Second Chance
Barbara and Michael Perlstein founded Second Chance in 1998 to support research on cancer immunotherapy at the Rush Cancer Institute, a program of Rush University Medical Center in Chicago, Illinois.
The fund began by supporting research on using the body’s natural defense system to fight multiple myeloma, a deadly cancer that occurs when plasma cells in bone marrow malfunction, and has since extended its support to include research into treatment for all hematologic cancers.
The ultimate goal of this research is to expand — and fundamentally change — treatment options for patients with cancer. Read more about hematology research under way at Rush.
Barbara Perlstein’s personal struggle with multiple myeloma — and her desire to help others get a “second chance” at life — inspired the founding of Second Chance. Read Barbara’s story. To launch the campaign, the Perlsteins made a generous contribution of their own. Their contribution was followed by many more — from friends, family members and others whose lives have been affected by the scourge of cancer.
The fund, which has grown well above anyone’s expectations, continues to support research and the development of new treatments that will give other cancer patients a second chance at life.
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