Helping Cancer Patients, Together

The Heapy Hughes Foundation is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization committed to enhancing the initiatives of students, researchers, and entrepreneurs who share our dedication to developing solutions for cancer patients and survivors through scientific and engineering advancements. We achieve this by offering scholarships, grants, and assistance to those who join us in our mission to help others affected by cancer.

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Karis Mae Heapy Hughes

At just 34 years old, Karis departed from this life following a year-long struggle with cancer. Born in 1974, she grew up in Minnesota and later enrolled at the University of Minnesota in the Twin Cities of Minneapolis and St. Paul, where she studied Food Science and Nutrition. Upon graduation, her enthusiasm for science led her back to the University of Minnesota, where she worked in various research areas including genetics and immunology.

In 2003, Karis relocated to Dallas, Texas, to pursue a Master's degree in Biotechnology at the University of Texas at Dallas (UTD). After finishing her studies at UTD, she continued her scientific journey focused on genetics and immunology, conducting research on genes associated with Lupus for her doctoral thesis under the mentorship of Dr. Ward Wakeland in the Department of Immunology at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center at Dallas (UTSW). As she prepared for her Ph.D. qualifying exam, Karis received a diagnosis of Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML).

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Legacy

A high-tech laboratory environment featuring multiple digital screens displaying complex graphical data, including a large DNA helix. The room contains advanced laboratory equipment on a sleek table and a chair draped with a white lab coat. Soft lighting and a futuristic aesthetic contribute to the overall ambiance.
A high-tech laboratory environment featuring multiple digital screens displaying complex graphical data, including a large DNA helix. The room contains advanced laboratory equipment on a sleek table and a chair draped with a white lab coat. Soft lighting and a futuristic aesthetic contribute to the overall ambiance.
A scientist in a white lab coat is looking through a microscope in a laboratory setting. The background includes shelves filled with various laboratory equipment and supplies, such as bottles and containers. The laboratory has a clean and organized appearance.
A scientist in a white lab coat is looking through a microscope in a laboratory setting. The background includes shelves filled with various laboratory equipment and supplies, such as bottles and containers. The laboratory has a clean and organized appearance.
A person in a laboratory setting works at a microscope station, wearing a white lab coat, blue hair net, and blue gloves. The environment is sterile, with scientific equipment organized around the station. A world map is visible on the wall, and a netted barrier separates sections of the lab.
A person in a laboratory setting works at a microscope station, wearing a white lab coat, blue hair net, and blue gloves. The environment is sterile, with scientific equipment organized around the station. A world map is visible on the wall, and a netted barrier separates sections of the lab.
A shelf displays a collection of books on pharmacology, flanked by two white statue bookends in the shape of classical heads and a stone bust of a classical figure. A small green plant in a woven basket adds a touch of natural color.
A shelf displays a collection of books on pharmacology, flanked by two white statue bookends in the shape of classical heads and a stone bust of a classical figure. A small green plant in a woven basket adds a touch of natural color.
A person wearing a white lab coat and a stethoscope is holding a syringe. The background is a solid red color. The individual is smiling and standing with one hand behind their back.
A person wearing a white lab coat and a stethoscope is holding a syringe. The background is a solid red color. The individual is smiling and standing with one hand behind their back.
A person in laboratory attire closely examines a specimen through a microscope on a green work surface. The individual is adjusting the stage of the microscope and wearing protective clothing.
A person in laboratory attire closely examines a specimen through a microscope on a green work surface. The individual is adjusting the stage of the microscope and wearing protective clothing.

Advancing life sciences and medicine through passionate support.

The Heapy Hughes Foundation has truly inspired my research journey, providing vital support for my work in advancing life sciences and medicine. Grateful for their dedication!

Dr. Smith

A person dressed in a light blue shirt is sitting on a black chair and looking through a microscope in a laboratory setting. The person appears focused, with one hand on the microscope and the other hand holding an object. Various laboratory equipment is visible around the individual in the well-lit room.
A person dressed in a light blue shirt is sitting on a black chair and looking through a microscope in a laboratory setting. The person appears focused, with one hand on the microscope and the other hand holding an object. Various laboratory equipment is visible around the individual in the well-lit room.

★★★★★

Passion

Supporting the next generation of solutions for cancer and blood disorder patients.

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info@heapyhughesfoundation.org

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