Donors Make a Difference – Propelling Ellie’s Research

This Giving Tuesday, we highlight how donor generosity empowers the next generation of cancer researchers at the Rosalind and Morris Goodman Cancer Institute (GCI).

Thanks to the support of the Charlotte and Leo Karassik Foundation, PhD candidate Ellie Massey, from Professor William Muller’s laboratory, is advancing fundamental research that could open new avenues for treating breast cancer, research that begins at the molecular level and grows into discoveries that could one day change lives.

lElie studies EZH2, a protein often elevated in aggressive breast cancers and linked to tumour recurrence. Her work aims to understand how EZH2 drives disease progression and whether it could serve as a new therapeutic target or a predictive marker to improve patient outcomes. Fundamental discoveries like these form the groundwork for future treatments, and donor support makes them possible.

For Ellie, the fellowship provides the stability to fully commit to her research and grow as a scientist. As an international student facing limited funding opportunities, this support has been transformative: it allows her to build expertise, collaborate widely, and pursue her goal of leading an impactful career in cancer research. It also enables her to contribute to the GCI community, including her leadership role as the Institute’s Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion student representative.

This Giving Tuesday, we thank our donors for investing in emerging scientists like Ellie. Your generosity fuels discovery, strengthens our research community, and helps shape the future of cancer treatment.

Join us in supporting the trainees who drive scientific excellence forward.

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