Researcher’s story represents faculty and staff’s countless reasons for working at cancer center
- 60-second commercial airs Sunday, February 13
- Researcher Dr. Joyce Ohm gives behind the scenes look as to why she works here
- Her story represents countless staff who have similar “why’s”
BUFFALO, N.Y. — It’s just 60 seconds long, but explains a lifetime of dedication. Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center’s local television commercial, “My Why,” which will air in the Buffalo market during the Super Bowl on Sunday, February 13, shares the very personal motivation that has driven a Roswell Park genetics expert to commit her life to cancer research.
Weaving through images from the past and present, the video tells the story of Roswell Park interim Chair of Cancer Genetics & Genomics Joyce Ohm, PhD. She has made it her life’s goal to help find a cure for cancer after her mother, Joanne, passed away from a rare form of the disease when Dr. Ohm was just 10 years old.
“We are working so hard, and we are so close,” the narrator says as Dr. Ohm enters her lab with fervor and passion, “so that the people who proudly wear the badge of the survivor are able to fiercely hug any of their loved ones for longer than they expected.”
The commercial was produced in-house by Roswell Park’s Department of Marketing. This is the seventh year the center has produced a Super Bowl spot for the local market.
“I cannot tell you how many of our faculty and staff have a similar reason to do what they do, to commit their lives to helping families affected by cancer — from working directly with patients to being at the forefront of groundbreaking research,” said Candace S. Johnson, PhD, President, CEO and M&T Bank Presidential Chair in Leadership at Roswell Park. “Our passion for carrying out our mission is tangible because it comes from such personal and deeply affecting experiences. That’s what drives us all, and what helps us to have such a deep bond with our patients.”
We encourage viewers to share the commercial on social media - keep an eye on our Facebook and Twitter to learn more #MyWhy from other Roswell Park employees.
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Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center is a community united by the drive to eliminate cancer’s grip on humanity by unlocking its secrets through personalized approaches and unleashing the healing power of hope. Founded by Dr. Roswell Park in 1898, it is the only National Cancer Institute-designated comprehensive cancer center in Upstate New York. Learn more at www.roswellpark.org, or contact us at 1-800-ROSWELL (1-800-767-9355) or ASKRoswell@RoswellPark.org.
Rebecca Vogt, Media Relations Specialist
716-845-4919; rebecca.vogt@roswellpark.org