Aretha Franklin was a trailblazer. She broke barriers as the first woman welcomed into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and as the indisputable Queen of Soul. She fought for civil rights and women’s rights—making an immeasurable mark on a generation.
Ms. Franklin was taken from her family and from all of us too soon, because of pancreatic neuroendocrine cancer. It seems fitting that she now serves as an inspiration to the neuroendocrine tumor (NET) community. Her death one year ago has increased awareness of neuroendocrine cancer and the ongoing need to search for better treatments. But there is still a misunderstanding of pancreatic NETs, an uncommon cancer that is different from the more common form of pancreatic cancer.
To acknowledge Aretha’s inspiration and channel that energy toward a cure for NETs, NETRF is honored to announce the creation of the Aretha Franklin Fund for Neuroendocrine Cancer Research. The Fund will support NETRF grants to scientists with promising research initiatives to increase understanding of why healthy neuroendocrine cells turn cancerous.
“The Aretha Franklin Family is honored to partner with the NETRF to help raise funding for education and research of this devastating disease that takes our loved ones much too soon,” says Sabrina Owens, Aretha Franklin’s niece and representative of the family. “We encourage her friends, fans, and supporters to consider contributing to this cause, until such time as we can eradicate NETs. We believe this is possible. Become a Believer and join us in this effort!”
Many who loved Aretha’s spirit, soul and music are among those coming together to say it’s time. It’s time to achieve more progress and find solutions for all patients living with a diagnosis of neuroendocrine cancer.
In tribute to Aretha, we can make a difference. Please join us and consider a gift to the Aretha Franklin Fund for Neuroendocrine Cancer Research.
For information on how to make a gift to the Aretha Franklin Fund for Neuroendocrine Cancer Research, please contact our Development Coordinator, Laken Baird at laken.baird@netrf.org or call us at 617-946-1780. Or give online now.