Center, Gregory Gan, MD – UNM Comprehensive Cancer Center

After the education sessions, the HEROs were guests of the NMCCA at a luncheon in their honor while enjoying the keynote speaker, Scott Burton.  Scott presented an upbeat, empowering and inspiring program detailing his one-year battle with stage IV cancer.

To all those who are HEROs and taking part in clinical research studies today and in the future…THANK YOU!