Atlanta restauranteur and businesswoman, Maria Fundora, received TGen’s Collaborative Spirit Award at the 2023 TGen Founders Dinner, an annual gathering held April 20 in Scottsdale. The award recognizes an individual or organization who support TGen’s research and clinical development efforts. “It’s a privilege to honor Maria and Purple Pansies. We’re thankful Maria chose to share their story with TGen and City of Hope, and to come alongside our efforts and place trust in our ability to help patients in need,” said Erin Massey, Chief Development Officer at TGen, and Vice President of Philanthropy at City of Hope. Fundora’s upbringing instilled a belief in giving back to her community and helping those in need. She founded Purple Pansies in 2009 following her mother’s death from pancreatic cancer. The nonprofit organization has raised over $5 million, contributing to the creation of three out of the four key regimens used to treat pancreatic cancer and supporting other Purple Pansies initiatives. Her goal is to honor her mother's memory and make a lasting difference in the lives of others through compassion and generosity. “I’m grateful to accept this award on behalf of myself and all my colleagues at Purple Pansies,” said Fundora. “We have one thing in common: we support each other, and we support TGen and City of Hope. They continue to make significant advances against pancreatic cancer with the patient at the heart of their work, and that is why I continue to fight alongside of them.”
