Event Date: October 15, 2011
Sam’s Jam is the signature event produced by Riders for the Cure. Sam’s Jam celebrates the life and work of our co-founding member Dr. Samuel Hassenbusch, M.D., Ph.D. “Dr. Sam”, as he was known, was a world-renowned neurosurgeon and researcher who lost his battle with glioblastoma multiforme in 2008. Sam’s Jam honors his spirit, his vitality and most of all, his commitment to patient care and research.
Sam’s Jam features a police-escorted ride to a local venue featuring live music, unique vendors, and entertainment. Our 2008, 2009, and 2010 rides have attracted hundreds of riders and raised nearly $50,000 in donations.
In 2011, fundraising efforts will benefit patients with brain cancer through a research project focusing on progressive brainstem glioma.
The funds raised from this ride were donated to Phase I/II study of reirradiation of recurrent or progressive brainstem glioma. The main goal of treatment will be to improve symptoms and quality of life. This protocol may identify the optimal dose of re-irradiation and define the efficacy, particularly regarding quality of life, therefore offering a treatment option for patients with an incurable disease. The principal investigators at MD Anderson Cancer Center for this study are Anita Mahajan, M.D. and Hiral P Fontanilla, M.D.
