Center for HOPE Honors Barbara Netter at Annual Luncheon
 The Center for HOPE recognized the many contributions Greenwich resident Barbara Netter has made toward the advancement of gene therapy-based cancer treatments.
As the President of the Alliance for Cancer Gene Therapy (ACGT) – a nonprofit organization she founded with her late husband, Edward, in 2001 – Netter has raised nearly $22.5 million for numerous gene therapy research initiatives around the world. Over the years, ACGT’s support has been instrumental in launching 17 human clinical trials addressing lung, ovarian, prostate and breast cancer, as well as lymphoma and leukemia.
For her role in providing millions of cancer patients with a renewed sense of optimism, Netter was presented with the Ray of HOPE Award during the Center for HOPE’s Annual Luncheon on April 23 at Woodway Country Club in Darien. The Ray of HOPE is the Center for HOPE’s highest honor that recognizes a member of the community whose efforts assist those coping with a loss, critical illness or life-altering circumstance.
“We are delighted to recognize Barbara with a Ray of HOPE Award, shinning the light on her body of work in the area of critical illness and bereavement,” said Bob Arnold, Family Centers’ President. Barbara truly inspires us, as her bountiful efforts continue to fill our world with hope and compassion.”
In addition to her work with ACGT, Netter has been involved with The Den for Grieving Kids – a Family Centers program providing support to children and families who have lost a loved one – since 1998.
The Center for HOPE Luncheon also featured a keynote address from Huffington Post founder and editor-in-chief Arianna Huffington. All proceeds from the event benefitted the Center for HOPE and The Den for Grieving Kids, Family Centers’ programs offering counseling and support to residents of lower Fairfield County coping with a loss, a critical illness or life-altering circumstance.
Family Centers is a private, nonprofit organization offering education and human services to children, adults and families in Fairfield County. More than 2,400 professionals and trained volunteers work together to provide a wide range of responsive, innovative programs. A United Way, Community Fund of Darien and New Canaan Community Foundation partner agency, Family Centers is a member of the Connecticut Council of Family Service Agencies and the Alliance for Children and Families and is accredited by the Council on Accreditation (COA) and the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC). The agency is licensed by the State of Connecticut Departments of Public Health and Children and Families. Visit www.familycenters.org for additional information.
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