April 14, 2010

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BIRMINGHAM, Ala. - The University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB) Comprehensive Cancer Center is presenting an evening of Mexican food, music and fun to celebrate young cancer researchers and their hope in finding new cancer cures.

Fiesta Ball 2010 is set for Thursday, May 6 from 6 to 10 p.m. at Innovation Depot, 1500 First Ave. North, Birmingham. The after-work event, hosted by the Cancer Center's Young Supporters Board, will include fiesta foods, beer and wine. Dress is casual. 

Tickets are $25 per person and are available online at www.uab.edu/fiestaball or by calling 205-934-0034. Proceeds will be used to fund a competitive grant award for a young cancer researcher, ideally someone with less than two years of professional research experience at UAB.

"It's amazing to me to see young professionals helping young scientists to make a difference in cancer research," says Edward Partridge, M.D., Cancer Center director and president-elect of the American Cancer Society National Board of Directors. "The current funding crisis is just one reason why events such as the Fiesta Ball and the support of our community are critical to cancer research."

Through generous sponsorships and community support, the 2009 event raised more than $35,000 and helped launch the Cancer Center's young investigator grant. The Young Supporters Board was established in 2006; its members are area professionals in their 20s and 30s who want to support and raise awareness for the Cancer Center's excellence.

The title sponsor of Fiesta Ball 2010 is Harbert Management Corp. and the presenting sponsor is Books-A-Million Inc. Other sponsors include Alabama Power Co. and ProAssurance Corp.

About the UAB Comprehensive Cancer Center

The UAB Comprehensive Cancer Center is among the 40 cancer centers in the nation to meet the stringent criteria for the National Cancer Institute's comprehensive designation. The center is a leader in groundbreaking research, reducing cancer disparities and leading-edge patient care.