Helping Cancer Patients, Together

The Heapy Hughes Foundation is a 501(c)(3) non-profit dedicated to supporting the efforts of students, researchers, and entrepreneurs that share our passion of providing solutions for cancer patients and survivors through science and engineering. We do this through providing scholarships, grants, and support to those who share our passion in helping others with cancer.

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Karis Mae Heapy Hughes

At the young age of 34, Karis moved on from this world after her year-long battle with cancer. Born in 1974, Karis was raised in Minnesota where she eventually attended the University of Minnesota in the Twin Cities of Minneapolis and St. Paul to study Food Science and Nutrition. After graduating, her passion for science kept her at the University of Minnesota working in various areas of research including genetics and immunology.

In 2003, Karis moved to Dallas, Texas, where she completed her Masters’ in Biotechnology at the University of Texas at Dallas (UTD). Following the completion of her studies at UTD, Karis continued to follow her scientific passion for genetics and immunology by studying genes related to Lupus for her doctoral studies under the guidance of Dr. Ward Wakeland in the Department of Immunology at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center at Dallas (UTSW). While approaching her Ph.D. qualifying exam, Karis was diagnosed with 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

Helping people on their cancer journey.

Contact

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info@heapyhughesfoundation.org

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