Father Peter Breslin taught Jimmy Burns biology during his sophomore year at Loyola Academy in Wilmette and Jim apparently made quite an impression on him. Jimmy's family and friends recently reunited with Father Breslin at Loyola Academy's Hall of Fame Ceremony where Jimmy Burns, #33, was recognized for his accomplishments both on and off the football field.

Father Breslin, or Dr. Breslin as he is known in the halls of Loyola's Medical Center where he is a member of the faculty, currently works with a team whose primary efforts are directed at leukemia research. Dr. Manuel Diaz is the senior investigator of this group and program leader for the hematologic malignancy research program at LUMC.

In 1991, while at the University of Chicago, Dr. Diaz identified what's known today as the MLL gene, or mixed lineage leukemia gene. Rearrangements of the MLL gene are said to be associated with aggressive leukemias. The MLL protein ultimately influences how and when certain genes in our bodies are turned on and off. This research team is specifically looking at the effects of binding the MLL protein with a protein ironically known as CYP-33, in order to better understand the molecular changes that can lead to certain cells adopting new, cancerous behaviors. The MLL protein has enzymatic activity which is said to possibly provide a sound platform which could ultimately lead to drug development.

Dr. Jiwang Zhang leads a newer study involving the manipulation of genes in mice. Because mice are so close to humans evolutionarily, this work will teach us more about the genetics of cancer in people. The JBF is thrilled to be part of this exciting research. We look forward to making significant investments with the LUMC moving forward and, together, breaking new ground in defeating leukemia.

JBF Board Member Jean Carlson will represent the Jimmy Burns Foundation on the Steering Committee of Loyola University’s Cardinal Bernardin Cancer Center. This committee is comprised of members from family foundations that have pledged $100,000 or more to the hospital. In fact, The JImmy Burns Foundation has committed to an investment of $100,000 to LUMC over the next five years. The JBF was recently cited in a prestigious, world-distributed medical publication entitled The Journal of Experimental Medicine for supporting the work of Dr. Peter Breslin and his team with its grant.