Main Banner Photos are copyrighted by Chicago Bears or AP/Wide World Photos and are used with permission. "He was the best football player I've ever seen. It's sad to me because he had a lot greater impact on me than I had on him. And he led by example on the field. He was the complete player. He did everything. He was the greatest runner, but he was also probably the best blocking back you ever saw." (AP)

Mike Ditka

Research

Established in 2002, the Walter Payton Cancer Fund has fully funded two research projects worth $696,926.

These projects were selected for funding after being reviewed by Gateway for Cancer Research Board of Scientific Counselors. They ensure that each study proposal is scientifically sound, is innovative or novel, and can be replicated by others to substantiate data down the road. These two studies were particularly relevant to the Fund because of their parallel to Walter’s passion, idealism, and determination in fighting his disease.

ACTIVITY AND DIET MAY REDUCE CHANCE OF CANCER RECURRENCE
Effect of Physical Activity and Dietary Change in Obese Breast Cancer Survivors
Heather Greenlee, ND, MPH at Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, New York, NY

POTENTIAL PATIENT IMPACT: Obesity has been associated with hormonal profiles that are known to stimulate breast cancer growth. By changing a patient’s weight and subsequent hormonal profiles through easily accessible exercise facilities and nutritional instruction, survivors may have greater success in staying cancer free after treatment.

Find out more about submitting a grant - the Walter Payton Cancer Fund is a fund of Gateway for Cancer Research. Grant applications are subject to Gateways's rigorous peer-review process. To find out more or to apply, click here and you will be redirected to the Gateway website.