A cancer researcher, a family, a patient all converge to create the OX40 antibody
Photos By Jerome Hart
This is known in the scientific community as chaos theory. Part of that theory is the "butterfly effect."
A small butterfly can flap its wings – a predictable act but in that act the butterfly moves the air, changes the surrounding atmosphere, and ultimately causes a storm. The wings of a small insect have the power to set a whole, unpredictable series of events in motion. Forces intersect, and life and the environment change.
Suppose a series of sparks occurred – our own personal chaos theory – right here in a Portland medical center, all converging in one stream of light, hope and promise. That convergence one day could result in a cure or meaningful new treatments for cancer.
There was the death of a beloved family member. There was a committed community to provide funding and support. There was the dream of a persistent scientist. There was the courage of a pioneering patient.
And then one day, all of these pieces converged. They came together and
created the advent of the "OX40 antibody." This innovative antibody
is delivered into the body of one courageous man – one who longs
for a cure for himself and others, as he participates in the world’s
first human clinical trial to test this potential new cure for cancer.
None of this happens independently. If one piece had failed
to ignite, the idea – the dream – might have faded. The treatment
would not have been developed. The OX40 antibody trial might never have
begun. But every piece did ignite, and everything did come together.