Kristen Dahlgren: A New Chapter Begins

Saying Farewell to NBC and Embracing a Mission for Change

It was in 1993 when Kristen Dahlgren first stepped into 30 Rockefeller Center as a Nightly News intern. Little did she know that this iconic building would become the starting point of a remarkable career at NBC. Her dream of becoming a network correspondent, traveling the world, and making a difference through storytelling became a reality. Today, as she bids farewell to NBC, Dahlgren reflects on her journey and announces a new chapter driven by a powerful purpose.

The Decision to Change Course

Family, Health, and the Chance to Change the World

For Dahlgren, a dream job at NBC has been a source of immense satisfaction, but there are forces that can guide one to change course. The decision to make such a significant move is driven by a trio of considerations – what’s best for family, personal health, and the potential to impact the world on a larger scale. Today, these three elements align to set the stage for Dahlgren’s departure.

A Message of Assurance: Health Remains Strong

Dahlgren reassures her audience that her health is robust; her victorious battle against breast cancer continues with the disease in remission. As a breast cancer survivor, the specter of recurrence is ever-present. This awareness has sparked a meeting with Dr. Nora Disis, a researcher at UW Medicine’s Cancer Vaccine Institute, opening doors to hope and a shared vision of breast cancer vaccines.

Unveiling the Potential of Breast Cancer Vaccines

A World Without Breast Cancer Deaths: A Bold Vision

Dr. Nora Disis, along with her team, has been at the forefront of breast cancer vaccine research. In a compelling question, she paints a vision of a world where breast cancer becomes a preventable tragedy, alluding to the transformative potential of vaccines. Dahlgren, fueled by hope, has dedicated the past four months to research and conversations with leading cancer researchers and oncologists across the nation.

Navigating the Landscape of Progress

STEMVAC and a Transformative Shift

The Cancer Vaccine Institute, under Dr. Disis’s leadership, has marked significant progress. In 2013, their trial involving 66 women with advanced-stage HER2-positive breast cancer showed promising results. Fast forward to today, and STEMVAC, a vaccine candidate targeting cancer stem cells resistant to traditional treatments, is in phase 2 trials. A tipping point, as described by Dr. Disis, suggests that the knowledge to produce an immune response against breast cancer is within reach.

The Landscape of Hope: Collaborative Efforts

A Pioneering Spirit of Collaboration

Breaking Down Silos for Accelerated Progress

The Cancer Vaccine Institute is not the sole player in this groundbreaking journey. The Cleveland Clinic and Anixa Biosciences have unveiled positive data from a phase 1 trial for a vaccine addressing aggressive triple-negative breast cancer, a notoriously challenging form of the disease. The consensus among researchers is clear – collaboration is key to accelerating progress.

Testimonials of Triumph: Real Lives Impacted

A Glimpse Into the Transformative Power of Vaccines

Real stories of vaccine trial participants, such as Brigette Hempstead and Jenni Davis, echo the potential of breast cancer vaccines. From extended survival rates to periods with no evidence of the disease, these testimonials highlight not only the scientific prowess of vaccines but also the emotional impact on individuals and their families.

Looking Ahead: The Need for Large Studies

Encouragement and Caution From Medical Experts

While the progress is promising, medical experts like Dr. Tom Budd from the Cleveland Clinic emphasize the need for large studies to demonstrate the reproducibility of results. Collaborative efforts and shared data are identified as critical components to conduct the comprehensive studies required to usher in a new era in breast cancer treatment.

Conclusion: A New Dawn in the Fight Against Breast Cancer

As Kristen Dahlgren embarks on this new journey, her departure from NBC is not a farewell but a pivot towards a cause that transcends personal ambitions. Breast cancer vaccines stand as beacons of hope, and Dahlgren’s commitment to amplifying their potential signals the dawn of a new era in the fight against breast cancer. As the landscape of collaboration expands, the dream of a world without breast cancer deaths inches closer to reality.