Andy Chabot served as President and CEO of the Cancer Research Society (CRS) for 10 years, from 2008 to 2017.
Mr. Chabot is a cancer survivor. Alongside his daughter Léna, they wish to express their gratitude to the scientific community that saved his life and to encourage young students to pursue a career in cancer research.
The Andy & Léna Chabot Fund aims to advance science and promote scientific leadership. Funds raised support scholarships for undergraduate students to undertake cancer research internships under the supervision of recognized researchers who have received grants from the Cancer Research Society (CRS). The goal is to inspire these students through this experience to continue in this field, contributing to better understanding and outsmarting cancer.
I created this Fund to support young researchers’ training. This generation of future scientists is the generation that will accomplish the next breakthroughs in elucidating cancer mechanisms and accelerating the discoveries of innovative therapies.
Since the creation of this Fund in 2018, I have become a mother of three children. We are grateful to life and science for the precious moments we can spend as a family with my father, who has regained his health thanks to research. I hope that other individuals and families can have this opportunity. I see this Fund as a wonderful initiative that not only supports the future generation of scientists but also inspires others to actively support cancer research by donating to the Fund.
Since its creation in 2018, this Research Fund has empowered more than 10 students to complete a four-month internship in a research laboratory, under the supervision of researchers who have received an Operating Grant from CRS. This initiative has not only provided valuable hands-on experience to students but has also contributed to the advancement of cancer research by fostering the development of young talent in the field.
This work has also deepened my understanding of cancer severity and its far-reaching impact on patients, reinforcing my motivation to contribute to better patient outcomes. This studentship would allow me to continue building my skills while contributing to progress in the field. Ultimately, I want to be a part of work that leads to more effective treatments and real improvements in patient care.
Cancer remains a disease greatly affecting the global population and it is often driven by molecular mechanisms that are not fully understood. Thus, being involved with research not only provides an opportunity for novel discoveries but also for a tangible, real-life effect on the lives of many people. This studentship allow me to build on my experience , contribute to ongoing projects, and further develop the skills required for a PhD aimed at understanding the consequences of cancer.
This studentship would not only expose me to the uncertainty, problem-solving, and iteration involved in real research. More importantly, it would allow me to contribute to research with tangible impact while further developing my interest in how discoveries can be translated into more effective therapies and improved patient outcomes.