Dr. Marvella Ford & Carla Griffith
“Cancer research offers hope.” – Dr. Marvella Ford
“Cancer research saves and extends lives.” – Carla Griffith
For cancer survivor and Stand Up To Cancer research team co-leader, Dr. Marvella Ford, the fight against cancer is personal. Not only for herself, but for her cousin and other family members. In 2021, Dr. Ford’s cousin Carla was diagnosed with Stage 4 breast cancer. “Despite her diagnosis, she maintained a cheerful spirit and had a wonderful holiday celebration with her two adult daughters, Maya and Zaria.”
Dr. Ford’s family connection with cancer inspires her work in cancer research and the SU2C Lung Cancer Health Disparities Research Team. This team aims to increase lung cancer screening, develop better methods for identifying those who are high risk, and provide better treatment options. Dr. Ford says her ‘WHY’ is her family. She explains, “All four of my grandparents died before I was born. I lost my mother when I was 35 years old and I lost my father when I was 38 years old. As a two-time breast cancer survivor myself who was diagnosed at Stage 0 each time, I am driven to develop strategies and interventions to help people live longer and enjoy their families.” Carla says cancer research is important because “it increases people’s longevity so they can enjoy their families for a longer period of time. The research led by the SU2C scientists has led to new treatments that are saving and extending lives.”
Dr. Ford and Carla stand up for one another, and Carla’s advice to others facing a diagnosis is “keep the faith, be positive, do what is ordered by your clinical care team, and maintain a close relationship with your physician. Friends, family, and faith will get you through.”
Our Mission
Stand Up To Cancer raises awareness and funds research to detect and treat cancers with the aspiration to cure all patients. Find out how you can get involved.
