Laura Ziskin, a co-founder of Stand Up To Cancer died from complications from her disease. She was 61.
Ziskin was a producer and studio executive whose films included “Pretty Woman,” “What About Bob,” “No Way Out,” “The Doctor,” and the “Spider Man” trilogy. She also produced the 74th and 79th Academy Awards.
She was diagnosed with stage III breast cancer in 2004. After diagnosis, she co-founded SU2C.
Since its launch in May 2008, the organization has produced two telecasts—airing Sept. 5, 2008 and Sept. 10, 2010—raising $180 million.
With these critical funds, SU2C has funded 26 Innovative Research Grants and five interdisciplinary, multi-institutional Dream Teams—comprised of 355 scientists and other professionals from 55 institutions.
“We are extraordinarily grateful for Laura’s unwavering commitment to a revolutionary approach to funding and conducting cancer research,” Judy Garber, president of the American Association for Cancer Research, said in a statement.
“Her impact on our field has already been enormous and will endure as a tribute to her astonishing energy and vision. As the scientific partner of SU2C, we are proud to have had the privilege of working with Laura in her quest to eradicate cancer.”
