Nghiem Lab Joins Fred Hutch Obliteride to Fight Cancer

The Nghiem Lab Research Team is excited to participate in this year’s Fred Hutch Obliteride in Seattle on August 10, 2024! The annual bike ride and 5K walk/run raises funds to support cancer research and clinical care at the Fred Hutch Cancer Center. 

Please consider joining our team (in-person or virtually), or donating to our 'Skin in the Game' team! 

Every dollar contributed will go directly to supporting the Nghiem Lab’s efforts in fighting Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC). Thank you for your generosity and commitment to this cause!

For any questions, please contact Team Captain Krista Lachance at kcs27@uw.edu. 

Our Progress 

Help us reach our new goal of $40,000!

Thanks to generous support from our MCC donor community, Team 'Skin in the Game' has reached our goal of raising $20,000 to support Merkel cell carcinoma research and clinical care. This allowed our team to unlock an additional $10,000 gift from Michael and Burmah Rainbolt, which means we have passed the $30,000 mark! 

About the Nghiem Lab & MCC

Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC) is a rare and aggressive skin cancer that is three times more likely to spread throughout the body than melanoma. Approximately 40% of patients will experience a return of MCC after the initial tumor has been removed. The good news is that there have been major clinical advances in the last decade allowing MCC patients to live longer, often cancer-free.

The Nghiem Lab team at the University of Washington are experts in MCC biology and how it translates to patient care through new therapies. Philanthropy is key to accelerating MCC research discoveries and improving the lives of patient and their families. Funding allows us to do more than a ‘typical lab’ such as:

• Fund 3 full-time Clinical Research Fellows who help MCC patients manage their cancer and treatments.
• Conduct 2 clinical trials using new combination treatments that have the potential to further improve survival in MCC patients.
• Improve and update MCC treatment guidelines through data-driven publications that are referenced by physicians throughout the country.
• Educate the greater MCC community so patients and loved ones are updated on new surveillance and treatment options through our website (merkelcell.org) and outreach events.