The Vince Lombardi Cancer Foundation recently honored three 'Leaders for A Cure' at a Super Bowl related event in St. Paul, MN on February 1, 2018.  Among the honorees was Chris Pennell, PhD, the Masonic Cancer Center's Associate Director of Community Engagement and Education, and Center for Immunology faculty member.

The event was held at the Saint Paul Hotel on Feb. 1, 2018.  The afternoon included awarding local leaders who are making an impact and advancing cancer research and compassionate care within the Minneapolis/St. Paul area.  Luncheon attendees had an opportunity to get a photo with the Vince Lombardi Trophy and to hear a panel discussion with current and former National Football League players, such as Minnesota Vikings players, Trae Waynes and Kevin McDermott as well as a sit down chat between former Green Bay Packer great and Hall of Famer Jerry Kramer and ESPN SportsCenter anchor Doug Kezirian.  The luncheon was moderated by Masonic Cancer Center supporter and cancer survivor,  KARE11 anchor, Randy Shaver.  The afternoon was capped off with a speech from former Golden Gopher track standout and current cancer survivor, Gabriele "Gabe" Grunewald.

The other honorees were:  Judy Erdahl, a University of Minnesota supporter and creator of the Midwest Metastatic Breast Cancer Conference and  Jill May, RN, from the Virginia Piper Cancer Institute and North Memorial Health.