The Soiree 2025 was a tremendous success, with generous donors contributing $167,000 through the Paddle Raise to fund a Washington-based cancer research grant. We are deeply grateful for your support, which continues to drive innovative cancer breakthroughs in our state.
After thoughtful review, your fellow supporters chose Dr. Swayam Prabha’s project at the University of Washington as this year’s grant recipient. Her work explores a promising “Trojan horse” strategy that delivers cancer-fighting signals directly to lung tumors in a safer and more targeted way—offering new hope for people facing lung cancer.
Because of donors like you, the discoveries being made today are shaping the future of cancer treatment. Your generosity and participation make a meaningful difference, and we are truly thankful.
Donors will again have the opportunity to select the research project funded by the 2026 Paddle Raise. We hope you’ll join us at The Soiree 2026 to help shape the next chapter of lifesaving cancer research.
Lung cancer remains one of the most challenging cancers to treat, and today’s immune therapies benefit only a portion of patients. One of the most promising immune-boosting agents, IL-15, has the potential to strengthen the body’s ability to fight cancer—but when given directly, it can trigger serious side effects.
To overcome this, researchers at the University of Washington are pioneering an innovative “Trojan horse” approach. By using a patient’s own stem cells as delivery vehicles, they aim to transport IL-15 straight to lung tumors, where it can activate a targeted immune response without harming healthy tissue.
This project seeks to create a safer, more precise lung cancer treatment that enhances the effectiveness of immune therapy while dramatically reducing side effects—offering hope for better outcomes and improved quality of life for people facing this disease.
