Mission
To provide cancer research funding and promote awareness about cancer in the African American community.
Who We Are
The LifeModem Foundation is a charitable non-profit organization dedicated to providing cancer research funding and works to increase the presence of African American investigators in basic and clinical research. This is achieved by providing fellowships for post-baccalaureate African American scholars pursuing advanced careers in science and medicine.
Our Strategy
To educate African Americans about cancer and to develop future basic and clinical researchers.
Why is this Important?
- Sadly, African Americans, in particular, are the highest at risk for developing prostate, colon, and breast cancers.
- There is a significant gap in the number of African Americans represented in basic and clinical research for cancer and other debilitating diseases.
Personal Statement from the Director
Devastated. Scared. Vulnerable. These are the words that describe how I felt when I found out two of the most important and influential people in my life were diagnosed with cancer. Growing up, I always saw my dad and my godfather in the way most sons see a father figure – strong and determined. But for the first time I was faced with the truth about life, itself, and how fragile our bodies can be.
Both my father and godfather are survivors of prostate cancer, and my dad is also a colon cancer survivor. Although they never showed it, I know the process was difficult on an emotional and psychological level that words cannot describe. Discovering that you are the victim of a life threatening disease has an impact on your outlook about many things, including the welfare of your family.
As for myself, dealing with my own denial about my father’s condition was difficult. I really could not come to terms with the thought of losing him, or even seeing him decline physically. Truthfully, I was scared to watch my father die and hoped if that were the case he would not suffer as I had heard so many other patients did. Questions about my own future suddenly became an issue. Will I, too, become a victim of cancer? Am I living a healthy life?
I decided while helping my father fight cancer that I would make a difference. I decided that I would help other families and communities by promoting cancer awareness and the importance of health and wellness. To accomplish this goal, I started the LifeModem Foundation.
Darryl N. Williams, Ph.D.
Founder/Executive Director
Board Members
Elvin P. Ross, III
Law Associate, Morgan Lewis
Elvin Ross is an associate in Morgan Lewis' Business and Finance Practice. Mr. Ross's practice focuses on mergers and acquisitions, securities transactions, and general corporate advice including advice to entrepreneurs in matters of corporate formation and venture financing.
Shirley R. Watkins
Founder, SR Watkins & Associates, LLC
Shirley Watkins is the founder of SR Watkins & Associates, a consulting firm based in Silver Spring, MD. As the former USDA Under Secretary for Food, Nutrition, and Consumer Services, she was responsible for developing policies focused on national nutrition programs, including the National School Lunch and Breakfast programs, Food Stamp Program, and the WIC program.
R. Bonita White
Director, Receivables Management, Verizon Corporation
Bonita White is the director of the consumer division for Receivables Management at Verizon Communications. She is accountable for a multi-million dollar portfolio and minimizes financial risk to Verizon as it collects billions of dollars in revenue. Ms. White has been with Verizon for 27 years and is known as a passionate leader with a proven track record for creating breakthrough results.
Jeremiah J. White, Jr.
Chairman, Osiris Group, Inc.
Jeremiah provides overall strategic leadership and business direction for Osiris. He has over 30 years experience in real estate and small business development, technical and management consulting, community development and human services. Mr. White has served as a consultant to government agencies, corporations and nonprofit organizations on issues such as strategic and financial planning, program design, public policy and cultural competency. He has served on the board of numerous nonprofits, including as chair of the Philadelphia AIDS Consortium, chair of iPraxis, and a member of NABB.