Dr. Michael G. Kaufman Speaks to Rotary

 
 
On a very beautiful and sunny afternoon a group of 21 Lexington Rotarians and 3 guests sat down to a lunch of American Chop Suey, Caesar salad, and the usual deli platter.  We were led in the Pledge of Allegiance by Meaghan, the first verse of America by PSAA Charlie V and an invocation by PDG Jack.
PDG Jack let us all know that the day marked the one year anniversary of Dave Eagle’s passing.  He is still missed.
PP Dan B & PP John both gave happy dollars for a weekend spent together golfing.  I got the feeling that PP Dan’s donation was actually “thank goodness that’s over” dollars.  PP Spencer was happy that he was wearing the nicest tie in his closet.  PP Nick donated for a successful procedure (I know there is a joke in there, but I can’t find it…).
Upcoming Events
  • Monday 6/27 – PE Susan’s Induction
  • Starting Monday July 11th – meetings to move back to the Lexington Golf Club (food by Patty)
  • July & August meetings will start at 7:15 (bell rung at 7:30)
  • Sept 12th will move back to regular lunch meetings starting at 12:15 (bell rung at 12:30)
  • July 8th – District 7930 Rotary Day at the Red Sox – see P Dom for ticket information.
 
Our speaker for the day was Dr. Michael Coffman from Karyopharm Therapeutics, a company that his wife founded in their home in 2009.  They currently have 110 employees and 1500 patients.  Their mission is to change the landscape of cancer treatments with I-CURE:
  • Innovation
  • Courage
  • Urgency
  • Resilience
  • Energy
As with most pharmaceutical companies, they secured private funding to start their research.  While Americans are more likely to pay for drugs, there is no appetite for testing here.  Since Europeans view this the opposite way, many drug companies innovate in the United States but test in Europe.
 
After a bunch of science that I couldn’t follow, I got the general idea that they have developed an oral drug that can be taken at home to fight cancer.  Their drug is unique as it works to prevent a particular protein in our cells that is transporting good cancer fighting protein (those that suppress tumors) out of the nucleus where they can help to identify and destroy the cancer agents.
 
To all Rotarians, I will sincerely miss being a member of this club.  I was single with no kids when I joined this club and really just starting my professional career.  I am now married with three kids and I am a better husband, father, and person from being part of this club.  I wish you all the best of luck!

PP DAS