WDBJ7 Roanoke News and Weather NRV Lynchburg Danville | Breast cancer research gets personal for some Virginia Tech students
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Virginia Tech Graduate student Kevin Kim is in the lab sometimes 12 hours a day doing breast cancer research.
"I just hope to contribute in some way," said Kim.
On Thursday he and other Tech students got a reminder of why their research is so important from two breast cancer survivors with the Virginia Breast Cancer Foundation.
Meg Shrader and Vernal Branch shared their stories.
"Anytime we can encourage young scientists to continue, there are so many options out there, but we truly do need the brightest and the best to help us find a cure for this disease," said Shrader.
"Sometimes we forget the importance of knowing who we're are helping," said Virginia Tech student Linda Villa.
That's why their professor Carla Finkielstein decided the visit from the foundation was necessary.
"I think education has to go beyond the experimental part," said Finkielstein. "What we're doing helps people. It's very important that the students understand that."
Right now their research is focused on figuring out why from a molecular level women who work the night shift or odd-hour jobs have a higher incidence of breast cancer.
"I worked night shift for many years. It's very provocative what they're doing," said Shrader, a four year breast cancer survivor.
For Branch, a 14 year breast cancer survivor, their research represents hope for a cure.
"It's going to happen in my lifetime. I just don't know when and who it's going to be."
It could very well be one of these Virginia Tech students. Some already have dreams of doing this for a career.
"My dream is to work at NIH and do cancer research there," said Kim.
