Awards

The Davis-McDuffie Innovation in Breast Cancer Award

Inspired by Janet Davis Brooks and Barbara McDuffie, this Innovation in Breast Cancer Award has one goal: to identify and support future research leaders who will keep the field of breast cancer research vibrant with new ideas.

Innovative pilot projects led by young investigators are essential to securing financial and scientific support for long-term breast cancer research efforts and are critical to uncovering new insights about the disease. This annual award will support early stage ideas with the potential to transform scientists’ understanding of breast cancer.

Congratulations Claire Conley, Ph.D., 2025 recipient of the Davis-McDuffie Innovation in Breast Cancer Award! Click here to learn more about Dr. Conely and her life-saving work.

Coming from a long line of women who have had breast cancer, Dr. Conley understands firsthand how cancer can affect individuals and families–what it is like to undergo the treatment process and what it is like to live with high risk for breast cancer.

 

“The goal of my work is to improve the lives of people going through similar experiences. I sometimes get strange looks when I tell people that I’m a clinical psychologist and I work in oncology research. But I think it’s important to recognize that our thoughts and feelings impact cancer prevention, screening and treatment. And of course, cancer can have a major impact on psychological functioning. Understanding these complex relationships is key for us to improve outcomes related to cancer.” 

Innovation Awardees

  • Claire Conley, Ph.D., 2025
  • Candace Mainor, M.D., 2024
  • Miriam Jacobs, M.D., inaugural recipient 2023

Spirit of Life Award

The Spirit of Life Award is presented to exceptional individuals whose intangible qualities—their generosity, their ability to inspire, and their desire to make a difference for breast cancer research at Georgetown Lombardi—make their lives worthy of admiration.

Awardees

  • Blair Todd, 2025
  • Dr. Tara Abraham & Alima Draughton, 2024
  • Lena Markley, Susan Hess, & Sara Reges, 2023
  • Debbie Smith Rayford, 2021
  • Lena Markley, 2019
  • Angela Ertlschweiger, 2018
  • Susan Miller, 2017
  • Claire Madden, 2016
  • Donna Hopkins, 2015
  • Karin M. Gifuni, 2014
  • Jennifer Griffin, 2011
  • Elizabeth Shepard, 2010
  • Susan Sonley, 2009
  • Linda Rabbitt, 2008

 

Recognition & Appreciation Awardees

  • Barbara Schaefer McDuffie & Janet Davis Brooks, 2022
  • Diane Ray Brown, 2019
  • Greta Kreuz, 2018
  • Daphne Baker, 2013